Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA averages from $1,691 to $7,948 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Los Angeles, CA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia guide.

• Best Philadelphia to Los Angeles movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,709 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,709 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best Philadelphia to Los Angeles Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?

To ship furniture from Philadelphia to Los Angeles with a mover will cost between $1,329 to $5,581. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,937 to $7,948, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles will cost from $7,407 to $12,312.

How much are moving container companies from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?

Moving containers from Philadelphia to Los Angeles will cost you $1,438 to $3,583 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,553 to $5,326. A larger home will cost $3,520 to $7,257.

How much is a moving truck from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,561 to $3,025. A larger move will cost $1,691 to $3,602, and a 4+ bedroom move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles costs from $2,137 to $4,421.

How to ship a car from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?

If you're moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Philadelphia to Los Angeles car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA a good idea?

Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Los Angeles

• Rent Prices in Los Angeles, CA are 65% higher than in Philadelphia, PA.
• Home Prices in Los Angeles, CA are 827.2% higher than in Philadelphia, PA.
• Income in Los Angeles, CA is 5.5% higher than in Philadelphia, PA.
• Cost of Living for a single person is the same in Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA.
• Cost of Living for a family is the same in Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA.
• Unemployment rate in Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA.
• Sales Taxes in Los Angeles, CA are 18.75% higher than in Philadelphia, PA.
• State Income Taxes in Los Angeles, CA are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia, PA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,977.5 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How is life different in Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA?

• Los Angeles’s population is about 510% greater than Philadelphia.
• Los Angeles’s public transportation is better than Philadelphia with a score of 8 vs 9.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 69 vs 75.
• Los Angeles is less bike-friendly than Philadelphia with a score of 59 vs 67.
• Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 29.96 compared to 39.3.
• Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 49.78 vs 37.1.
• Air Quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.

Considerations for 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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 forward to Los Angeles. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Philadelphia Movers

Visit our Best Movers in Philadelphia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Los Angeles, CA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Angels", these are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to move to.

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

What to do in Los Angeles

Moving to The “City of Angels”? These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Rodeo Drive
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Santa Monica Pier
• Olvera Street
• Getty Center
• Griffith Park and Observatory
• Dodger Stadium
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
• Museum of Death
• Venice Beach
• Greystone Mansion
• California Science Center
• Angeles National Forest
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Paramount Pictures Studios
• Koreatown
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art: LACMA
• LA Arts District
• Disneyland
• Grand Central Market
• The Broad
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour
• The Original Farmers Market
• Thai Town
• TCL Chinese Theater
• Runyon Canyon
• Battleship USS Iowa Museum
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery
• Malibu
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard
• Fisherman’s Village
• Descanso Gardens
• Huntington Library
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• Little Tokyo
• Sunset Strip

Get your sports on!

• 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)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• New York City to Los Angeles
• Chicago to Los Angeles
• Houston to Los Angeles
• Phoenix to Los Angeles
• San Antonio to Los Angeles
• Dallas to Los Angeles
• Austin to Los Angeles
• Jacksonville to Los Angeles
• Fort Worth to Los Angeles
• Columbus to Los Angeles

Learn more about Los Angeles

• What Is The Cost To Move In Los Angeles?
• What Is The Cost To Move To California?
• Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles, CA
• Best Moving Companies in California