($1,300) Moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles
Quick answer: A move from Washington DC to Los Angeles costs $1,567 to $7,534 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 2,668-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Washington DC 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 Washington DC guide.
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The best Washington DC to Los Angeles moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Los Angeles.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Los Angeles?
Washington DC movers charge $85 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 | $1,300 - $5,491 | $1,407 - $3,269 | $1,432 - $2,974 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,601 - $7,534 | $2,402 - $5,057 | $1,567 - $3,271 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,262 - $12,020 | $3,377 - $7,161 | $2,020 - $4,344 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Los Angeles
The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Los Angeles can be as low as $1,300 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,138.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $1,432 to $3,887. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Los Angeles will cost between $1,300 to $5,491. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,601 to $7,534, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Los Angeles will cost from $7,262 to $12,020.
How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Los Angeles?
Moving containers from Washington DC to Los Angeles will cost you $1,407 to $3,269 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,402 to $5,057. A larger home will cost $3,377 to $7,161.
How much is a moving truck from Washington DC 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 $1,432 to $2,974. A larger move will cost $1,567 to $3,271, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Los Angeles costs from $2,020 to $4,344. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles
Cost of living: Washington DC vs Los Angeles
| Washington DC | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,450 | $2,850 |
| Average home value | $609,175 | $2,245,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $635,900 | $73,027 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,211 | $6,742 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,423 | $5,567 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 10.6% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 9.5% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are 16% higher than in Washington DC.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 268.6% higher than in Washington DC.
- Income in Los Angeles is 88.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 456.7% higher than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 25.9% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 51.43% higher than in Washington DC.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 58.33% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $16,701.90 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How is life different in Washington DC compared to Los Angeles?
| Los Angeles | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,787,747 | 689,545 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 52.86 | 46.45 |
| Safety Index | 47.14 | 41.16 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Los Angeles's population is about 1,319% greater than Washington DC.
- Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
- Los Angeles is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Los Angeles is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 59 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
- Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 52.86 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 52.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 47.14 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Washington DC it's moderate.
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 Washington DC movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (703) 566-4391 |
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011 (202) 758-0213 |
| Bookstore Movers, LLC | Get A Quote |
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5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (202) 570-4697 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Los Angeles?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Los Angeles?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Los Angeles take?
The 2,668-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Los Angeles, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.
