($1,723+) Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

Moving from Arlington, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,690 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,951 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,665 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,621, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,951 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,164 - $7,728, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,690 - $4,925.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,120 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Los Angeles: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,120 - $8,692. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,665-mile route from Arlington to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:

  • Full-service movers: $2,621 for a studio up to $12,951 for a 4+ bedroom home.
  • Moving containers: $2,164 - $7,728 depending on home size.
  • Rental trucks: $1,690 - $4,925, the lowest-cost option across the board.
  • Freight trailers: $1,870 - $6,432, billed by the space you actually use.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

Full-service movers for the 2,665-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,621 and $12,951. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $490 - $3,264, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,621 - $6,143
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,120 - $8,692
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,519 - $12,951

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 Arlington to Los Angeles.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Add-ons and specialty services from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Arlington to Los Angeles. Prices are localized to Arlington costs.

Service When you need it Typical cost (Arlington to Los Angeles)
Full packingYou want the crew to box everything$816 - $8,160
Storage in transitYour new place is not ready on arrival$326 - $1,958/mo
Shuttle feeA full-size truck cannot reach the door$490 - $3,917
Full-value protectionCoverage beyond the default $0.60/lb$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesShipments under about 2,000 lbs$1,632 - $4,896
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$4,080 - $16,320
Car shippingMoving a second vehicle$1,222 - $2,322
Antiques & fine artClimate control and white-glove handling$1,632 - $4,080
PianoUpright, baby grand, or grand$1,306 - $5,712
Pool tableDisassembly and professional re-leveling$490 - $2,448
Hot tub500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect$1,061 - $3,264
Wine collectionClimate-controlled, vibration-safe transport$490 - $24,480+
Pet relocationGround, air, or VIP concierge$490 - $5,712+

What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Los Angeles?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Arlington, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,164 and $7,728. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,164 - $4,158
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,804 - $5,445
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,827 - $7,728

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $122 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $245 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Los Angeles, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,142 in Arlington, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $2,164. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,804 - $5,445, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Arlington to Los Angeles?

  1. PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
  2. Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
  3. 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.

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 Arlington 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 Arlington:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

Using a rental truck to move from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, generally costs between $1,690 and $4,925. Renting a truck is the cheapest option on this route, but it's also the most physically demanding. You handle all the heavy lifting yourself when you load the truck, you drive the full 2,665 miles to Los Angeles, and you unload everything once you arrive. The base rate doesn't include fuel ($1,384 - $1,582), insurance ($49/day), or equipment rentals ($11 - $33) (these are billed separately).

Rental moving truck sizes generally range from 10 - 26 feet. Most 2-bedroom moves fit comfortably in a 15- to 17-foot truck, which is the most commonly rented size. Studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes can typically get by with a 10- to 12-foot truck. For 3+ bedroom homes, a 20- to 26-foot truck is usually the right call, though trucks at that size typically require diesel fuel, which can greatly increase your total cost.

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Los Angeles based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,690 - $3,275
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,812 - $3,821
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,312 - $4,925

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Arlington to Los Angeles starts at $1,690 - $4,925, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,384 - $1,582) , overnight lodging ($245/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $1,384 - $1,582 for the 2,665-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,142.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,665-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $245 per night, adding $490 - $734 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $82 and $490.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Los Angeles?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.

Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

For larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Los Angeles, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,090 and $4,769.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,870 - $3,485
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,090 - $4,769
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,910 - $6,432

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,142.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $122 - $245 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Los Angeles?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.62/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Arlington 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: Arlington, VA vs Los Angeles, CA

Day-to-day costs in Los Angeles are close to what you're used to in Arlington: cost of living index of 162 versus 164, with average rent of $2,960/mo compared to $2,718/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Arlington, VA guide.

Our take

A move from Arlington, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,621 - $12,951 on the 2,665-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,164 - $7,728, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,690 - $4,925. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,120 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

How to plan your move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA

  1. Compare your moving service options: Decide which service fits your Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA move by comparing hands-off full-service pricing ($2,621 - $12,951) with lower-cost DIY container and truck options.
  2. Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Get a tailored estimate for your move from Arlington to Los Angeles using the moving cost calculator before you start contacting movers.
  3. Review the top-rated movers for this route: Shortlist a few movers from our recommended picks for this route, weighing their moveBuddha ratings and the strengths called out in each review.
  4. Request free quotes: Reach out for free estimates from your top choices so you can compare actual costs, not just averages, before booking.
  5. Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Protect yourself by looking up the mover's registration and complaint history with the FMCSA before you sign anything.
  6. Book early and time your move: Schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand drops, and book ahead to secure the best price and date for this route.

FAQ

How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA take?

For full-service and container moves, plan on 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery on this route. Carriers run consolidated loads, meaning your shipment shares a truck with others heading the same way, which keeps things moving efficiently.

If getting your belongings to Los Angeles as fast as possible is the priority, freight trailers offer the tightest and most predictable delivery windows of any option short of driving yourself. The main thing to know is that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment soon after it arrives.

If your new place isn't ready or you need short-term storage, a container or full-service mover is the better call. A rental truck from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, gives you full control over the schedule.

What are some tips for planning a move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment (about one bedroom's worth of items) saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.

Once you know what's coming with you, put together a moving checklist and work through it systematically. Long-distance moves have a lot of moving parts, and staying ahead of your timeline makes the whole process significantly less stressful.

What's the cheapest way to move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA?

For most movers, a rental truck is the most affordable way to relocate from Arlington to Los Angeles. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route runs $1,812 - $3,821, with you handling all the loading and driving. Compare options through our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the best base rate for your move.

See the truck rental section above for what those add-ons typically run. Booking a few weeks out and avoiding weekends or month-end dates also helps keep the base rate itself lower, on top of whatever you save by shopping the add-on costs separately.

When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA?

October through March is the sweet spot for lower moving prices. Demand falls off after summer, so movers have more availability and tend to offer more competitive rates on routes like Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California.

If you're stuck moving during peak season, try to pick a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday date in the middle of the month. Those dates consistently come in cheaper than weekends or end-of-month moves, when demand is at its highest.

How much will it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Los Angeles, CA?

Costs for an interstate move from Arlington to Los Angeles can range from $2,621 at the low end to $12,951 at the high end. Your home size and choice of service are the two biggest factors in where you land within that range.

Full-service movers on this route typically run between $2,621 and $12,951, while DIY options start lower but come with added costs for fuel, equipment, and travel from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California. Getting quotes from multiple providers before booking is the best way to find the right price for your specific move.