Top New York City, NY to Los Angeles, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to New York City guide.

1. Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
2. Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. Flatrate Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York to California

Planning a move from New York to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,386 and $6,151. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,096 and $8,482 for the same journey (NY to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,111 to $14,083.

Cost of moving containers from New York to California

Moving from New York to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,676 and $4,134. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,098 to $6,211. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,145 up to $8,384. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,966 to $3,626. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $2,046 to $4,404, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New York to California costs around $2,665 to $5,191.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent prices in Los Angeles are 32% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Los Angeles are 214.6% higher than in New York City, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Los Angeles is 3.9% lower than in New York City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Los Angeles — including County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP) — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Los Angeles. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31.0% lower than in New York City.
• A move to Los Angeles can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 38.9% less than what it costs in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 5.36% lower than in New York City.
• 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 New York City.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 22.02% higher than in New York City.

• Los Angeles might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 54% less than New York City.
• Getting around Los Angeles without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Los Angeles has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Los Angeles neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New York City. Based on its score of 69 out of 100, Los Angeles isn't as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Los Angeles, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Los Angeles earned a 59. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Los Angeles as New York City. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Los Angeles is generally as safe as New York City, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Los Angeles isn't as good as it is in New York City, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Los Angeles has an air quality rating of Moderate, and New York City is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Los Angeles without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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.