Licensed, insured carriers running this route weekly. Transparent pricing, dedicated coordinators, and on-time delivery guaranteed.
Distance
2,790 mi
Transit time
10-14 days
Service
Weekly
No obligation · Response in 30–60 minutes
Route Details
2,790 miles
10-14 business days
I-78 W to I-81 S to I-40 W through TN, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ to CA (or I-80 W northern route)
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and 6-9 additional states depending on route (via I-40 or I-80)
Eastern → Pacific (-3 hours)
October - March; avoid peak summer demand that drives premium pricing on this high-demand corridor
Pricing
New York to Los Angeles is the most iconic long distance moving route in the country — and one of the most expensive due to sheer distance (nearly 2,800 miles). That said, because so many people make this move every year, carrier competition is fierce and pricing is more competitive than routes of similar distance with less traffic.
$3,200 - $5,200
~250 cubic ft of inventory
$5,000 - $8,000
Couple or small family
Most common
$7,500 - $11,500
Average family home
$10,500 - $15,000+
Larger homes / specialty items
What moves the price
Final pricing may vary if inventory or service requirements change prior to pickup.
Real-World Examples
Three real scenarios from real customers. Names and final costs are taken straight from completed moves on this route.
Jordan
Move
Manhattan, NY → Los Angeles, CA
Inventory
Futon, desk, two bookshelves with screenplays & reference books, vintage typewriter, 12 boxes — typical studio
$3,800
13 days
“NYC pickup required a shuttle truck due to a narrow street — disclosed and priced into the estimate upfront.”
The Okafor Family
Move
Brooklyn, NY → Pasadena, CA
Inventory
Full 3-bedroom apartment: baby grand piano, three kids’ bedroom sets, home gym, 70+ boxes
$9,800
14 days
“Piano required specialty handling (priced separately at $800). Brooklyn building elevator access arranged in advance by coordinator.”
Susan & Frank
Move
Manhattan, NY → Santa Monica, CA
Inventory
2-bedroom co-op: bedroom furniture, lifetime book & art collection, personal items — ~5,500 lbs total
$6,400
12 days
“Custom crating arranged for a bronze sculpture and two signed lithographs. Move coordinated around co-op closing timeline.”
Good to Know
Three things every New York-to-Los Angeles mover should know before pickup day.
California requires new residents to obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days (one of the strictest deadlines in the country) and register their vehicleCalifornia requires new residents to obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days (one of the strictest deadlines in the country) and register their vehicle within 20 days. California also requires a smog check before registration. Voter registration is available online through the California Secretary of State. If you’re coming from NYC, you’ll also need to close out any EZ-Pass accounts tied to your NY registration.
You’re leaving four distinct seasons for year-round sunshine. NYC averages 25 inches of snow annually; LA gets zero. NYC winters drop to the 20s-30s°F; LA’s ‘winter’ bottoms out around 50°F. What you gain in weather, you lose in air quality — LA’s smog can be an adjustment. Also, you’ll miss thunderstorms more than you expect.
Despite LA’s reputation, it’s actually cheaper than Manhattan in most categories. Rent in LA averages 15-25% less than comparable Manhattan apartments. However, LA requires a car (budget $300-$600/month for payment, insurance, gas, and parking), which offsets some housing savings. California’s state income tax tops out at 13.3% compared to New York State’s 10.9% plus NYC’s additional 3.876%. Groceries are comparable.
FAQs
Carriers typically take one of two routes: the southern route via I-78 to I-81 to I-40 West through Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona; or the northern route via I-80 West through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. The route depends on the carrier’s other pickups and deliveries along the way.
Most NYC co-ops and condos require advance reservation for elevator use, specific move-out hours (often weekdays only, 9 AM to 5 PM), and certificate of insurance from the moving carrier. Some buildings charge a move-out deposit ($500-$1,000 refundable). Your coordinator handles the insurance certificate and helps you navigate building requirements.
It depends on the value of your belongings. For a studio or 1-bedroom move, sometimes selling and rebuying makes financial sense — especially for IKEA-level furniture. For a 2+ bedroom move with quality furniture, moving is almost always cheaper than replacing everything. Your coordinator can help you run the numbers during the estimate process.
Reviews
Related Routes
Join 1,000+ families who chose Quick Ship Van Lines for a stress-free move. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you in 30–60 minutes with a free, no-obligation estimate.
