Moving from Manhattan to Los Angeles

Are you planning to move from Manhattan, NY, to Los Angeles, CA? You have come to the right place. We are going to break down some of the key pieces of information you need to make a correct evaluation about whether you should make this move, and what to expect if you do.

But first, here are some important links with additional information you may want to check out as you plan your NY to LA move:

• Find a moving service
• Learning how to pack for your move like a pro
• Moving insurance and why you need it
• Moving with pets
• Professional moving storage services

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s talk about moving from Manhattan, New York City, to Los Angeles, Los Angeles County:

How much it costs to move from Manhattan to Los Angeles

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio/1 Bedroom	$1,800 - $6,950	$1,250 - $3,100	$1,250 - $2,400
2-3 Bedrooms	$3,800 - $10,350	$2,250 - $5,200	$1,350 - $3,000
4+ Bedrooms	$7,100 - $15,400	$3,050 - $7,000	$1,700 - $3,800

Remember that these are average prices and your specific move may have additional costs or unique requirements. Be sure to contact multiple moving companies, container rental services, or truck rental agencies to get personalized quotes for your move.

Moving can be a costly affair. And when you are undertaking a literal coast-to-coast move like this one, your wallet is definitely in for a dent. But hang on, it may be all worth it. So how much will it cost?

The cost of your move depends on a few key factors:

1. How far you’re moving.
2. The total volume of your goods.
3. The total weight of your goods.
4. The level of moving service you want.

This is why it’s important to ask for a personalized moving estimate because no two customers or households are alike, ever. You can see, therefore, why determining moving costs is not a guessing game.

However, in general, moving a 2-3 bedroom house from Manhattan to Los Angeles, CA, may cost anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000. Want to pin down your moving budget? Request your own FREE personalized moving quote here.

Choosing how to move from NY to CA

There are 2 major ways you can relocate coast to coast from NYC to LA:

1. Hire professional movers

You can hire the experts that know how to do this with their eyes closed (well, not literally). This option will cost you more but you will enjoy great peace of mind. You will also have time to continue your normal routine and your possessions will get handled by experts. When you hire professional movers, you can choose 3 main service categories:

1. Packing only
2. Moving only
3. Full service moving
4. DIY Truck rental move

This is where you choose to tackle all (or most of) your move by yourself. This option is cheaper. However, it is much riskier. The top risk here is not packing your wares correctly resulting in damage along the way. Another is on-the-road dangers such as logistical troubles and car trouble. How is this move done? Well, simple. You hire a moving truck, load your goods, and then haul them from your current home to your new home. Note that you’ll have to pack and unpack by yourself.

Another option you could explore as you prepare to make your long-distance move is moving pods and moving containers.

The main differences between Manhattan and Los Angeles

I. Incomes:

• Los Angeles: $150K/year
• Manhattan: $108K/year

II. Jobs:

• Los Angeles has 7.3% unemployment
• Manhattan has 5.8% unemployment

III. Security:

• Los Angeles has 0.6% insecurity
• Manhattan has 1% insecurity

IV. Schools:

• Los Angeles has a 93% average score
• Manhattan has an 85% average score

V. Politics:

• Both are largely democratic

VI. Weather:

• Los Angeles has Mediterranean weather with lots of sunshine all year round
• Manhattan has warm summers and cold, windy winters

Annual events in Manhattan and Los Angeles

Events in Manhattan

Here are some of the more common events in Manhattan. When you plan your move, please note that moving on these dates may affect your moving charges and the time it will take your mover to relocate you.

1. St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 17
2. New York City Marathon - First Sunday of November
3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Fourth Thursday of November
4. New York Fashion Week - February and September
5. Tribeca Film Festival - April
6. Pride Parade - June
7. Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony - December

Events in Los Angeles

Los Angeles boasts some wonderful events. If you relocate here, you'll be able to attend any of these (and others) with ease.

1. Fourth of July Parade - July 4
2. L.A. Marathon - March
3. L.A. Pride Parade and Festival - June
4. Abbot Kinney Festival - September
5. Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game - January 1
6. DTLA Art Walk - Second Thursday of each month
7. Los Angeles Film Festival - September

Places to visit in Los Angeles

If you do relocate to Los Angeles, you'll be happy to know that there are many interesting places you can visit to pass time, relax, or have great recreational experiences. And yes, many of these places are perfect for the entire family.

1. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
4. The Getty Center
5. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
6. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
7. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

These annual events and attractions showcase the rich cultural and recreational opportunities available in both Manhattan and Los Angeles. No matter which city you choose, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained and engaged in your new community.

Let's check out some of the attractions in Los Angeles:

Sandy Beaches

In Los Angeles, the beaches are just a short drive away. How fun is that? Enjoy the sprawling Santa Monica State Beach and the iconic Venice Beach.

Lots of parks

There are lots of parks to sample here. And most of them are just next to the beach where you can take in amazing views and a great breeze. There is the Griffith Park, Elysian Park, Runyon Canyon Park, and a few others.

Family Fun!

Want to enjoy an afternoon outside having fun? First, you have the Santa Monica Pier where you can enjoy fun rides and an aquarium tour. You can also take walks and drives along the coastline.

Lots of Restaurants

Los Angeles does not fall short of dining outlets. You'll be pleased to find out that you can find eateries serving all the different cuisines you love, from Chinese to Mediterranean.

Other great things & places to enjoy in Los Angeles:

• World-class Museums
• Great nightlife
• Street performances
• Shopping stores

Should you move from Manhattan to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has better education statistics, great healthcare institutions, better security, and higher incomes. And to top all that, it has great attractions as noted above. With sandy beaches, great weather all year round, and lots of places to shop and dine, what else could one ask for?

It's essential to consider the differences in lifestyle, job opportunities, and cost of living between Manhattan and Los Angeles. While Los Angeles offers many attractive features, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and determine if this move aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Cost of Living: Manhattan vs Los Angeles

Cost of Living Factors	Manhattan	Los Angeles
Average rent cost	$3,667	$2,524
Average home value	$1,218,000	$895,000
Average income (per capita)	$64,565	$62,142
Cost of Living (single person)	$1,833	$1,364
Cost of Living (family of 4)	$6,541	$4,870
Unemployment rate	9.2%	9.9%
Sales Tax	8.875%	9.50%
State Income Tax	6.85% - 8.82%	9.3% - 12.3%

• Rent Prices in Los Angeles, CA are 31.1% lower than in Manhattan, NY.
• Home Prices in Los Angeles, CA are 26.5% lower than in Manhattan, NY.
• Income in Los Angeles, CA is 3.8% lower than in Manhattan, NY.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Los Angeles, CA is 25.6% lower than in Manhattan, NY.
• Cost of Living for a family in Los Angeles, CA is 25.6% lower than in Manhattan, NY.
• Unemployment rate in Los Angeles, CA is 7.6% higher than in Manhattan, NY.
• Sales Taxes in Los Angeles, CA are 7.0% higher than in Manhattan, NY.
• State Income Taxes in Los Angeles, CA are 35.7% - 39.4% higher than in Manhattan, NY.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,440 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $6,000 in Manhattan.

How is life different in Manhattan, NY to Los Angeles, CA?

Metric	Manhattan	Los Angeles
Population	1,628,706	3,898,747
AllTransit Transportation Performance	10	5.7
Walkability score	88	67
Bike friendliness score	72	65
Crime Index	28.37	39.14
Safety Index	71.63	60.86
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate

• Los Angeles's public transportation is not as good as Manhattan with a score of 4 vs 10.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Manhattan with a score of 68 vs 88.
• Los Angeles is less bike-friendly than Manhattan with a score of 61 vs 72.
• Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Manhattan with a score of 43.13 compared to 28.37.
• Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Manhattan with a safety index of 56.87 vs 71.63.
• Air Quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Manhattan, it's Moderate.

Of course, it is important to note that as a major city, the cost of living in Los Angeles is above average. So not everyone may afford to live here. The most affordable rents average from $2,000 - $3,000.

If your skills or profession provide you with a decent income in Los Angeles, you will most likely enjoy a better lifestyle there compared to Manhattan. Here are some of the best places/neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles:

1. Silver Lake Silver Lake is a trendy neighborhood known for its eclectic vibe, walkable streets, and thriving arts scene. With a mix of modern homes and charming bungalows, Silver Lake offers diverse housing options. The average rent in Silver Lake is around $2,500.
2. West Hollywood West Hollywood is located in the heart of Los Angeles, known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining scene. It's a walkable area with a mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. The average rent in West Hollywood is around $3,000.
3. Los Feliz Located near Griffith Park, Los Feliz is a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a mix of architectural styles. The area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as easy access to hiking trails. The average rent in Los Feliz is around $2,400.
4. Culver City Culver City is a growing, family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments. The average rent in Culver City is around $2,700.
5. Studio City Located in the San Fernando Valley, Studio City is a suburban neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. It offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as easy access to nearby hiking trails. The average rent in Studio City is around $2,800.

Your checklist when moving from Manhattan to Los Angeles:

If you've decided to move from Manhattan, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, start preparing your moving checklist to ensure a smooth relocation process. Your moving checklist can look something like this:

• Look for a long-distance mover from NY to CA.
• Search for housing in Los Angeles, CA.
• Decide on your moving date.
• Begin preparing your property for sale or rental.
• Research schools in Los Angeles.
• Start decluttering and disposing of clothes and furniture you don't need.

Los Angeles is calling!

For a successful cross-country move, consider hiring a moving company with expertise in relocating clients between New York and California. Request a free estimate and start planning your move today.