($1,456) Movers From Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA

What to know before moving from Miami to Los Angeles

Moving from Miami to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Miami, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Los Angeles are 1% lower than in Miami, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Miami.
  Home prices in Los Angeles are 308.3% higher than in Miami.
• Income in Los Angeles is 36.7% higher than in Miami, so you could earn more 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).
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 26.4% higher than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 23.7% higher than in Miami.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 27.71% higher than in Miami.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Los Angeles, since the city’s sales taxes in Los Angeles are 35.71% higher than in Miami.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 13.30% higher than in Miami.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,791.81 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.

How life is different in Miami vs. Los Angeles

• Los Angeles's population is about 764% greater than Miami.
• Los Angeles's public transportation has a similar score to Miami.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Miami with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Miami's 77 out of 100.
• Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Miami, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
• Los Angeles and Miami have a similar crime rate.
• Los Angeles and Miami are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Miami it's good.

Other things to consider for your Miami 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Los Angeles. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Los Angeles

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Angels", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources