austin to los angeles

---
title: "Moving from Austin to Los Angeles: Costs, Top Movers & What to Expect"
description: "Real cost estimates, top mover reviews, and cost of living data for the 1,379-mile move from Austin to Los Angeles. Compare before you book."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Austin to Los Angeles", "Austin to Los Angeles movers", "Austin to LA moving cost", "long distance movers Austin", "Austin Los Angeles moving companies", "cost of moving Austin to LA", "Austin to LA move"]
---

# Moving from Austin to Los Angeles: Costs, Top Movers & What to Expect

If you're moving from Austin to Los Angeles, you already know this isn't a short haul. At 1,379 miles, it's a commitment — in time, money, and logistics. The cost-of-living shift alone deserves a hard look before you book anyone. But let's start with who's actually worth hiring and what to realistically budget.

## Top-Rated Movers for Your Austin to Los Angeles Move

Finding an Austin-based mover with real [long-distance moving](/best/long-distance-movers) capability on the Austin-to-LA corridor takes more than a quick Google search. I reviewed 32 movers operating out of Austin that handle long-distance runs, weighting pricing, service range, and verified customer feedback after the fact.

These five earned the top spots:

1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.64 / 5
2. NorthStar Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
3. Greater Austin Moving — 4.66 / 5
4. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
5. 3 Men Movers — 4.56 / 5

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### College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

**720 Bastrop Hwy, Austin, TX 78741**
**Rating:** 4.6 / 5 | **80% positive, 19% negative** (469 reviews)
[Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/college-hunks-hauling-junk-and-moving-austin-austin) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=college+hunks+moving+service+austin) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/moving-companies/college-hunks-moving-0825-1000190325) — Grade A

**State license:** 007743472C | **DOT #:** 2378173 | **In business:** 6 years

**Services:** Local moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage; accepts credit cards

College Hunks shows up well in most reviews — crews that arrive on time, work fast, and treat belongings carefully. Plenty of customers note that the final bill actually came in under the quote, which isn't something you hear often. The problem area is that persistent 19%: damaged items, charges that came in above estimate, and a few no-shows. Billing transparency is the recurring sore spot. I'd document everything at quote time and do a walkthrough with the crew before they leave your new place.

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### NorthStar Moving Company

**2021 Guadalupe St, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705**
**Rating:** 4.5 / 5 | **93% positive, 7% negative** (43 reviews)
[Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/northstar-moving-company-austin) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Northstar+Moving+Company+Austin) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/moving-companies/northstar-moving-company-0825-1000202902) — Grade A+

**State license:** 009181943C | **DOT #:** 1836576 | **In business:** 30 years

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, international, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage; accepts cash and credit

Thirty years in the business and a 93% positive rate is a legitimate track record. Customers consistently call out careful handling, pre-move communication, and crews that move efficiently without cutting corners. The 7% of negative reviews are more troubling than the percentage suggests — missing items, unresolved damage claims, and communication that went cold after delivery. If you're moving anything irreplaceable, press them specifically on the claims process before you sign.

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### Greater Austin Moving

**9201 Brown Ln #180, Austin, TX 78754**
**Rating:** 4.6 / 5 | **95% positive, 6% negative** (110 reviews)
[Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/greater-austin-moving-austin-2) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Greater+Austin+moving) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/pflugerville/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/greater-austin-moving-0825-1000109287) — Grade A+

**State license:** 006252715C | **In business:** 24 years

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage; accepts credit cards

A 94.5% positive rate across 110 reviews is a high floor. What stands out isn't just the score — it's what customers keep mentioning: responsive booking, transparent pricing, and crews that actually protect furniture in transit. The small negative slice mostly involves furniture damage and billing discrepancies on the back end. Greater Austin Moving's pre-move communication gets mentioned repeatedly as better than competitors, which tracks with what I've seen from their reviews.

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### Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage

**1800 W Howard Ln, Austin, TX 78728**
**Rating:** 4.72 / 5 | **91% positive, 8% negative** (241 reviews)
[Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/firefightings-finest-moving-and-storage-austin-2) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=firefighting%27s+finest+moving+%26+storage+austin+tx) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/fort-worth/profile/moving-companies/firefightings-finest-moving-storage-inc-0825-235962333) — Grade A+

**State license:** 007074263C | **DOT #:** 2783472 | **In business:** 22 years

**Services:** Local moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes; accepts money order, cash, and credit; DOD certified; deposit required

The highest-rated company on this list. Out of 241 reviews, 91% are positive — with transparent pricing and furniture protection coming up again and again. Most jobs finish on time or early. The 8% negative reviews flag item damage and some inconsistency in crew experience, which is worth noting but proportionally small. The DOD certification and specialty item range — pianos, pool tables, safes, grandfather clocks — make this the most versatile option if you're moving more than standard household goods.

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### 3 Men Movers

**1005 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701**
**Rating:** 4.5 / 5 | **93% positive, 7% negative** (273 reviews)
[Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/3-men-movers-austin-austin) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=3+men+movers+austin) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/houston/profile/moving-companies/3-men-movers-0915-26717) — Grade A+

**State license:** 000534796B | **DOT #:** 1914113 | **In business:** 40 years

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, pianos, storage, safes; accepts credit cards

Forty years of operation is a real signal. Across 273 reviews, 93% are positive — fast crews, careful handling, reliable arrival times. The 7% negative reviews include broken items without adequate compensation and crews that dragged on jobs where speed was promised. What I'd tell a friend: confirm the specifics of your move in writing before the truck rolls, and do a full walkthrough before the team signs off.

---

## How Much Does It Cost to Move from Austin to Los Angeles?

The 1,379-mile run from Austin to LA puts this squarely in long-haul territory. Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) for a personalized estimate, but here's what the numbers typically look like based on move size and method:

| Move Size | [Full-Service Movers](/best/full-service-movers) | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,106 – $4,870 | $948 – $2,190 | $839 – $1,529 |
| 2 – 3 BR | $2,581 – $6,433 | $1,678 – $3,225 | $829 – $1,746 |
| 4+ BR | $4,642 – $8,403 | $2,101 – $4,336 | $1,055 – $2,266 |

*Ranges reflect the 1,379-mile Austin to Los Angeles route as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with shipment weight, extra services, fuel rates, access conditions, and timing. Get quotes from multiple movers before committing.*

### Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Austin to Los Angeles

For a studio or one-bedroom, expect somewhere between $1,106 and $4,870. That's a wide range — shipment weight, timing, and which company you use all move the needle significantly. A two- or three-bedroom home runs $2,581 to $6,433. If you're relocating a large four-bedroom home, budget $4,642 to $8,403.

Those upper numbers aren't outliers. A heavy household moving cross-country in peak summer can easily push past $8,000.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Austin to Los Angeles

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) land in the middle on both price and effort. You pack and unpack yourself, which cuts labor costs but adds time on both ends. A studio or one-bedroom runs $948 to $2,190. Two to three bedrooms cost $1,678 to $3,225. A four-bedroom-plus move comes in at $2,101 to $4,336.

### Cost of Truck Rentals from Austin to Los Angeles

[Renting a truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest option on paper, but you're the one driving 1,379 miles. A studio or one-bedroom truck runs $839 to $1,529. For two or three bedrooms, expect $829 to $1,746. Larger homes land at $1,055 to $2,266. These estimates account for average fuel costs — they don't account for the physical toll of a multiday cross-country drive.

### Key Factors That Affect Your Austin to Los Angeles Moving Cost

- **Home size:** A one-bedroom typically runs around $2,361; a four-bedroom around $7,990.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak season in Austin. Rates climb, availability tightens. Spring and fall are better for pricing and scheduling flexibility.
- **DIY vs. full-service:** Rental trucks can range from $839 to $1,969, but require you to handle all the labor and all the driving.

## What to Know Before Moving from Austin to Los Angeles

Plan for a real financial adjustment after the move. [California](/movers/california) is considerably more expensive than [Texas](/movers/texas) across almost every category, and Los Angeles sits above California's average.

Singles spend around $5,833 per month in LA versus $3,345 in Austin. Families of four pay $12,720 compared to $7,815. Here's the full breakdown:

| | Austin | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation*

A few of those numbers deserve a closer look:

- **Home prices** in LA are roughly 365% higher than in Austin. Not a rounding error.
- **State income tax:** Texas has none. California tops out at 13.3%. That difference hits your take-home pay starting with your first paycheck.
- **Unemployment** in LA runs about 10.6% vs. 3.5% in Austin. More people competing for positions across the board.
- **Income** averages about 10% higher in LA, which softens the blow — but only partially.

For day-to-day costs, here's how the two cities compare:

| Expense | Austin | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $4.58 |
| Fast food / casual meal | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $47.76 |

The one category where LA actually wins: gym memberships are cheaper there. Everything else on that list costs more.

### How Life Is Different in Austin vs. Los Angeles

| | Austin | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 3,820,914 |
| Public transit score | 5 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Walkability score | 42 / 100 | 69 / 100 |
| Bike-friendliness score | 54 / 100 | 59 / 100 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |

*Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow*

LA's public transit score of 8 out of 10 is genuinely better than Austin's 5 — and walkability is significantly higher (69 vs. 42). If you've been car-dependent in Austin, that changes in LA, though traffic famously offsets a lot of the gain. Crime is higher in LA, safety scores are lower, and air quality drops from Good to Moderate. None of that should be a surprise going in, but it's worth building into your neighborhood search.

### Other Things to Consider for Your Austin to Los Angeles Move

- **California T Number:** Before booking any mover for a California destination, confirm they hold a "T Number" from the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). It means they've met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial accountability. Don't skip this step.
- **Moving insurance:** The default Released Value Protection covers just 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV gets you $15 in compensation if it's destroyed. Ask about full-value protection or look at third-party options before you finalize anything.
- **USPS change of address:** File at least a week before your move date so mail forwarding is active when you arrive in LA.
- **HOA rules:** Some LA buildings and neighborhoods have specific restrictions on move-in days, hours, and elevator access. Confirm before you schedule.
- **Elevator reservation:** If you're moving into a building with an elevator, book it in advance. In many LA buildings, it's required.
- **Truck parking permits:** Certain LA neighborhoods require permits for large moving vehicles on the street. Check local regulations before move day.
- **No state moving permits** are required in California, but local parking restrictions are a different matter — check both.

Run through our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) in the weeks before your move to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

## Where to Live in Los Angeles

### Best Neighborhoods for Singles

- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood

### Best Neighborhoods for Families

- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City

### Things to Do in Los Angeles

LA rewards getting out. A few highlights by category:

- **Arts and culture:** The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- **Outdoor recreation:** Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, Echo Park — solid options for trails, cycling, and getting outside year-round
- **Sports:** The Clippers, Dodgers, LAFC, Kings, Lakers, Rams, and Sparks all call LA home. The sports calendar practically never goes dark.

*Source: AttractionsofAmerica*

## FAQ

### When Is the Best Time to Move from Austin to Los Angeles?

Spring and fall. Weather is reasonable in both cities, demand is lower than summer, and you have more pricing leverage with movers. If the timing is flexible, those windows are where I'd aim.

### When Is the Cheapest Time to Move from Austin to Los Angeles?

Winter. It's the slow season for movers, which means more room to negotiate rates and find availability. January and February are typically the softest months for pricing.

### How Long Does a Move from Austin to Los Angeles Take?

Transit on the 1,379-mile route typically runs three to eight days with most carriers. Some Austin movers offer expedited delivery if your timeline is tight — that usually costs more. If you need flexibility on the receiving end, ask about short-term storage options in LA before you book.

### Are There Special Discounts Available from Austin Movers?

Some movers in Austin offer discounted rates for specific groups. At least two provide military discounts and two offer reduced rates for seniors. These programs vary and aren't always advertised clearly — confirm directly with the mover before you assume they apply.

### Are Piano and Specialty Item Moving Services Available in Austin?

Not from every company. In Austin, 18 movers handle piano relocations and 13 are equipped for antique transport. Texas as a whole has 179 piano movers and 124 antique movers. Nationwide, there are roughly 2,299 and 1,464, respectively. Always confirm a mover's specific experience with your item type before booking — and ask how they'll pack and secure it.

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## Helpful Moving Resources

- [Moving cost calculator](/calculator) — get a personalized estimate for your Austin to LA move
- [Long-distance movers guide](/best/long-distance-movers) — what to look for in a cross-country carrier
- [Moving containers compared](/best/moving-containers) — PODS and alternatives for self-paced moves
- [Truck rental guide](/best/truck-rentals) — DIY options and what they actually cost
- [Car shipping guide](/best/car-shipping) — if you're not driving your vehicle to LA
- [Moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) — timeline and task list for a long-distance move
- [How to choose a mover](/resources/how-to-choose-a-mover) — red flags and what to verify before you sign
- [Texas movers](/movers/texas) — browse movers statewide if you're not locked into Austin

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Get quotes from at least three movers before committing. On a 1,379-mile move, the spread between providers can run into hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars depending on your shipment weight, timeline, and the services you add. Compare using the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) and confirm licensing before you hand over a deposit.