Best Salinas to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightCaliforniaChevron RightSalinas to Los Angeles

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Salinas to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 303 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 129 Salinas to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Fastruck Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Los Angeles. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Salinas to Los Angeles Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Salinas to Los Angeles Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability Index
1Fastruck Moving Company9.789.67
2Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company9.749.3
3Santa Cruz Moving Services9.519.55
4G Brothers Transportation9.319.49
5Mod Movers8.818.1
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Salinas to Los Angeles?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 303 miles from Salinas, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $2,039 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Los Angeles move is roughly $4,874. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,374300 ft³$4.58
1 Bedroom$2,039450 ft³$4.53
2 Bedrooms$3,361750 ft³$4.48
3 Bedrooms$4,8741100 ft³$4.43
4 Bedrooms$7,0091600 ft³$4.38
5+ Bedrooms$7,7961800 ft³$4.33
*Please note: These California to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CA mover.
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Los Angeles Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Fastruck Moving Company Logo

Fastruck Moving Company

Exceptional9.78/10
based on 2,882+ data points

11818 Riverside Dr

Valley Village, CA, 91607

About Fastruck Moving Company

Fastruck Moving Company was established in 2009 by three brothers – Al, Tim, and Ross, all of whom are enthusiastic and...

Services

  • Local residential moves
  • Office and commercial moves
  • Piano moving service

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3056069 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved47,516 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company Logo

Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company

Exceptional9.74/10
based on 2,624+ data points

18317 Napa St

Northridge, CA, 91325

About Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company

Roadway Moving, in operation since 2008, is a Los Angeles-based moving company that offers services across the United States. They specialize...

Services

  • Local Moves in NYC
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving
View Full Review
2
Santa Cruz Moving Services Logo

Santa Cruz Moving Services

Exceptional9.51/10
based on 824+ data points

Santa Cruz, CA

About Santa Cruz Moving Services

Santa Cruz Moving Services is a family-owned and operated California moving company providing high-quality services for moves across the street, within...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2769204 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2018)
View Full Review
3
G Brothers Transportation Logo

G Brothers Transportation

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 515+ data points

11455 Wood St # 4

Castroville, CA, 95012

About G Brothers Transportation

G Brothers Transportation is a moving company that offers honest, professional, and reliable services to its customers. The company provides a...

Services

  • Home Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Piano Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2922866 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved39,359 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.81/10
based on 960+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. That's why we're making it easier for you by comparing the local neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Los Angeles, CA . Using Salinas neighborhoods you know and love as a baseline, we'll match them with similar neighborhoods in Los Angeles, helping you find your new perfect spot.

SalinasLos AngelesHow They're Similar
South SalinasPasadenaHistoric homes, family-friendly vibes
North SalinasVan NuysDiverse community, suburban feel
Maple ParkLos FelizQuiet, green spaces, community-centric
CreekbridgeStudio CityUpscale, peaceful, good schools
Monterey ParkEcho ParkVibrant, mix of cultures, park access
Harding/LaurelwoodSilver LakeHip, trendy with a mix of old and new
University ParkWestwoodYounger demographic, educational institutions
Mission ParkGriffith ParkOpen spaces, parkland, close to nature
South SalinasPasadenaHistoric homes, family-friendly vibes
Oldtown SalinasDowntown LAUrban, cultural centers, entertainment

Salinas and Los Angeles both offer unique neighborhoods, each with its special character and charm. For instance, if you admire the quaint and historic atmosphere of South Salinas, you'll find Pasadena’s blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences delightful, with its array of cultural institutions and green spaces like the Huntington Library and Gardens. Those accustomed to the vibrant, culturally diverse setting of Monterey Park in Salinas will feel at home in Echo Park, where the mix of cultures and the bustling Echo Park Lake provide an energetic yet community-focused living experience. Meanwhile, the peaceful and upscale ambiance of Creekbridge finds its counterpart in Studio City, known for its sophisticated dining spots like Firefly and a tranquil neighborhood feel with excellent access to boutique shops and outdoor activities. Transitioning from one city to another might seem overwhelming at first, but discovering Los Angeles neighborhoods that reflect the qualities you loved in Salinas will make you feel right at home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Los Angeles

Moving from Salinas, CA to Los Angeles, CA offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Salinas to Los Angeles , ensuring you can make an informed decision about this significant change in your life.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Smaller job market
  • Less diverse nightlife
  • Minimal cultural venues
  • Higher quietness
  • Fewer dining options
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Greater career opportunities
  • Vibrant nightlife options
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Constant city buzz
  • Diverse cuisine offerings
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Heavier traffic
  • Pricier housing
  • Higher cost of living
  • Increased crime rates
  • Less green space
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Community feel
  • Close-knit neighborhoods
  • More affordable living
  • Lower crime rates
  • Larger open spaces

While the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles offer an array of vibrant nightlife and diverse dining from places like The Bazaar by José Andrés to the historic Grand Central Market, it's the cultural venues like LACMA and MOCA that stand out for enriching the soul of the city. However, this urban splendor comes at the cost of day-to-day tranquility and more affordable living found in Salinas, where community connections often run deeper, and outdoor activities are more accessible thanks to larger open spaces and numerous local parks such as Natividad Creek Park. Deciding between the laid-back, community-focused lifestyle of Salinas and the endless opportunities and excitement of Los Angeles depends on what you value more in your daily life and future aspirations.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Food Guide

Food is an essential aspect of understanding local culture and experiencing life in a new city. By comparing the local cuisine, we provide you with a deeper insight into what makes each place unique. Here's a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas & Los Angeles, to give you a better idea of the food scene in your new home.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Most iconic local food item
Artichoke dishes
Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip BBQ
Korean BBQ
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Street Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Kale salads
Avocado toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Steinbeck House
  • Patria
  • Gino's Fine Italian Food
  • The French Laundry
  • N/Naka
  • Philippe the Original
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Salinas to Los Angeles, one of the most delightful discoveries will be the diverse and vibrant food scene. Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, offering a vast array of global cuisines with a strong emphasis on plant-based options, showcased by its high vegan-friendly score. Iconic dishes such as fish tacos embody the coastal lifestyle, while the abundance of food trucks and high foodie scene score reflect L.A.'s innovative and dynamic culinary outlook. Specific neighborhoods like Koreatown for Korean BBQ or Venice for the best avocado toast and beachfront dining experiences underscore Los Angeles's culinary versatility, ensuring your taste buds will never get bored in your new city.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the importance of food in making a place feel like home, this comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from Salinas to Los Angeles. By comparing top restaurants in Salinas to their counterparts in Los Angeles , we hope to help you find your new favorite spots to dine and revel in the flavors you love.

SalinasLos AngelesWhat You'll Love
Gino's Fine Italian FoodBestiaItalian cuisine with a modern twist
Monterey Coast BrewingGolden Road BrewingOffers a similar variety of crafted beers and casual dining
La Casa del SazonGuelaguetzaAuthentic Oaxacan flavors
Eagle RestaurantSanamluang CafeWell-loved for Thai classic dishes
PatriaOsteria MozzaHigh-end Italian with an extensive wine list
First AwakeningsThe Griddle CafeFamous for breakfast and brunch options
Salinas City BBQBludso's Bar & QueKnown for its authentic BBQ taste
Ellas Fine Food & DrinkRepubliqueFusion of French cuisine with local ingredients
Pho KingPho 87Popular for its traditional Vietnamese Pho
Taqueria El ZacatecanoGuisadosOffers a variety of tacos with handmade tortillas

Exploring new food scenes can be a delightful part of settling into Los Angeles. Guelaguetza is an ideal spot for those who cherished the flavors of La Casa del Sazon in Salinas, offering a profound taste of Oaxacan cuisine that's celebrated across Los Angeles. If your weekends in Salinas involved indulging in the hearty breakfasts at First Awakenings, you'll find a similar, cozy morning experience at The Griddle Cafe in LA, known for its oversized pancakes and creative breakfast menu that draws crowds from all over the city. For BBQ aficionados missing Salinas City BBQ's smoky flavors, Bludso's Bar & Que provides an authentic taste of Texan BBQ right in the heart of Los Angeles, with a focus on traditional techniques and flavors that promise to satisfy your cravings.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate market between your current and future home is crucial. Real estate , specifically the comparison between Salinas and Los Angeles , plays a significant role in understanding what to expect. Let's dive into the housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle quality.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Ranch
Spanish and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious Yards, Quiet Neighborhoods
Proximity to Entertainment, Modern Amenities

Moving from Salinas to Los Angeles, you’ll notice significant differences in housing costs and lifestyle. While the median home price and monthly rent are higher in Los Angeles, reflecting its status as a major urban center, the city compensates with its vibrant urban lifestyle score of 9, offering endless entertainment and modern amenities. Los Angeles’s walkability and bikeability scores surpass those of Salinas, making it a more accessible city for those who prefer to get around without a car. The architectural styles also differ, with Los Angeles boasting a mix of Spanish and Modern designs, suggesting a blend of historical charm and contemporary living.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

1. Santa Monica : You’ll enjoy the abundance of parks, beachfront walkways, and dog-friendly restaurants that make Santa Monica perfect for your pet.

2. West Hollywood : Known for its pet-friendly apartment buildings and off-leash dog parks, you’ll find West Hollywood a welcoming spot for your furry friends.

3. Silver Lake : With its ample green spaces, dog-friendly cafes, and popular dog park, Silver Lake offers a vibrant community for you and your pet.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations

If you're planning a move from one location to another, it's essential to understand the weather differences you'll face. This comparison will highlight how Salinas and Los Angeles differ in climate, helping you prepare for your relocation. By understanding these changes, you can better anticipate how your lifestyle might adjust in terms of clothing, activities, and even health considerations.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Floods
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

69°F / 52°F
84°F / 66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

61°F / 43°F
68°F / 48°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

15
15
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


When moving from Salinas to Los Angeles, you'll notice a warmer climate, especially during summer, with higher highs and lows. Furthermore, Los Angeles enjoys more days of sunshine annually, which could positively affect your outdoor activities and mood. Despite similar annual rainfall, Los Angeles faces unique challenges, such as higher instances of wildfires and different air quality concerns primarily due to smog. These factors could impact your daily life and health, so it's vital to plan accordingly for your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salinas to Los Angeles

Moving between cities can dramatically affect your finances, making it imperative to compare the cost of living, taxes, and general economic conditions. This guide compares the financial aspects of moving from Salinas to Los Angeles , providing insights into how your financial picture might change.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Avg. Household Income
$80,154
$70,372
Cost of Living Index
136.4
136.4
State Income Tax
9.3
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.79
0.76
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
9.5
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
Entertainment, Technology, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Considerable
Significant
Homelessness
Notable
Extensive

While Salinas and Los Angeles share the same state income tax rate, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher. The average household income in Salinas is slightly higher than in Los Angeles, despite LA's affluence and its high-profile industries—Entertainment and Technology. Despite the glamour associated with Los Angeles, it faces a significant homelessness issue, more so than Salinas. Moreover, the sales tax in Los Angeles is marginally higher, which, coupled with the higher cost of living index, means your daily expenses could be substantially more than in Salinas.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Salinas, CA to Los Angeles, CA involves more than just a change of address. It's essential to understand the social landscape of your new home. This is a comparison of the politics between Salinas & Los Angeles to offer a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the population in both cities.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Political Make-up
Majority Democratic
Majority Democratic
Local Politics
Conservative tendencies in local issues
Progressive tendencies in local governance
Religion
Largely Christian, with Catholicism predominant
Diverse, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism

While both Salinas and Los Angeles lean towards the Democratic party, the local political landscape reveals nuanced differences. Salinas exhibits a more conservative stance on some local issues, contrasting with Los Angeles' progressive approach to governance and social policies. Moreover, Los Angeles showcases a broader religious diversity compared to Salinas, which is predominantly Catholic. This diversity in Los Angeles is reflected in its array of houses of worship across the city, accommodating a multitude of faiths and providing a more comprehensive reflection of its multicultural population.

Salinas vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Salinas, CA to Los Angeles, CA brings a significant change in your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Los Angeles aims to paint a clear picture of what to expect when transitioning from one city to the other. Understanding these differences will help you better navigate your new surroundings.

Salinas
Los Angeles
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
23
30
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
8 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Difficult
Possible but challenging

Although Salinas offers a relatively quicker average commute time of around 23 minutes compared to Los Angeles's 30 minutes, it's crucial to prepare for the heightened traffic congestion if you're moving to L.A. Los Angeles ranks significantly higher in traffic congestion, asserting the reputation of its busy roadways. However, Los Angeles also offers better public transit options, making it slightly easier to get around without a car compared to Salinas. While it's possible to rely on public transportation in both cities, doing so in Los Angeles may prove to be more feasible, albeit with a bit of patience and planning.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Salinas to Los Angeles Movers Featured Image