Moving to a new home in Los Angeles gets expensive fast, especially when it comes to all the hidden costs associated with hiring movers.
Whether you’re relocating across the city or across the USA, understanding the different pricing structures and what plays into moving costs will help you make informed decisions as the client.
From hiring local movers to renting moving trucks or PODS, there are many options to consider to keep your LA move budget-friendly and less stressful.
Average Cost of Hiring Local Movers in Los Angeles
Planning your budget ahead will help you find the best deals on local great movers in LA. The average cost of hiring local movers in Los Angeles usually ranges between $150 and $250 per hour for a two-person team of laborers, with a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of work at those rates.
Prices can go up or down depending on the size of your move, the amount of furniture or if anything needs to be reassembled, which takes time, and the complexity of the job overall. You should expect to pay $400 to $1,000 for an average local move.
| Service Type | Hourly Rate (2-Person Team) | Total Cost |
| Local Move (Small) | $150 – $200 per hour | $400 – $700 |
| Local Move (Medium) | $200 – $250 per hour | $700 – $1,000 |
| Additional Services | $50 – $100 per hour | Varies depending on complexity |
| Minimum Charges | $150 – $250 per hour | Varies based on size |
| Reassembly Charges | $50 – $100 per item | $50 – $500+ |
Average Cost of Hiring Long Distance Movers in LA
Crossing the US is a big task- you need the right team on your side. Moving APT has the greatest teams the California side of town can offer.
For long-distance moves, the cost of hiring movers in Los Angeles can be higher than Middle America, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000+ or more, depending on where you are going and the size of the move and truck needed.
Prices for long-distance moves are calculated based on the weight of your belongings and the exact mileage to your new home, with extra fees for fuel (these trucks tend to guzzle gas), tolls, and insurance. Be sure to ask about any potential hidden charges that could affect the overall price of your move before you book.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Factors Affecting Price | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Move (Long Distance) | $2,000 – $3,500 | Weight, distance, fuel, tolls, insurance | Smaller moves, typically up to 2,000 miles, with fewer belongings. |
| 2-Bedroom Move (Long Distance) | $2,500 – $4,500 | Weight, distance, fuel, tolls, insurance | A medium-sized move, often requiring a larger truck. |
| 3-Bedroom Move (Long Distance) | $3,500 – $6,000 | Weight, mileage, additional services, fuel, tolls, insurance | Larger moves with more items, may need more truck space. |
| 4-Bedroom Move (Long Distance) | $5,000 – $8,000 | Weight, distance, fuel, tolls, insurance, additional services | Large family homes; may require multiple trucks and extra help. |
| 5+ Bedroom Move (Long Distance) | $7,000 – $10,000+ | Weight, distance, complexity, multiple trucks, fuel, tolls, insurance | Very large moves, with potential for specialty handling. |
| Additional Costs | Varies (Fuel, Tolls, Insurance) | Fuel surcharges, tolls, special handling, full insurance | Expect higher fuel charges, tolls, or insurance based on route and size of your load. |
Estimated Moving Costs for Specific Routes from LA
Depending on your route, you can waste funds or save big- thats why it’s important to plan ahead. Take for example, a move from Los Angeles to San Francisco will cost around $1,500 to $3,000, while a cross-country move to New York will cost you $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on what services you choose.
You need to take into account the transportation of your belongings in a rental truck, packing materials, storage if needed, and specialized handling of heavy items.
Many common routes here include San Diego to LA which runs $2000-$2500, La Jolla to San Francisco, which costs around $3500. You can save by understanding which routes take the least mileage and don’t have tolls.
| Routes | Estimated Cost | Factors Affecting Cost |
| Los Angeles to Seattle | $3,000 – $6,000 | Distance, truck capacity, special handling, fuel, tolls |
| Los Angeles to Chicago | $3,500 – $7,000 | Distance, truck size, packing or storage |
| LA to Las Vegas | $2,000 – $3,500 | Distance, packing, special items, fuel |
| Los Angeles to Austin | $3,000 – $6,000 | Mileage, truck size, and fuel charges |
| LA to New Orleans | $3,500 – $6,500 | Distance, special handling, packing |
Cost to Rent a Moving Truck and PODS in Los Angeles
Good for you for comparing all your options for this upcoming move from LA! Renting a moving truck in Los Angeles costs between $20 and $60 per day for a small truck without a driver or fuel, with higher prices rising for bigger trucks as needed.
For a one-way rental where you aren’t planning to bring their truck back to LA, you might have to pay extra mileage fees which can cost $0.50 to $1 per mile.
Another great and cheap option is renting a POD (Portable On-Demand Storage) which costs $150 to $500 per month, depending on the size of the POD and how long you need it.
PODs are especially great for people needing more flexibility in their move and more time to pack, but it might end up costing more than the classic truck rental with a mover if the duration of the move is extended.
Make sure you know your timing and that the POD makes financial sense for you as well as the fact that you have a confident driver for this load.
| Option | Cost Range | Notes |
| Truck Rental (Local) | $20 – $60 per day | Not include fuel or driver fees |
| Truck Rental (One-Way) | $0.50 – $1 per mile | Mileage fees for each mile driven |
| POD (Portable On-Demand Storage) | $150 – $500 per month | Flexibility and longer timelines |
| Truck Rental (Large Truck) | $60 – $150 per day | Fuel and insurance are extra costs to consider |
| POD Delivery Fee | $100 – $300 (One-time fee) | This fee is typically separate from the rental fee |
Factors Influencing Movers Costs in Los Angeles
We know you, you want to save as much as you can while getting great service, which means you need Moving APT to help you move from LA.
Understanding the factors that influence the final costs of hiring movers in Los Angeles will help you keep more money in your pocket at the end of the day.
The main factors are the distance of the move in miles, the size of your home and number of rooms, and the time of year (high vs low season). For example, summer months and weekends are peak moving seasons, meaning higher rates for consumers.
The moving companies also take into consideration the actual difficulty of the move, if there are things like the need to navigate stairs or narrow hallways with big peices, the need for specialized equipment like dollys or elevators, and the amount of packing materials they will need to provide.
Understanding these factors helps you save on potential extra expenses and hidden fees since you will know to ask ahead.
Smart Ways to Save Money on Los Angeles Movers
If you are in a grind and need to save a few bucks, don’t worry there are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of hiring movers in Los Angeles! One of the best strategies is to book your move ahead of time during the off-peak season which is the winter or fall before the start of the school year when rates are lower due to less demand.
You can also save money by sourcing boxes for free packing your belongings yourself, if you reduce the amount of items you have then you also reduce the number of movers needed making things cheaper.
Be sure to get a few quotes to be able to really compare apples for apples between companies and try being as , flexible with your move dates as possible to lock down a few added discounts.
Pack smart and use towels and sheets as packing materials to even save on bubble wrap rolls.
FAQ's
Are there affordable movers in Los Angeles?
Yes, affordable movers are available in Los Angeles, but prices fluctuate depending on the type of move you need, the total distance driven, and the services you choose, such as packing or reassembly of furniture.
To find the best rates, get quotes and compare. Going with a smaller, local moving company or booking during off-peak times can also help lower costs. Moving APT beats out most of the movers in LA in terms of quality and price.
Are there hidden fees when hiring movers in Los Angeles?
Yes, some moving companies you find online have many hidden fees, like charging you for packing materials, long carries, which they determine are defined as such, or additional services like furniture disassembly without telling you ahead. Always ask for a detailed, written bid to understand all possible costs before hiring. Review contracts carefully, too, to avoid hidden fees.
How much do movers charge per hour near California?
Movers in California typically charge between $150 and $250 per hour for a team of two to four movers, depending on the size of the move and location in LA. Pricies change based on the type of service local vs. long-distance to another state and if you are moving during the peak moving season, expect higher prices.
Do movers in California charge extra for stairs or elevators?
Yes, just as in the rest of the US, movers in California charge extra for extra stairs if the move requires extra time or labor. They usually won’t charge extra if the elevator fits things well.
This is included in the “long carry” charge usually, which compensates movers for the added difficulty and manpower needed. Check with your mover what exactly is included in the boq.
Can I negotiate prices with movers in California?
Yes, if you’re booking in advance or moving during the off-season, you can try. Some movers may offer discounts for flexibility with timing too. It’s always worth asking for a cheaper rate or seeing if discounts are available. Moving APT will find you rates so good you know you are getting the best deal.
Is tipping movers in California mandatory?
Tipping movers in California is not mandatory per se, but it is expected these days for the service. On average, people tip movers between $20 to $50 per mover for a job well done, especially if the movers were efficient and careful with belongings. While not required, tipping is a great way to show appreciation for a well-done job.
Conclusion
Thats a wrap- and we don’t mean bubble wrap! Moving from LA can get expensive fast, but if you follow our tips about then you can save a dollar or two on this expensive relocation day. Overall a short distance in LA will cost you $600 to $1000 while a long-distance or even cross-country move will run you upwards of $1200 on average. You can get binding BoQs on our simple booking platform and know your actual costs on Moving APT. Book today and start saving!
