How Much Does It Cost to Move from New York to Los Angeles?
New York to Los Angeles spans 2,800 miles via I-80 West to I-15 South. Full-service movers average $9,500 - NYC elevator fees and LA traffic surcharges both apply. DIY runs $3,140-3,850. This is the most iconic American relocation route, trading East Coast hustle for West Coast sunshine and entertainment industry access.
From
New York City, New York
To
Los Angeles, California
Distance
2,800 miles
Drive Time
~47 hrs
Mover Transit
5 days
New York to Los Angeles Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $9,500 |
| DIY rental truck | $3,140 |
| Distance | 2,800 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 5 days |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $6,360 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
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FAQ — New York to Los Angeles Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move New York to Los Angeles?
Moving New York to Los Angeles costs an average of $9,500 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $3,140 including fuel.
How long does it take to move New York to Los Angeles?
Transit time for a New York to Los Angeles move is typically 5 days for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a New York to Los Angeles move?
DIY saves roughly $6,360 on a New York to Los Angeles move ($3,140 vs. $9,500). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a New York to Los Angeles move?
The New York to Los Angeles route covers approximately 2,800 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a New York to Los Angeles move?
Budget $9,500 for professional movers or $3,140 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a New York to Los Angeles move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.
From the Blog
Route costs are averages for a 2-bedroom home. DIY costs include truck rental and fuel. Actual costs vary by weight, season, and carrier.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data