Best New York City to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from New York City to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,794 mile move from New York to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 80 New York City 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 JP Urban Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in New York City 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.

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Best New York City to Los Angeles Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1JP Urban Moving9.869.78Authorized For HHG
2Metropolis Moving9.739.62Authorized For HHG
3Flex Moving and Storage9.709.74Authorized For Property, HHG
4Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
5Moving Pro, Inc.9.479.01Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from New York City to Los Angeles?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,794 miles from New York City, NY to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $4,157 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom New York City to Los Angeles move is roughly $10,052. 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$2,786300 ft³$9.29
1 Bedroom$4,157450 ft³$9.24
2 Bedrooms$6,891750 ft³$9.19
3 Bedrooms$10,0521100 ft³$9.14
4 Bedrooms$14,5411600 ft³$9.09
5+ Bedrooms$16,2691800 ft³$9.04
*Please note: These New York to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New York & 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 NY to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to New York City guide.

Compare the 5 Best New York City to Los Angeles Movers

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

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.86/10
based on 3,812+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo

Metropolis Moving

Exceptional9.73/10
based on 2,278+ data points

476 Jefferson St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4277979 / 1662478

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Flex Moving and Storage Logo

Flex Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.70/10
based on 1,196+ data points

276 Greenpoint Ave 287, Suite

Brooklyn, NY, 11222

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 2,643+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Moving Pro, Inc. Logo

Moving Pro, Inc.

Exceptional9.47/10
based on 1,253+ data points

557 Vernon Ave

Venice, CA, 90291

About Moving Pro, Inc.

Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Car Transportation

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1864442 / 675888

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved26,800 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when the cities are as vibrant and diverse as New York City, NY, and Los Angeles, CA. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between New York City, NY & Los Angeles, CA . By matching up neighborhoods from your current city with their closest counterparts in your future city, we aim to help you find a new home that feels familiar and welcoming.

New York CityLos AngelesHow They're Similar
WilliamsburgSilver LakeTrendy, hipster vibe
Upper East SideBeverly HillsUpscale, luxurious living
Greenwich VillageWest HollywoodVibrant nightlife and arts
SoHoAbbot Kinney (Venice)Fashionable, artsy area
ChelseaMelroseChic shopping and dining
Financial DistrictDowntown LABusiness heart with skyscrapers
HarlemLeimert ParkRich cultural heritage
DUMBOArts DistrictTrendy, industrial vibe
MidtownCentury CityBustling business district
East VillageLos FelizBohemian, eclectic mix

In the heart of Los Angeles, neighborhoods like Silver Lake mirror the trendy, arts-focused atmosphere of Williamsburg, boasting a mix of indie music venues, organic coffee shops, and vibrant street art. If the upscale and prestigious domain of Manhattan's Upper East Side appeals to you, Beverly Hills in Los Angeles offers a similar flair with its luxury boutiques along Rodeo Drive and grandiose residences. Similarly, for those attracted to the youthful and artistic vibe of SoHo, Abbot Kinney in Venice presents a comparable blend of avant-garde art galleries and fashionable retail spaces. West Hollywood and Greenwich Village share a dynamic LGBTQ+ community, iconic nightlife, and rich cultural scene, making either neighborhood a welcoming place for diverse expressions and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for the cosmopolitan buzz of Financial District or the rich cultural tapestry of Harlem, Los Angeles has neighborhoods that resonate with the same energy and vibrancy, ensuring you'll feel right at home in your new city.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from New York City to Los Angeles

Moving from one coast to another holds both opportunity and challenge. This comparison aims to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from New York City, NY to Los Angeles, CA , providing a balanced view to help decide if this move is right for you.

CONs
PROs
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • High living costs
  • Harsh winters
  • Compact living spaces
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Limited green spaces
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • Sunny weather
  • More spacious homes
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Abundant parks
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Less public transportation
  • Heavy traffic
  • Reliance on cars
  • Higher car expenses
  • Competitive job market
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Public transit access
  • Rich history
  • Job opportunities

The relocation from New York City to Los Angeles brings a stark contrast in lifestyle and environment. New Yorkers accustomed to the bustling, compact, and fast-paced lifestyle will find Los Angeles's sunny weather and laid-back atmosphere a refreshing change. With Los Angeles's more spacious homes, like those in Silver Lake or Venice Beach, you'll enjoy the luxury of more living space, often with gardens or even a pool. The transition might require adjusting to a car-dependent culture, unlike NYC’s robust public transit system. However, LA compensates with its rich tapestry of culture, from the historic Los Angeles County Museum of Art to iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign and verdant retreats like Griffith Park, offering a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Food Guide

When considering a move, the food on offer is a critical aspect of a city's culture and what your daily life there will be like. Here, we're conducting a comparison of the local cuisine between New York City & Los Angeles to help you get a sense of the culinary scene in both cities before you relocate.

New York City
Los Angeles
Most iconic local food item
Bagel with Lox
Street Tacos
Most popular meat dish
New York Strip Steak
Korean BBQ
Most popular street food item
Hot Dog
Food Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Vegan Ramen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Katz's Delicatessen
    • Daniel
    • Sylvia's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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Exploring the food cultures of New York City and Los Angeles can be as much an adventure as your move. In NYC, you'll find that neighborhoods like the Lower East Side are famous for their iconic bagels and lox, a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Katz's Delicatessen, a haven for deli lovers, embodies this tradition. Conversely, Los Angeles' food scene is marked by its innovative street food culture, particularly its tacos, which can be explored in areas like Koreatown for Korean BBQ or the streets of East LA for authentic Mexican cuisine. Los Angeles also leads in health-conscious eating, with an abundance of vegan options and health-centric eateries sprawled across the city. Whether it's vegan ramen in Silver Lake or a wide array of food trucks serving everything from fusion dishes to gourmet classics, LA caters to a diverse palate.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a new place feel like home. This restaurant comparison between New York City and Los Angeles aims to ease your transition by guiding you to new favorite eateries based on your old haunts. Whether you seek high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic dishes, there’s a place for you in your new city.

New York CityLos AngelesWhat You'll Love
Le BernardinProvidenceBoth offer high-end seafood dining experiences.
Katz's DelicatessenLanger's Delicatessen-RestaurantFamous for pastrami sandwiches, comparable to Katz's.
Shake ShackIn-N-Out BurgerBoth iconic fast-food chains offer unique burger experiences.
Per Sen/nakaBoth are high-end establishments offering tasting menus with meticulous attention to detail.
Joe's PizzaJon & Vinny'sBoth are well-loved for their authentic, high-quality pizzas.
Di Fara PizzaPizzanaBoth pizzerias are renowned for their artisanal approach to traditional pizza-making.
Gramercy TavernOsteria MozzaBoth offer an upscale yet comfortable dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Peter Luger Steak HouseCUT by Wolfgang PuckPrime steakhouse experiences that are institutions in their respective cities.
Russ & DaughtersWexler's DeliBoth specialize in Jewish deli staples, like bagels and lox.
Momofuku Noodle BarRamen TatsunoyaBoth offer innovative approaches to traditional noodle dishes.

When moving from New York City to Los Angeles, finding dining spots that resonate with you can significantly ease the transition. For a luxurious seafood experience akin to Le Bernardin, Providence in Los Angeles stands out with its commitment to quality and innovation. Deli aficionados mourning the absence of Katz’s iconic pastrami on rye will find solace in Langer's Deli, where the pastrami sandwich rivals the best. And for those who crave the unique flavors and artistry of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Ramen Tatsunoya offers a compelling reason to explore Pasadena, with its rich, flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles, making every bite a reminder of New York’s bustling food scene, but with a distinctly Californian flair.

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Ready to start your move?

New York City vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when moving. Knowing how New York City and Los Angeles fare in terms of housing costs, styles, and lifestyles is crucial. This comparison vividly outlines the differences and similarities between these major cities.

New York City
Los Angeles
Typical Architecture Style
Art Deco, Modern
Spanish, Modern
Walkability
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Bikeability
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🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Close to subway, Park views
Pools, Outdoor spaces

When considering a move from New York City to Los Angeles, it's essential to dive deeper into the housing-related nuances. NYC boasts unparalleled walkability and an energetic urban lifestyle, which makes living in the city unique without the need for a car. On the other hand, Los Angeles offers slightly more affordable housing options, with a greater emphasis on outdoor living spaces and pools, reflecting its warmer climate and lifestyle. The architectural styles differ as well, with New York's iconic Art Deco skyscrapers contrasting with Los Angeles's Spanish villas and modern homes. Understanding these details can help you align your living preferences with what each city has to offer.

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.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations

When planning a move from New York City to Los Angeles, understanding how the weather will change is essential. This comparison will help you adjust to your new climate more comfortably.

New York City
Los Angeles
Days of Sunshine per Year
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☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Blizzards, Hurricanes
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Air Quality
Moderate
Varies; often Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 66°F
85°F / 66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

39°F / 26°F
68°F / 48°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

49.9
15.0
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

25.8
0


When transitioning from New York City's variable climate to Los Angeles's milder weather, you'll notice a stark difference in winter temperatures and sunshine. Los Angeles boasts over 280 sunny days a year, significantly more than New York City, offering a brighter, warmer climate. This may influence your outdoor activities and wardrobe choices. Additionally, while both cities face their unique natural disasters, Los Angeles residents must be prepared for wildfires and earthquakes, unlike the blizzards and hurricanes more common in New York City. This difference can also affect considerations for home insurance and emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New York City to Los Angeles

When you're moving from one city to another, it’s crucial to grasp how financial aspects like the cost of living and taxes will impact your finances. This comparison between New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA sheds light on these important money and finance considerations, helping you navigate the transition with ease.

New York City
Los Angeles
Avg. Household Income
$67,997
$70,372
Cost of Living Index
185.8
136.4
State Income Tax
4% - 10.9%
1% - 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax
0.88%
0.79%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.875%
9.5%
Top 3 Industries
Financial Services, Health Care, Professional and Technical Services
Entertainment, Manufacturing, Tourism
Affluence
High
Moderate to high
Poverty
Moderate
Moderate to high
Homelessness
High
Very High

While the average household income in New York City is slightly higher than in Los Angeles, the cost of living index in Los Angeles surpasses that of New York City, indicating you might need more to maintain the same lifestyle. The sales tax in Los Angeles is slightly higher, which could impact your day-to-day spending. However, property taxes are somewhat lower in Los Angeles, potentially making homeownership slightly more attainable. The leading industries in each city reflect the unique economic landscapes and job markets, with New York City being a hub for financial services and Los Angeles known for entertainment and tourism. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for the financial realities of your new city.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison

This quick guide offers a snapshot of what to expect when moving from New York City, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, focusing on the politics and religious makeup between New York City & Los Angeles . It's designed to help you get an at-a-glance understanding of the political and religious landscape in your new city.

New York City
Los Angeles
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democrat
Liberal/Democrat
Local Politics
Diverse representation
Diverse representation
Religion
Multifaith, large Jewish and Catholic communities
Multifaith, significant Catholic community, growing Buddhist and Hindu communities

While both New York City and Los Angeles are known for their liberal political leanings, the way politics play out locally can differ. For instance, you may find that local issues that dominate New York politics, such as public transportation and housing density, shift focus toward environmental issues and homelessness in Los Angeles. Religiously, both cities are home to a diverse population. However, Los Angeles offers a more pronounced diversity in faith, seeing a significant presence of Buddhist and Hindu communities amid its large Catholic base. Whether you’re deeply engaged in your city’s political discourse or invested in finding a religious community that feels like home, both cities offer an expansive landscape to explore.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from New York City, NY to Los Angeles, CA, it's crucial to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between these two metropolitan giants. This comparison will help you get a better grasp of what your daily commute and traffic might look like.

New York City
Los Angeles
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
42
53
Traffic Congestion
8 out of 10
9 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
10 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes
No

While both New York City and Los Angeles bear reputations for heavy traffic, the nature and management of your commute in these cities can vary significantly. In New York City, the robust public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis, allows for a car-free lifestyle, which is a rarity in Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles has been making strides in improving its public transportation network, indicating a potential shift. Still, the sprawl of LA makes owning a car almost a necessity for convenience and access to certain areas. Traffic congestion in LA tends to be more severe, especially during peak hours, making commute times longer on average compared to New York City. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone adjusting to the pace and lifestyle in either city.

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