Factors that influence moving costs from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles
Moving from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Virginia Beach than in Los Angeles, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Virginia Beach compares to Los Angeles so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Virginia Beach | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $2,960 |
Average home value | $402,391 | $2,368,088 |
Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $74,993 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $3,922 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $9,213 |
Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are 52% higher than in Virginia Beach, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Virginia Beach.
Home prices in Los Angeles are 488.5% higher than in Virginia Beach. - Income in Los Angeles is 8.3% lower than in Virginia Beach, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
- The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 13.5% lower than in Virginia Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 55.9% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 120.83% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Los Angeles, since the cityโs sales taxes in Los Angeles are 58.33% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 131.30% higher than in Virginia Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,595.63 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Los Angeles
Los Angeles | Virginia Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 3,820,914 | 457,672 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 3 |
Walkability score | 69 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 42 |
Crime Index | 53.81 | 42.0 |
Safety Index | 46.19 | 58.0 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Los Angeles's population is about 735% greater than Virginia Beach.
- Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Virginia Beach's lower score of 3.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Virginia Beach with a score of 53.81 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 46.19 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Virginia Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Los Angeles without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Los Angeles
With your sights set on "City of Angels", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโs time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Los Angeles include museums and art centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Virginia Beach to Los Angeles?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Virginia Beach to Los Angeles take?
The 2,722-mile journey from Virginia Beach, VA to Los Angeles, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Virginia Beach offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Los Angeles.