Moving to or within Los Angeles is an exciting experience, but it can also be a stressful and costly one. The City of Angels is vast, diverse, and known for its unique challenges, traffic, parking restrictions, high-rise apartments, and densely packed neighborhoods. If you’re planning to move a 2-bedroom apartment, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: How much does it cost to hire movers in Los Angeles?
Just like in other major cities, the cost of moving depends on whether your move is local or long-distance, the size of your household, the time of year, and the type of services you require. In this blog, we’ll break down the average costs, explore what influences the price of your move, and show how professional movers can help you relocate seamlessly in Los Angeles neighborhoods like Hollywood, Silver Lake, Culver City, Downtown, and Santa Monica.
Average Cost to Move a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Los Angeles
The cost of moving in Los Angeles typically falls within the same ranges as those in many U.S. cities, although factors such as traffic and building access can increase the price.
Local Moving Cost
If you’re relocating within the Los Angeles metro area, the average cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment typically falls between $1,200 and $2,800. Most movers in L.A. charge around $139 to $259 per hour for a two-mover crew with a truck.
Neighborhoods can have a major impact on your final bill. Moves in busy areas like Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles often take longer because of heavy traffic, limited parking, and elevator wait times, which can drive costs up. On the other hand, residential neighborhoods such as Culver City or Palms tend to be simpler to navigate, so they’re often on the lower end of the price spectrum.
Long-Distance Moving Cost
If your move is beyond 50 miles or outside California, it is considered a long-distance move. For a 2-bedroom apartment, long-distance moves typically cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Instead of charging by the hour, long-distance movers calculate rates based on distance traveled and the weight of your belongings.
For example, moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco may cost around $2,800 to $3,800, while a cross-country move to New York can easily reach $4,500 to $5,000.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Moving in Los Angeles
1. DIY vs. Professional Movers
Some renters in Los Angeles consider renting a truck and handling the move themselves. While this may seem cheaper, it often comes with hidden costs like truck rental, fuel, equipment, and the risk of damage or injury. Professional movers not only save time but also bring experience in navigating L.A.’s challenges, such as apartment building regulations, narrow streets, and steep staircases.
| DIY Moving | Professional Movers |
|---|---|
| Responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking on your own. | Movers provide trucks, packing supplies, and all necessary equipment. |
| You have complete control over every step of the move. | Skilled crew handles fragile, heavy, and oversized belongings safely |
| Need to purchase packing supplies, rent moving equipment, and secure a truck. | Saves you time, effort, and the stress of coordinating logistics. |
| There is a higher chance of injury when lifting heavy or bulky furniture. | Lower risk of property damage or personal injury. |
| Greater flexibility to move on your own schedule. | Crews are familiar with Los Angeles traffic, parking restrictions, and building rules. |
| The average cost ranges from $400 to $800, depending on truck rental, fuel, and materials. | Local 2-bedroom moves typically cost between $1200 and $2,800, depending on the distance and complexity. |
Please note these are estimated figures and the actual price can vary depending on different factors.
2. Size of the Move
A 2-bedroom apartment can vary significantly in size and amount of furniture. A smaller 800-square-foot apartment in Silver Lake may cost less to move than a spacious 1,200-square-foot apartment in Santa Monica. More items mean more labor hours, which increases the cost.
3. Time of the Move
The timing of your move affects the price. The peak moving season in Los Angeles runs from late spring to early fall. Moves scheduled on weekends or at the end of the month are also more expensive. To save money, consider moving mid-month or during off-peak seasons.
4. Distance and Neighborhood Challenges
The distance between your old and new apartment plays a big role in cost. A move from Hollywood to Culver City may only take 20 minutes by car, but heavy traffic can stretch the job into several hours. Neighborhood-specific factors also impact cost:
- Downtown Los Angeles: High-rise buildings with elevators and strict loading dock schedules often extend the moving process.
- Hollywood & West Hollywood: Street parking and narrow roads can slow down movers.
- Santa Monica & Venice: Coastal neighborhoods may have tighter regulations on truck parking and access.
- Silver Lake & Echo Park: Hilly terrain and stair-heavy buildings add extra labor.
5. Additional Costs To Consider
When creating a moving budget for your Los Angeles move, it’s important to account for potential extra charges that may arise. Professional packing services and supplies can make your move faster and protect your belongings, but they do add to the total cost.
If you own specialty items such as a piano, oversized artwork, or heavy gym equipment, these require specialized handling and can increase your expenses. Storage fees may also be applicable if your move-out and move-in dates don’t align perfectly.
Additionally, movers may charge long-carry fees if they need to transport items more than 75 feet from the truck to your home. Finally, using stairs or slow elevators can increase labor time, which may result in a higher overall bill. By planning for these additional costs, you’ll have a more accurate estimate of your total moving expenses.
How To Save Costs While Moving a 2-Bedroom Apartment in LA
Moving can be expensive, but with the right strategies and a little planning, you can cut down on costs without sacrificing quality. Here are four practical ways to save money on your Los Angeles move.
1. Declutter Before You Move
The fewer belongings you bring, the less you’ll spend on labor, packing materials, and transportation. Take time to sort through your items and decide what’s worth keeping.
If there are pieces of furniture, clothing, or electronics you haven’t used in years, moving is the perfect opportunity to part ways with them. Consider selling valuable items through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, online resale sites, or even a weekend garage sale.
Donating gently used goods to local charities is another great option, allowing your belongings to find a new home while reducing your load.
For items that can’t be sold or donated, look into recycling or proper disposal methods. Hiring a junk removal service can be an efficient and eco-friendly way to clear out what you no longer need, ultimately reducing both clutter and moving expenses.
2. Compare and Evaluate Multiple Moving Quotes
Instead of hiring the first moving company you come across, take the time to gather estimates from at least three trusted movers in Los Angeles.
Comparing multiple quotes not only gives you a clearer picture of the average market cost but also helps you identify the best value for your budget.
Look beyond just the bottom-line price, and avoid hiring a cheap moving company. Sometimes a slightly higher estimate includes extras like packing supplies, insurance coverage, or more experienced Los Angeles movers, which can actually save you money and stress in the long run.
3. Pack Your Belongings Yourself
One of the easiest ways to reduce moving costs is to pack your belongings yourself. This not only saves but also gives you complete control over how your valuables are handled.
Use Free or Affordable Packing Supplies
Instead of spending most of your money on moving boxes and packing materials, look for free second-hand options.
Start Packing Ahead of Time
Begin packing well in advance of your moving date. Giving yourself extra time allows you to work at a comfortable pace, stay organized, and avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It also reduces the likelihood that you’ll need to rely on professional packing services, which can help keep your overall moving costs lower.
Conclusion
Moving a 2-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles generally costs between $1,200 and $2,800, with the exact price depending on factors like distance, household size, and additional services. Costs also shift across neighborhoods, busy hubs such as Downtown LA and Hollywood often come with higher rates due to traffic and limited parking, while residential areas like Pasadena, Culver City, or Glendale may fall on the more affordable side.
While handling a move yourself may seem like the cheaper option at first, the hidden expenses, physical strain, and time commitment can add up quickly.
Hiring professional movers offers the advantage of experience, proper equipment, and efficiency, ensuring your belongings are transported safely and on schedule. By planning ahead, comparing quotes, and choosing an off-peak moving date, you can keep costs manageable while enjoying a much smoother moving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I book movers in Los Angeles?
It’s best to book professional movers at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May–September). Early booking helps secure your preferred date and can sometimes lock in better rates.
2. What factors influence the cost of moving in Los Angeles?
Key factors include the volume of your belongings, the distance between locations, the accessibility of your home (including stairs, elevators, or parking restrictions), and whether you require additional services such as packing, storage, or specialized item handling.
3. Which neighborhoods in Los Angeles may have higher moving costs?
Neighborhoods with heavy traffic, limited parking, or multi-story buildings, such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica tend to cost more. Areas like Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena may be slightly more affordable.
4. Is it cheaper to move by myself instead of hiring movers?
DIY moving can reduce costs, but it comes with expenses for truck rentals, equipment, fuel, and packing supplies. It also requires significant physical effort and carries a higher risk of injury or damage. Professional movers may cost more upfront, but save time, stress, and potential mishaps.
5. Should I tip movers in Los Angeles, and if so, how much?
Tipping is not mandatory but is a common way to show appreciation for good service. A typical guideline is $5 to $10 per mover per hour or 10–20% of the total moving cost, depending on the complexity of the job.
