Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Los Angeles typically costs $3,300–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,136 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to Los Angeles
Moving from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA typically costs $3,300–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,136-mile move from Seattle to Los Angeles, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,887 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,210 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,441 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Seattle to Los Angeles
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $10,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Seattle.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($800–$2,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Los Angeles movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Seattle to Los Angeles
For a stress-free interstate move from Seattle to Los Angeles, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 94 Washington moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Los Angeles runs about 56% higher for singles and 30% higher for families than Seattle.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Los Angeles versus $3,740 in Seattle; families pay $12,720 compared with $9,801.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Seattle | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Los Angeles, note that rent can be roughly 50% more expensive than it is in Seattle; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 181% higher in Los Angeles than in Seattle.
- The average income in Los Angeles and Seattle is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person is 56% more than in Seattle. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Los Angeles, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 30% more than it is in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 121% higher compared to Seattle, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Los Angeles than in Seattle. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Los Angeles can reduce your overall living expenses.
- California has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Seattle with Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Los Angeles
| Seattle | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 59 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles's population is about 418% greater than Seattle.
- Los Angeles's public transportation score is within about 5% of Seattle, making them very similar.
- Los Angeles is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 53.81 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 46.19 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Los Angeles smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 chosen City of Angels as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to check out.
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, it's time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Los Angeles offers cultural landmarks like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an 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) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Los Angeles?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Seattle to Los Angeles are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Seattle are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Los Angeles?
Because spring and fall moves from Seattle to Los Angeles are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Seattle to Los Angeles take?
A move of 1,136 miles from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Seattle sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Los Angeles is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Seattle?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Seattle offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 47 movers in Seattle have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 35 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WA, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
