($1,449) Moving from Boston to Los Angeles

Quick answer: A move from Boston to Los Angeles costs $1,914 to $8,511 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,983-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Boston will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Boston guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Boston to Los Angeles moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Boston to Los Angeles is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Boston to Los Angeles.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Boston to Los Angeles?

Boston movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,449 - $6,111 $1,588 - $3,587 $1,649 - $3,298
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,368 - $8,511 $2,816 - $5,395 $1,914 - $3,693
4+ bedrooms $8,299 - $13,456 $3,631 - $7,759 $2,304 - $4,535
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,983 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Los Angeles

The cost of Boston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Boston to Los Angeles can be as low as $1,449 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,704.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,649 to $4,353. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Boston to Los Angeles?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Los Angeles will cost between $1,449 to $6,111. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,368 to $8,511, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Boston to Los Angeles will cost from $8,299 to $13,456.

How much are moving container companies from Boston to Los Angeles?

Moving containers from Boston to Los Angeles will cost you $1,588 to $3,587 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,816 to $5,395. A larger home will cost $3,631 to $7,759.

How much is a moving truck from Boston to Los Angeles?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,649 to $3,298. A larger move will cost $1,914 to $3,693, and a four-bedroom move from Boston to Los Angeles costs from $2,304 to $4,535. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Boston to Los Angeles

Cost of living: Boston vs Los Angeles

Boston Los Angeles
Average rent cost $3,474 $2,850
Average home value $715,851 $2,245,337
Average income (per capita) $81,744 $73,027
Cost of Living (single person) $1,159 $6,742
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,173 $5,567
Unemployment rate 6.0% 10.6%
Sales Tax 6.25% 9.5%
State Income Tax 9.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Los Angeles are 18% lower than in Boston.
  • Home prices in Los Angeles are 213.7% higher than in Boston.
  • Income in Los Angeles is 10.7% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 481.7% higher than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 33.4% higher than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 76.67% higher than in Boston.
  • Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 52.00% higher than in Boston.
  • State income taxes in Los Angeles are 47.78% higher than in Boston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $17,451.25 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How is life different in Boston compared to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Boston
Population 9,787,747 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 69 98
Bike friendliness score 59 86
Crime Index 52.86 26.45
Safety Index 47.14 62.78
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Los Angeles's population is about 1,349% greater than Boston.
  • Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Boston's lower score of 9.
  • Los Angeles is less walkable than Boston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
  • Los Angeles is less bike-friendly than Boston with a score of 59 out of 100 vs Boston's 86.
  • Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 52.86 compared to Boston's 26.45. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 52.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 26.45%.
  • Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 47.14 vs Boston's 62.78.
  • Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Boston it's good.

Considerations for moving to Los Angeles

  • 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.

Local Boston movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Boston Best Rate Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA, 02453
(617) 787-3528
Poseidon Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA, 5244
(617) 470-9950

Visit our best long distance movers in Boston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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.

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

What to do in Los Angeles

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Olvera Street
  • Getty Center
  • Griffith Park and Observatory
  • Dodger Stadium
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • Museum of Death
  • Venice Beach
  • Greystone Mansion
  • California Science Center
  • Angeles National Forest
  • La Brea Tar Pits
  • Paramount Pictures Studios
  • Koreatown
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art: LACMA
  • LA Arts District
  • Disneyland
  • Grand Central Market
  • The Broad
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour
  • The Original Farmers Market
  • Thai Town
  • TCL Chinese Theater
  • Runyon Canyon
  • Battleship USS Iowa Museum
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery
  • Malibu
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard
  • Fisherman’s Village
  • Descanso Gardens
  • Huntington Library
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Little Tokyo
  • Sunset Strip

Get your sports on!

Los Angeles is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • 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)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Boston to Los Angeles?

The best time to move from Boston to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Los Angeles?

Because most people are moving from Boston to Los Angeles in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Boston to Los Angeles take?

The 2,983-mile move from Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources