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If you're moving from Los Angeles to Dallas, you're already doing the math. At 1,435 miles, this is a serious haul — and the financial difference between the two cities is large enough that most people making this move notice it within the first few months. Lower taxes, cheaper housing, a tighter job market. The pull is real.
What I want to give you here is straight information: what the move actually costs, which movers have earned solid reputations on this route, and what you need to know before you land in Texas.
Finding a reliable long-distance mover out of Los Angeles for a 1,435-mile haul takes some work. I went through 102 LA-based movers who handle interstate moves to identify the ones consistently delivering for customers headed to Dallas.
Here's the shortlist:
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | (323) 483-4288
88% positive | 12% negative Yelp reviews (28) · Google reviews (60) · BBB: Grade A+
Seka's reputation is built on efficiency. Customers frequently mention moves finishing ahead of schedule, careful handling of belongings, and crews that actually communicate — which is more of a differentiator in this industry than it should be. The 88% positive rate across reviews is solid. The negative 12% tends to cluster around damaged items and disputes that didn't get resolved well. That's the main caution: most moves go fine, but if something goes wrong, getting it made right can be a challenge.
State license: 0192497 | DOT: 3014539 | 7 years in business
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | (323) 519-2845
80% positive | 20% negative Yelp reviews (315) · Google reviews (245) · BBB: Grade A+
With 522 reviews across platforms, Rigo's has a sample size large enough to be meaningful. The 80% positive rate holds across Yelp and Google — customers tend to praise fast loading and unloading, professional crews, and careful handling of furniture and fragile items. The 20% negative reviews point to a few recurring problems: furniture or property damage, unexpected fees added to final bills, and some late arrivals. A handful of customers specifically mentioned being billed for hours not worked. If you book Rigo's, get the estimate in writing and confirm what triggers additional charges before move day.
State license: 0191663 | DOT: 3075110 | 11 years in business
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage
6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 | (866) 266-8751
85% positive | 14% negative Yelp reviews (155) · Google reviews (231) · BBB: Grade A+
Sterling has been operating for 33 years, and the 85% positive rate across 362 reviews reflects that institutional experience. Customers call out professionalism, careful handling, and competitive pricing — particularly on smaller moves, where Sterling seems to have a real edge. The criticisms center on missed delivery windows and a few incidents involving lost or missing items. Not disqualifying, but worth noting if you're moving anything irreplaceable. For a Dallas move with a modest household load, Sterling is a strong candidate.
State license: 0189566 | DOT: 568254 | 33 years in business
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | (213) 622-7767
92% positive | 6% negative Yelp reviews (1,029) · Google reviews (766) · BBB: Grade A+
NorthStar has the largest review volume on this list — nearly 1,800 reviews across platforms — and a 92% positive rate is hard to argue with. Customers consistently cite on-time arrivals, protective handling, and crews that communicate clearly throughout the move. Pricing is generally seen as fair for the service level. The 6% negative feedback covers damaged items, final bills higher than estimated, and some friction in the claims process. What I'd tell a friend: NorthStar is one of the more reliable options for this route, but read your estimate carefully and flag anything vague on pricing before you sign.
State license: 0182466 | DOT: 1836576 | 7 years in business
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
2466 E 16th St Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90021 | (323) 827-8950
71% positive | 29% negative Google reviews (65) · BBB: Grade A+
Best Fit Movers outperforms a lot of local competition, but the 29% negative rate is the highest on this list. Positive feedback focuses on efficient service and careful handling. Complaints center on damaged furniture, unexpected charges, and unresolved billing disputes. The review volume is also lower than the others, which means ratings can swing more easily. I'd consider Best Fit for a smaller, lower-stakes move — and approach with more caution for a full-household cross-country haul.
State license: 0191680 | DOT: 3051481 | 7 years in business
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
This distance puts the route squarely in full-service mover territory for most people, though containers and truck rentals are viable if you're willing to trade money for effort. Before you contact anyone, use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized ballpark based on your actual home size and timing.
Here's the range across the three main options:
| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,169 – $4,873 | $889 – $2,275 | $814 – $1,655 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,675 – $6,057 | $1,705 – $3,485 | $916 – $1,912 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,988 – $8,986 | $2,138 – $4,376 | $1,132 – $2,220 |
Ranges are approximations for a 1,435-mile move based on verified rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with shipment weight, access conditions, fuel surcharges, and timing.
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect professional moving companies to quote somewhere between $1,169 and $4,873. The wide range reflects differences in volume, company, and move date. A two- or three-bedroom move typically runs $2,675 to $6,057. Large four-plus bedroom households are usually looking at $4,988 to $8,986.
Moving containers give you flexibility on timing — you pack at your own pace, and the container company handles the transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $889 to $2,275. A two- or three-bedroom move runs $1,705 to $3,485. Four-bedroom and larger households will typically land in the $2,138 to $4,376 range. PODS and similar services are worth pricing out if your schedule allows for a broader delivery window.
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper, but you're trading money for time, physical effort, and 1,435 miles of driving through the desert. For a studio or one-bedroom, rentals typically run $814 to $1,655. A two- or three-bedroom move usually costs $916 to $1,912. Four-bedroom and larger moves range from $1,132 to $2,220. These estimates factor in average fuel costs.
The financial case for this move is strong. Dallas runs about 52% cheaper than Los Angeles for a single person and 39% cheaper for a family of four. Monthly living costs for one person average $2,828 in Dallas versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it's $7,793 compared to $12,720.
Here's the direct comparison:
| Los Angeles | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $1,616 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $3,504 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $303,900 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $68,291 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $2,828 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation
A few numbers worth spelling out:
Here's how everyday expenses compare:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $227.04 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $76.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $3.76 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $3.64 |
| Fast food / casual meal | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $41.69 |
One counter-intuitive data point: utilities and cell phone plans are actually cheaper in Los Angeles. Dallas summers drive up cooling costs. Groceries and dining out are cheaper in Dallas across the board, though.
| Los Angeles | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 1,304,379 |
| Transit score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 46 |
| Bike-friendliness score | 59 | 49 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 51.4 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 48.6 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
Dallas is a car city. The transit score of 6 versus LA's 8, combined with a walkability score of 46 versus 69, tells the story. If you've been walking or taking the Metro in LA, budget for more driving and, if you don't already own one, a reliable car. If you need to ship a vehicle to Dallas, factor that into your total moving budget before you compare quotes.
The upside: air quality in Dallas is rated Good compared to Moderate in Los Angeles, and crime rates between the two cities are roughly comparable.
Once you're settled in Dallas, the neighborhoods vary more than people expect coming from LA. Here's a starting point.
Dallas has more going on than its reputation suggests:
Spring and fall. Weather is manageable in both cities, and you'll avoid the peak-season surge that pushes prices up between June and August.
Winter. Demand drops in January and February, movers are more available, and there's more room to negotiate. The tradeoff is that late November and December can get complicated around the holidays.
The 1,435-mile trip typically means a delivery window of three to eight days with a full-service mover. Some companies offer expedited service — ask about it upfront, since it's rarely advertised. If your new place isn't ready when your stuff arrives, ask about short-term storage options in Dallas before you commit to a mover.
Some movers on this route offer savings worth asking about. Among those serving the LA-to-Dallas corridor: one offers AAA member pricing, two offer military discounts, and two extend reduced rates to seniors. Availability varies, so verify directly with the company — these programs aren't always prominently listed.
Yes, but not every mover handles them. In Los Angeles, 82 movers are equipped for piano moves and 71 handle antique transport. Statewide in California, those numbers grow to 296 piano movers and 227 antique movers. Always confirm a company's specific experience with your item type — and ask how they handle claims if something gets damaged.
Get multiple quotes before you commit to anyone. Prices vary more than people expect on long-distance routes, and it takes less than an hour to compare three or four legitimate estimates. Start with our moving cost calculator to get a working number, then request quotes from at least three movers.
If you're weighing other Texas destinations, the Los Angeles to Houston guide has a full breakdown for that route. The Los Angeles to Austin guide covers a slightly shorter haul with a different city profile. And if someone in your life is making the return trip, the Dallas to Los Angeles guide covers that direction in full.
