Quick answer: The cost to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles ranges from $2,097 to $8,826 and the journey will take approximately seven to 21 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,709-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Philadelphia to Los Angeles
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
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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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA move
Local moving companies in Philadelphia
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8922046
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT MISSION 1 LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
Philadelphia movers charge $130 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 | $1,631 - $6,394 | $1,630 - $4,488 | $1,900 - $3,681 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,373 - $8,826 | $3,045 - $6,163 | $2,097 - $4,340 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,313 - $14,394 | $4,073 - $8,658 | $2,575 - $5,221 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
Planning a move from Pennsylvania to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,631 and $6,394. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,373 and $8,826 for the same journey (PA to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,313 to $14,394.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
Moving from Pennsylvania to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,630 and $4,488. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,045 to $6,163. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,073 up to $8,658. 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 Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,900 and $3,681. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,097 to $4,340. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,575 and $5,221.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Los Angeles move
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles
Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,960 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $2,368,088 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $74,993 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $3,922 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $9,213 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 75% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 991.7% higher than in Philadelphia, 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, 6.0% higher than in Philadelphia. 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 54.3% higher than in Philadelphia. 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 48.8% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
- 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 Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,630.46 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles
Los Angeles | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 3,820,914 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
Walkability score | 69 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 67 |
Crime Index | 53.81 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 46.19 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Los Angeles is about 138% greater than Philadelphia, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Los Angeles without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Los Angeles has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. 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 Philadelphia. Based on its score of 69 out of 100, Los Angeles isn't as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 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 Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 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.
- Los Angeles has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia based on scores of 53.81 and Philadelphia's 66.09, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Los Angeles than in Philadelphia, based on Los Angeles's safety index of 46.19 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Los Angeles isn't as good as it is in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Los Angeles. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Los Angeles has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Los Angeles, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Philadelphia. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA covers 2,709 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Los Angeles.