($1,412) Movers From Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA

What to know before moving from Houston to Los Angeles

Moving from Houston to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Houston, 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 91% higher than in Houston, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
  Home prices in Los Angeles are 797.2% higher than in Houston.
• Income in Los Angeles is 7.4% higher than in Houston, 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 41.6% higher than in Houston. 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 28.7% higher than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 158.54% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Los Angeles, since the city’s sales taxes in Los Angeles are 15.15% higher than in Houston.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 13.30% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,247.65 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Los Angeles

• Los Angeles's population is about 66% greater than Houston.
• Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Houston's lower score of 5.
• Los Angeles is more walkable than Houston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
• With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 53.81 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
• Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 46.19 vs Houston's 36.5.
• Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Houston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Houston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Los Angeles without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Los Angeles

With your sights set on "City of Angels", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources