New York to Los Angeles

The Ultimate Guide to Moving from New York to Los Angeles

Discover Essential Tips, Costs, and a Detailed Moving Checklist for Your Cross-Country Adventure

cross country movers

Moving from New York, NY, to Los Angeles, CA

Are you considering a move from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA? You've come to the right place for information.

Here are some important links with additional information to help you plan your move from New York to Los Angeles:

Now let's dive into the details of moving from New York to Los Angeles.

How much it costs to move from New York to Los Angeles

Moving can be an expensive endeavor, especially when you are relocating coast-to-coast. However, the investment may be worthwhile.

The total cost of your move will depend on several factors, including:

  1. The distance of your move
  2. The total volume of your belongings
  3. The total weight of your belongings
  4. The level of moving service you require

It's crucial to obtain a personalized moving estimate since every customer and household is unique.

Although determining the cost of your move is not a straightforward task, moving a 2-3 bedroom home from New York to Los Angeles may cost between $9,000 to $12,000.

To get a more accurate estimate for your move, request your own FREE personalized moving quote here.

5th ave and 33rd st signs

Choosing how to move from NY to CA

If you're moving coast-to-coast from New York to Los Angeles, there are two primary options:

  1. Hire Professional Movers

Hiring experienced professionals will cost more, but you will have peace of mind. You can continue with your normal routine while the experts handle your belongings. When you hire professional movers, you can choose from three main service categories:

  1. Packing only
  2. Moving only
  3. Full-service moving
  4. DIY Truck Rental Move

This option is cheaper, but it comes with greater risk. The primary risk is the possibility of damaging your belongings due to incorrect packing. Other potential risks include logistical challenges and car trouble on the road. To execute a DIY truck rental move, you must rent a moving truck, load your belongings, and transport them to your new home. Note that you will have to pack and unpack everything yourself.

Another alternative to consider is moving pods and moving containers.

The main differences between New York and Los Angeles

AspectNew YorkLos Angeles
Incomes$76,000/year$62,000/year
Unemployment Rate4.4%4.6%
Crime Rate538 per 100,000348 per 100,000
School Scores71%69%
PoliticsLargely DemocraticLargely Democratic
WeatherHumid subtropicalMediterranean

Annual Events in New York and Los Angeles

New York and Los Angeles are two dynamic cities that host a variety of exciting annual events. Here are some of the most popular events in each city:

New York:

  1. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - November
  2. New York International Auto Show - April
  3. Tribeca Film Festival - April
  4. Pride Parade - June
  5. New York Fashion Week - February and September
  6. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting - December

Los Angeles:

  1. LA Art Show - January
  2. Los Angeles Marathon - March
  3. Fiesta Broadway - April
  4. LA Pride Parade - June
  5. Los Angeles Film Festival - June
  6. DTLA Art Walk - Second Thursday of every month
  7. Hollywood Christmas Parade - November

Palm trees

Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers a wide range of experiences and attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Los Angeles:

  • Beaches: Los Angeles is home to some beautiful beaches, such as Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Malibu's Surfrider Beach.
  • Parks: The city has numerous parks, including Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and spectacular views.
  • Museums: Los Angeles has many excellent museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Getty Center.
  • Family Fun: Some of the best family-friendly activities in Los Angeles include Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
  • Restaurants: The city is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. From authentic Mexican food in East LA to farm-to-table dining in West Hollywood, you're sure to find a restaurant to suit your taste.

Should you move from New York to Los Angeles?

Deciding whether to move from New York to Los Angeles is a personal decision that depends on various factors. However, it's worth noting that Los Angeles offers a more relaxed lifestyle, better weather, and more affordable housing options compared to New York. Additionally, the city offers numerous attractions, including beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and a thriving food scene.

While Los Angeles is an attractive place to live, it's important to note that the cost of living is still relatively high compared to other parts of the country. If you have a decent income or skills that can support a good lifestyle in Los Angeles, moving to this city may be an excellent decision. However, it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits of relocating to a new city and ensure that it aligns with your goals and needs.

Some of the Best Places/Neighborhoods to Move to in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vast city with many distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and character. Here are some of the best places to live in Los Angeles:

  1. Silver Lake: A hip and trendy area with great shopping, restaurants, and a lively arts scene.
  2. West Hollywood: A diverse and vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural scene and beautiful parks.
  3. Santa Monica: A beachside community with excellent schools, parks, and shopping.
  4. Los Feliz: A charming neighborhood with historic homes, beautiful parks, and easy access to Griffith Park.
  5. Culver City: A family-friendly neighborhood with tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.

Each of these neighborhoods offers something unique, and the choice of where to live in Los Angeles ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

Moving checklist for moving from New York to Los Angeles

  1. Find a reputable long-distance moving company that specializes in cross-country moves from New York to Los Angeles.
  2. Begin searching for housing in Los Angeles, CA.
  3. Decide on a moving date and coordinate with your moving company and real estate agent.
  4. Start preparing your property for sale or termination of lease.
  5. Research schools in Los Angeles and enroll your children if needed.
  6. Dispose of any clothes and furniture you don’t need or plan to donate to charity.
  7. Notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions about your upcoming move and update your address.
  8. Collect important documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, passports, and medical records, and keep them in a safe place.
  9. Arrange for utility services to be disconnected at your current residence and set up new services in Los Angeles.
  10. Notify the post office of your address change and set up mail forwarding.
  11. Begin packing your belongings, labeling boxes clearly, and creating an inventory of your items.
  12. Make arrangements for transporting your vehicles, if necessary.
  13. Organize any necessary travel arrangements, such as flights or hotel accommodations, for your journey to Los Angeles.
  14. Plan for any special moving needs, such as pet relocation or storage solutions.
  15. Dispose of hazardous materials, such as paints and chemicals, according to local regulations.
  16. Prepare an essentials box with items you'll need immediately after arriving in Los Angeles, such as toiletries, clothes, and important documents.
  17. Confirm the moving date and time with your moving company a few days before the move.
  18. Perform a final walkthrough of your current residence to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.
  19. On moving day, be present to oversee the loading of your belongings onto the moving truck and to answer any questions from the moving crew.
  20. Arrive in Los Angeles, settle into your new home, and begin exploring your new city!

With careful planning and organization, your move from New York to Los Angeles can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Good luck with your new adventure on the West Coast!

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers Los Angeles
Movers from LA to NYC
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers San Francisco
Movers from SF to NYC
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers New York
Movers from NYC to SF & LA

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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