los angeles to phoenix

---
title: "Moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix: Costs, Best Movers & What to Know"
description: "Real cost estimates and top-rated mover reviews for the 371-mile Los Angeles to Phoenix move. What you'll pay and what to expect in Phoenix."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix", "Los Angeles to Phoenix movers", "LA to Phoenix moving cost", "moving companies Los Angeles", "California to Arizona movers", "Phoenix relocation guide", "long distance movers Los Angeles"]
---

If you're moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix, the math probably already makes sense to you — lower rent, lower taxes, lower everything except the summer heat. At 371 miles, this route is short enough that a rental truck tempts you, but long enough that putting your furniture in the hands of an unreliable mover stings.

I looked at local LA movers who handle long-distance runs to Phoenix and pulled together the ones worth calling. Below you'll also find real cost ranges, a detailed city comparison, and the logistics details that catch people off guard.

Before you start collecting quotes, use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a baseline number for your home size.

---

## Top-rated movers for your Los Angeles to Phoenix move

Finding [long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) in LA who actually handle interstate jobs reliably takes some filtering. A lot of companies list Arizona as a service area without much experience running that route. Here's where I'd start:

1. Seka Moving — 4.64 / 5
2. Rigo's Moving Company Inc — 4.66 / 5
3. Sterling Van Lines — 4.70 / 5
4. NorthStar Moving Company — 4.52 / 5
5. Best Fit Movers — 4.50 / 5

---

## Seka Moving

**355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071**
**88% positive | 12% negative**
4.6 / 5 — [Yelp (28 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/seka-moving-los-angeles) | [Google (60 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=seka+moving+los+angeles+ca) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york-city/profile/moving-companies/seka-moving-0121-172591)

Seka consistently gets praised for professional, careful crews who finish ahead of schedule. Damage-free delivery comes up repeatedly, and customers specifically note that communication is responsive — which matters on an interstate run where you're driving separately from your stuff. The 12% negative reviews mostly involve damage disputes and complaint resolution that didn't land well. Those complaints are relatively rare, but worth knowing if you're moving fragile or high-value items.

**Phone:** (323) 483-4288
**State License:** 0192497 | **DOT:** 3014539 | **Years in Business:** 7

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders. Deposit required.

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## Rigo's Moving Company Inc

**4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023**
**80% positive | 20% negative**
4.6 / 5 — [Yelp (315 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/rigos-moving-and-storage-inc-los-angeles) | [Google (245 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Rigo%27s+Moving+Company+Inc+Los+Angeles%2C+CA) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/rigos-moving-company-inc-1216-897937)

With over 500 reviews split 80/20 positive, Rigo's has a bigger sample than most LA operators. People highlight efficient loading and unloading, professional crews, and careful handling of furniture. Where things go sideways: unexpected fees, late arrivals, and a few accounts of being charged for hours not worked. That 20% negative rate is higher than I'd like, and billing surprises show up often enough to be a pattern. Rigo's is a legitimate option with real experience, but get your quote in writing and confirm every line item before the truck shows up.

**Phone:** (323) 519-2845
**State License:** 0191663 | **DOT:** 3075110 | **Years in Business:** 11

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage. Accepts credit cards.

---

## Sterling Van Lines

**6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201**
**85% positive | 14% negative**
4.7 / 5 — [Yelp (155 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/sterling-van-lines-bell-gardens) | [Google (231 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Sterling+Van+Lines+6850+Suva+St+Bell+Gardens) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/bell-gardens/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/sterling-van-lines-1216-13027301)

Thirty-three years in business tells you Sterling isn't going anywhere. Their 4.7 rating across 362 reviews holds up: professional crews, competitive pricing, careful handling. They specialize in smaller moves, which makes them a natural fit if you're moving a one- or two-bedroom out of LA. The consistent criticism covers delivery estimates that slip, occasional missing items, and communication gaps on longer jobs. Not dealbreakers, but consistent enough to watch.

**Phone:** (866) 266-8751
**State License:** 0189566 | **DOT:** 568254 | **Years in Business:** 33

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders.

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## NorthStar Moving Company

**633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071**
**92% positive | 6% negative**
4.5 / 5 — [Yelp (1,029 reviews)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/northstar-movers-los-angeles-3) | [Google (766 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=northstar+moving+company+633+W.+5th+Street+Los+Angeles) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/moving-companies/northstar-movers-1216-1652998)

NorthStar has the largest review sample on this list — 1,215 total — and a 92% positive rate. That combination is meaningful. Customers call out punctuality, careful handling, and office staff who actually stay in contact during the move, all of which matter more on a long-distance job than a local one. Rates are generally seen as competitive for the quality delivered. The 6% negative feedback comes down to final charges running higher than estimated and a claims process some customers found frustrating. Given the volume of moves they do, those numbers are relatively contained.

**Phone:** (213) 622-7767
**State License:** 0182466 | **DOT:** 1836576 | **Years in Business:** 7

**Services:** Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Accepts credit cards and cash.

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## Best Fit Movers

**2466 E 16th St Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90021**
**71% positive | 29% negative**
4.5 / 5 — [Google (65 reviews)](https://www.google.com/search?q=best+fit+movers+los+angeles+ca) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-diego/profile/moving-companies/best-fit-movers-1126-172020142)

Most customers report quick, careful service from Best Fit — professional crews, no major drama. The 29% negative rate is higher than I'd want to see, and the complaints are consistent: furniture damage, unexpected charges, and billing disputes that went unresolved. They're not a bad company, but at that negative rate, the downside scenario is real. If you book them, document everything before moving day and get your final price locked in writing.

**Phone:** (323) 827-8950
**State License:** 0191680 | **DOT:** 3051481 | **Years in Business:** 7

**Services:** Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit cards and cash. Deposit required.

---

## How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Phoenix?

[California](/movers/california) movers average around $129 per hour for local work. On this 371-mile interstate run, here's what the three main options look like across home sizes:

| Move size | Full-service movers | [Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) | [Rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $949 – $2,837 | $624 – $1,351 | $334 – $574 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,571 – $4,678 | $1,088 – $2,096 | $345 – $695 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,545 – $6,018 | $1,496 – $2,564 | $445 – $865 |

*Estimates are for the 371-mile LA to Phoenix route as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on shipment size, access issues, fuel rates, and scheduling. Get quotes from multiple movers before committing.*

### Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Phoenix

For a studio or one-bedroom, [full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers) will typically run between **$949 and $2,837**. Two- to three-bedroom homes land between **$1,571 and $4,678**. If you're moving a four-bedroom or larger, plan for **$2,545 to $6,018**.

Those ranges are wide because they reflect everything from a sparsely furnished apartment to a fully packed house. The actual number depends on volume, access at both ends, and whether you need packing services. Get at least three quotes.

### Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Phoenix

The container model — you pack, they transport — sits between hiring movers and doing everything yourself. Studio or one-bedroom runs **$624 to $1,351**. Two- to three-bedroom moves land at **$1,088 to $2,096**. Four bedrooms and up: **$1,496 to $2,564**.

Pricing on containers varies more than people expect on this route, so compare a few companies directly.

### Cost of moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Phoenix

The truck rental option is cheapest on paper, but you're handling everything — loading, driving 371 miles of desert highway, and unloading on the other end. Studio or one-bedroom: **$334 to $574**. Two- to three-bedroom: **$345 to $695**. Four-bedroom or larger: **$445 to $865**. These estimates include average fuel costs.

If you've never driven a 26-foot truck through the Mojave in August, think carefully about whether the savings are worth it.

### Key factors that affect your Los Angeles to Phoenix moving cost

- **Home size:** The single biggest driver. A one-bedroom averages around $1,278; a four-bedroom can hit $5,277.
- **Season:** Summer is peak moving season in LA. Rates go up and availability tightens. Fall and winter are meaningfully cheaper.
- **DIY vs. professional:** Rental trucks range from $334 to $774 on this route, but the physical effort and logistical risk are yours to absorb.

---

## What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Phoenix

The financial case for leaving LA is hard to argue with. Phoenix runs about 59% cheaper for both singles and families — not a small rounding error.

Monthly costs for a single person average $2,369 in Phoenix versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it's $5,226 in Phoenix compared to $12,720 in LA.

| | Los Angeles | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $411,139 |
| Per capita income | $74,993 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |

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

A few things worth calling out directly:

- **Rent** is about 43% cheaper in Phoenix. You'll feel that immediately.
- **Home prices** are roughly 83% lower — $411K median vs. $2.3M in LA. If you're looking to buy, the math shifts dramatically.
- **Income** averages about 14% lower in Phoenix. Account for that before you walk away from an LA salary.
- **State income tax** drops from 13.3% in California to 2.5% in [Arizona](/movers/arizona). For most households, that's thousands of dollars a year.
- **Unemployment** in Phoenix runs about 38% lower than in LA, a reasonable signal of job market health if you're relocating without a position locked in.
- **Sales taxes** are slightly lower in Phoenix (8.6% vs. 9.5%).

Here's how everyday expenses compare on the ground:

| Expense | Los Angeles | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.18 |
| Fast food meal | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $34.08 |

Worth noting: utilities actually run *higher* in Phoenix ($256 vs. $193). Air conditioning in the desert is a real expense. Everything else — food, dining, fitness — comes in cheaper.

### How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Phoenix

| | Los Angeles | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 1,608,139 |
| Transit score | 8 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Walkability score | 69 / 100 | 41 / 100 |
| Bike-friendliness score | 56 | 59 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |

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

Phoenix is smaller — about 58% less population. It's also considerably less walkable (41 vs. 69) and more car-dependent than LA, which is already saying something. Transit is weaker too. If you rely on public transportation, that's not a minor trade-off. Crime and safety scores are nearly identical between the two cities. Air quality is moderate in both — Phoenix has its dust and summer ozone issues; LA has, well, LA.

Bike-friendliness scores are comparable (59 vs. 56), so if you ride, Phoenix holds up fine.

### Other things to consider before your Los Angeles to Phoenix move

- **HOA rules:** Phoenix-area neighborhoods have active HOAs. Check community policies on move-in timing, truck access, and noise before you schedule anything.
- **Elevator reservation:** If your current building has a freight elevator, reserve it early — popular weekend slots go fast.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some LA streets require permits for large moving vehicles. Check with the city before your move date to avoid delays.
- **State licensing in Arizona:** Arizona isn't a heavily regulated state for movers, but local operators still fall under Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures oversight. Verify your mover is properly licensed before signing a contract.
- **State regulator:** Arizona's public utilities commission provides official license verification for movers operating in the state.
- **Moving permits:** Arizona doesn't require moving permits, but confirm local parking rules at both your origin and destination.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change-of-address form at least one week before your move date so mail follows you to Phoenix without a gap.
- **Moving insurance:** Released Value Protection is included at no charge, but the coverage is minimal — 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV gets you $15 if it's damaged. For anything valuable, ask your mover about full-value protection or look into third-party coverage before moving day.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to stay organized from the quote stage through final delivery.

---

## Where to live in Phoenix

Once you get past the sprawl, Arizona's capital city has distinct neighborhoods worth researching before you commit to a zip code.

### Best neighborhoods for singles

- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain

### Best neighborhoods for families

- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale

### Things to do in Phoenix

Phoenix has more going on than its heat-and-golf reputation implies:

- **Arts and culture:** The Musical Instrument Museum is genuinely one of the best in the country. The Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children's Museum of Phoenix round out a solid cultural core.
- **Outdoor recreation:** Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park all offer trails and open space. The surrounding desert has hiking that most of California can't match.
- **Sports:** Cardinals (NFL), Diamondbacks (MLB), Suns (NBA), Coyotes (NHL), Mercury (WNBA), Rattlers (IFL), and Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship) — if you want live sports year-round, Phoenix delivers.

*Source: AttractionsofAmerica*

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## FAQ

### When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Phoenix?

Spring or fall. Weather is manageable at both ends, demand is lower than summer, and you'll have more flexibility getting the dates and movers you want. Summer is peak season in LA — rates climb and availability tightens.

### When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Phoenix?

Winter. Most people moving this route cluster in spring and fall, so winter is when movers have more open capacity and more reason to negotiate on price. If your timeline is flexible, that's when to push.

### How long does a move from Los Angeles to Phoenix take?

The 371-mile haul typically puts a moving truck on-site within one to four days, depending on the company's load schedule and delivery window. Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited service if you're on a hard deadline. If your move-in and move-out dates don't line up, ask specifically about short-term storage options in Phoenix before you book.

### Are there discounts available from Los Angeles movers?

Some companies on this route offer reduced rates for AAA members, military personnel, and seniors. Availability and specifics vary — always confirm in writing before booking. Discounts aren't always advertised upfront.

### Do Los Angeles movers handle pianos and antiques on a Phoenix move?

Most of the established operators do. In Los Angeles, 82 movers are equipped for piano transport and 71 handle antiques. Across California there are 296 piano movers and 227 antique specialists. Always confirm the mover's specific experience, packing methods, and insurance coverage for high-value or fragile items before you sign anything.

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If you're coming from further north, check out our [San Francisco to Phoenix movers guide](/movers/san-francisco-to-phoenix) for a comparison on rates and logistics.

Get quotes from at least three movers before committing — the spread between the lowest and highest bid on this route can top $1,000 for the same home size.