($918+) Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Plano, TX, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $900 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,260 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,454 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,405, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,260 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,451 - $5,009, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $900 - $2,683.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Plano, TX, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,180 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Plano to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,180 - $7,185 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,454-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,454-mile route from Plano to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,405 - $5,402 | $1,451 - $2,690 | $900 - $1,776 | $1,242 - $2,444 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,180 - $7,185 | $1,837 - $3,905 | $1,003 - $2,175 | $1,395 - $3,093 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,655 - $10,260 | $2,621 - $5,009 | $1,211 - $2,683 | $1,898 - $4,126 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
For the 1,454-mile move from Plano, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, full-service movers cost between $2,405 and $10,260. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $396 - $2,640 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Plano generally start around $181 plus $92 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Plano to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,405 - $5,402
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,180 - $7,185
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,655 - $10,260
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Plano to Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Plano movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $660 - $6,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $264 - $1,584/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $396 - $3,168 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $1,320 - $3,960 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,300 - $13,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $989 - $1,878 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items49% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,320 - $3,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type65% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,056 - $4,620 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers | $396 - $1,980 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $858 - $2,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $396 - $19,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $396 - $4,620+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Plano to Los Angeles?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Plano, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Plano, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,451 and $5,009. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Plano runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Plano to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $2,690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $3,905
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,621 - $5,009
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $924 in Plano, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $99 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $198 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Los Angeles, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,451. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,837 - $3,905, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Plano to Los Angeles?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Plano to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Plano:
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Wrightway Moving Company (4.8/5), 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Truck rentals from Plano, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, range from $900 - $2,683 for the 1,454-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $611 - $698
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Plano daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Plano to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,003 - $2,175
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,211 - $2,683
Pro tip: The base rate of $900 - $2,683 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Plano to Los Angeles. Fuel ($611 - $698) , lodging at around $198/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $198 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Plano, Texas, usually costs about $924 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,454-mile drive falls between $611 and $698, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $66 and $396 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Plano to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Plano, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,395 and $3,093.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Plano to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $2,444
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,395 - $3,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,898 - $4,126
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $99 - $198 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Plano, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $924.
What are the best freight companies from Plano to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Plano to Los Angeles. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Plano, TX vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Plano on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Plano, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,100/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $440,202 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $108,649/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 76.98/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Plano, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 289 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,454-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,454-mile route from Plano, TX, to Los Angeles, CA, run $2,405 - $10,260 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,451 - $5,009, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $900 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,180, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Plano, TX, to Los Angeles, CA
What do local movers charge in Plano?
Local movers based in Plano typically start around $181 as a base rate, plus $92/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,405 to $10,260, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,405 and $10,260, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Plano, TX to Los Angeles, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,003 - $2,175. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($611 - $698), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $198/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Plano movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 65% of movers in Plano handle piano moves, and 49% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.