Cost to Hire Movers in Los Angeles

LA movers cost between $270 and $11,200. Let’s examine what determines your final price.

Cost to Hire Movers in Los Angeles

Long distance movers in Los Angeles will cost you between $1,400 to $11,200. But if you’re keeping it short-distance, expect your local LA movers to cost you from $270 to $8,000.

Long distance moves are calculated by a mile and the dimensions of your move, and local moves are calculated per hour, and per mover (usually about 2 movers per bedroom, at $40 an hour).

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save. In this article, we’ll show you how movers get your exact price on moving day, and we’ll also show you some tips and tricks to keep costs down.


Cost to Hire Local Los Angeles Movers

If you’re only moving across town, local movers in Los Angeles will cost you between $270 to $8,000.

Local movers handle relocations that are less than 100 miles and within the same state. They usually charge per hour, per mover (and you can expect about 2 movers per bedroom).

If you’re trying to save some money on your local move, it’s a good idea to streamline the process as much as you can. Traffic in LA is horrible, so all that time spent stuck on the 10 means more money coming out of your wallet.

Try to schedule your move when traffic’s a lot lighter (way early in the morning), and stage all your stuff in one easy-to-access corner or room to make the loading and unloading even faster.

Choose Item

No. of Movers:2 movers

# Hours:2 – 4 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$80/hr

Average Price:$80/hr

No. of Movers:2 movers

# Hours:3 – 6 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$80/hr

Average Price:$80/hr

No. of Movers:3 movers

# Hours:4 – 8 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$125/hr

Average Price:$125/hr

No. of Movers:4 movers

# Hours:6 – 12 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$165/hr

Average Price:$165/hr

No. of Movers:4 movers

# Hours:8 – 14 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$165/hr

Average Price:$165/hr

No. of Movers:5 movers

# Hours:10 – 16 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$200/hr

Average Price:$200/hr


Cost to Hire Long Distance Movers in Los Angeles

Long distance movers in Los Angeles will cost you between $1,400 to $11,200. But what’s the difference between local and long distance movers?

If you’re moving over 100 miles or across state lines, you’ll need to use long distance movers. They also need to be certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct interstate business. If you’re ever unsure about a long distance mover, look on their website for an MC number to make sure they’re legit.

Long distance movers charge per mile, and per pound - although some moving companies may use cubic feet instead. If you really want to save money, we recommend downsizing before you shop for quotes. Donate, sell, or throw out any unwanted items. The less you have to move, the less you’ll have to pay.

Choose Item

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1000 - $1500

2-3 Bedrooms:$1250 - $1700

4-5 Bedrooms:$2000 - $3400

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1200 - $2000

2-3 Bedrooms:$1500 - $3500

4-5 Bedrooms:$2500 - $5200

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1400 - $2900

2-3 Bedrooms:$2100 - $6900

4-5 Bedrooms:$5500 – $7900

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1800 - $3700

2-3 Bedrooms:$3900 - $7500

4-5 Bedrooms:$7500 – $8500

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1900 - $3700

2-3 Bedrooms:$3900 - $7500

4-5 Bedrooms:$8500 - $11000


Additional Moving Costs

You’ve seen the major factors behind the cost of your move, but there are always other extras and add-ons that can boost the final price. Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Access Fees: Long driveways, hallways, elevators, and extra flights of stairs are all additional obstacles that your movers will have to deal with. Expect to pay an extra fee for all these challenges.
  • Shuttle Fees: Long-distance movers use semi trucks to transport all of your stuff. Unfortunately, most cities don’t let semis park and block traffic on their crowded little streets. You may have to pay extra for a shuttle to ferry everything to the main truck.
  • Specialty Hauling: Fragile items like antiques, pianos, or artwork will have to be specially wrapped and prepared for moving day. Specialty hauling costs more money, but you’ll be thankful you paid extra for the extra TLC.
  • Increased Demand: Summer is the peak moving season. Everyone’s trying to move during June, July, and August. This also means every mover is charging a premium during June, July, and August. Try to schedule your move far from holidays or vacation times.
  • Tips and Gratuity: Yes, tips are TECHNICALLY optional, but in the moving industry, they’re pretty much the norm. Unless something horrible happens, set aside a 15% to 20% tip to be divvied up across your whole moving team.

Factors Effects Los Angeles Moving Costs

When you look over your moving quote for the first time, there are a few important factors that make up your final price. Let’s take a look at the major culprits:

  • Distance: Whether you’re moving across town or out of state, the distance you’re traveling makes a huge difference. In fact, this may be the most important factor behind your moving price. More miles, more money. Simple.
  • Physical dimensions: How much stuff are you moving? The physical dimensions of your move (either in pounds or cubic feet) are probably the second-most important factor behind your LA moving costs. If you’re not moving very far, this becomes #1.
  • Packing services: Packing is optional. Should you shell out a couple hundred extra for it (or a couple thousand if you’re moving a huge house)? We recommend it if you value your time and your sanity. Plus, it’s a prerequisite for full-value insurance.
  • Storage: Sometimes you need more space, and sometimes you just need more time to sell off the stuff you don’t want anymore. Either way, storage units are your friend. They come with a monthly fee, but some movers offer a free 30 days.
  • Insurance: The default moving insurance that you get for free is usually only good for $0.60 per pound. That means your 4-pound laptop is going to give you a whopping $2.40 if it’s broken in transit. Want to get the full value back? You’ll need full-value insurance.

Los Angeles Moving FAQs

Moving a car will cost you about $500 to $1,500. There are car transporters who specialize in regular vehicles (they’ll usually provide open trailers, with space for multiple cars), and there are car transporters who specialize in higher-end cars (these are usually enclosed trailers).

Moving containers will cost between $2,000 and $4,500. It all depends on the size of your moving container, and how long you’ll need it. Still, they’re a great mid-point between a complete DIY job and paying extra for full-service moving.

Renting a truck from a DIY move will cost you between $300 and $1,500. But aside from your truck rental, don’t forget you’ll also have to pay for gas, food, and even lodging if you’re traveling far enough.

Packing can range between a few hundred and a few thousand bucks. It depends on how much stuff you have.

If you’re just moving into a studio apartment, it’ll be closer to a couple hundred - if that. But for a 5-bedroom home? Better prepare your wallet.

The cheapest way to move is to DIY the whole thing. However, once you pay for the truck rental, the gas, the food, and the hotels, your savings will dry up pretty quickly. And if you have to take time off from work and miss paychecks, it’ll be even more expensive.

DIY moving is cheap, but you have to be super disciplined about every step. Sometimes, it’s just easier to pay a little extra for full-service movers.


Let’s Connect with LA Movers!

You’ve seen the price tag. Now, it’s time to get in touch with some of the best moving companies in Los Angeles. Fortunately, iMoving is here to help.

iMoving is the only platform that lets you shop for LA movers, compare their prices, and book their services entirely online. No need for annoying phone interviews or intrusive in-home estimates. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s get you packing!


Harrison Gough

Harrison has been writing for real estate and moving companies for the past three years, but his knowledge isn't just from behind a desk. Having moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with professional help and sometimes on his own, he's learned firsthand what makes moving smooth and what makes it stressful. When he's not writing, he's looking into ways to make his next move simpler.

Get all moving services you need in one place

Shop Our Services