Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, CA

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Los Angeles, CA

Pennsylvania Los Angeles
Average rent cost $1,110 $2,960
Average home value $268,824 $2,368,088
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $74,993
Unemployment rate 3% 11%
State income tax 3% 13%
  • Rent is about 167% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 781% higher in Los Angeles than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 2% higher in Los Angeles than in Pennsylvania.
  • Los Angeles has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 212%.
  • Income taxes are 333% higher in Los Angeles than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Los Angeles from Pennsylvania

Los Angeles Pennsylvania
Population 3,820,914 12,961,683
Political leaning Democratic 64-31 Republican 51-49
Summer high 84ºF 83ºF
Winter low 46ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 16" 44"
Annual snow 0" 38"
Crime index 53.81 17.62
  • The population of Los Angeles is approximately 71% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Los Angeles voted Democratic and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Los Angeles is 84ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Los Angeles reaches the temperature of 46ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 16 inches of annual rainfall in Los Angeles vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Los Angeles, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Los Angeles has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 53.81 vs 17.62.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Los Angeles.

Museums in Los Angelestoggle

  • The Getty Center
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Battleship USS Iowa Museum
  • The Broad
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • The Nethercutt Collection
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • The Hollywood Museum
  • Skirball Cultural Center
  • Hollywood Bowl Museum
  • Autry Museum of the American West
  • Diorama-museum of Bhagavad-gita

Parks in Los Angelestoggle

  • Griffith Park
  • Runyon Canyon Park
  • Lake Hollywood Park
  • Echo Park
  • Venice Skatepark
  • Exposition Park
  • Lake Balboa Park
  • Grand Park
  • Point Fermin Park
  • Lake Shrine Temple and Retreat
  • Mildred Mathias Botanical Gardens
  • Barnsdall Art Park
  • MacArthur Park
  • Elysian Park
  • Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Sports Teams in Los Angelestoggle

  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)

Universities in Los Angelestoggle

  • California State University, Los Angeles
  • California State University, Northridge
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • American Film Institute Conservatory
  • Alliant International University
  • American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Los Angeles Campus)
  • American Jewish University
  • Abraham Lincoln University
  • The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (Los Angeles Campus)
  • Antioch University's Los Angeles Campus
  • Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
  • Colburn School
  • Columbia College Hollywood
  • Emerson College (Los Angeles Campus)
  • Emperor's College
  • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's (Los Angeles campus)
  • Los Angeles Film School
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Marymount College
  • Mount St. Mary's College
  • National University of California
  • Occidental College
  • Otis College of Art and Design
  • Southern California Institute of Architecture
  • Southwestern Law School
  • University of Southern California
  • Woodbury University

Other considerations when moving to Los Angeles, CA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles take?

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to Los Angeles will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Los Angeles from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles?

Because of the 2605-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Los Angeles, CA?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to Los Angeles from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Los Angeles during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources