Quick answer: A typical 2,816-mile move from Albany to Los Angeles runs $1,885–$8,065 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Albany guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 4 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Albany, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Albany mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Albany, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Albany to Los Angeles
Making the trip from Albany to Los Angeles is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Albany?
How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to CA move
Local movers servicing Albany to Los Angeles moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Albany that also provides long-distance services to Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Albany who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Albany to Los Angeles.
- Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Clark Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Arnoff Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Schaap Moving Systems Inc: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Ideal Movers & Storage, Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 623
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 37553
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Clark Moving and Storage, Clark Moving and Storage of Albany
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 35196
Years in Business: 99
DOT #: 1566123
Alternate Names: Arnoff Moving & Storage (poughkeepsie, Ny)
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 294
Years in Business: 102
DOT #: 31675
Alternate Names: Go Minis
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 30103
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 543781
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Albany to Los Angeles?
Albany movers charge $115 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,292 - $5,450 | $1,621 - $3,838 | $1,775 - $3,510 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,858 - $8,065 | $2,760 - $6,066 | $1,885 - $4,139 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,782 - $12,248 | $3,966 - $8,113 | $2,454 - $5,179 |
Cost to hire movers from New York to California
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to California, you can expect to spend between $1,292 and $5,450. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,858 to $8,065 on the same route (NY to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York to California typically runs between $7,782 and $12,248.
Cost of moving containers from New York to California
When you're heading from New York to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,621 and $3,838. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,760 and $6,066. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,966 to $8,113. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New York easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,775 and $3,510 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,885 to $4,139. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,454 to $5,179.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Albany to Los Angeles
What to know before moving from Albany to Los Angeles
Los Angeles typically comes with higher living costs — around 118% more for singles and 119% more for families than Albany.
Singles pay roughly $3,922 vs. $1,801; families average $9,213 vs. $4,205.
Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 104% higher than in Albany.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 741.0% higher than in Albany, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 12.7% higher than in Albany. Major employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 117.8% higher than in Albany. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 119.1% higher than in Albany.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 49.30% higher than in Albany.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 18.75% higher than what you are paying in Albany.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 22.02% higher than in Albany.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Albany versus Los Angeles.
Albany | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $203.15 | $192.54 |
Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $62.5 |
Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $7.02 |
Loaf of bread | $3.93 | $4.58 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19 | $25 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $79.5 | $100 |
Gym membership | $31.25 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Albany than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Albany than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Albany vs. Los Angeles
Los Angeles | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Population | 3,820,914 | 99,224 |
Transportation Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 69 | 65 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 55 |
Crime Index | 53.81 | 10.0 |
Safety Index | 46.19 | 49.65 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Los Angeles's population is about 3,751% greater than Albany.
- Los Angeles's public transportation has a similar score to Albany.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Albany with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Albany's 65 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Albany, which has a score of 55 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Albany with a score of 53.81 compared to Albany's 10.0. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
- Los Angeles and Albany are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Albany it's good.
Other things to consider for your Albany vs. Los Angeles move
- Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Los Angeles Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Now that you've decided to make the move to City of Angels, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Albany to Los Angeles?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Albany to Los Angeles. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Albany.
When is the cheapest time to move from Albany to Los Angeles?
Because spring and fall moves from Albany to Los Angeles are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Albany to Los Angeles take?
The 2,816-mile journey from Albany, NY to Los Angeles, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Albany offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Los Angeles.
How many movers in Albany can handle specialty items for my move to Los Angeles?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Albany, 2 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NY, there are 96 piano movers and 67 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 1901 and 1176 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.