los angeles to seattle

---
title: "Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle: Costs, Top Movers & What to Know"
description: "Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle? Real cost estimates, top mover reviews, and a cost-of-living breakdown for this 1,134-mile relocation."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Los Angeles to Seattle", "Los Angeles to Seattle movers", "Los Angeles to Seattle moving cost", "long distance movers Los Angeles", "moving companies Los Angeles Seattle", "LA to Seattle relocation", "moving from LA to Seattle"]
---

If you're moving from Los Angeles to Seattle, you're already aware that this isn't a short haul — it's 1,134 miles north along the coast, and it deserves some real planning. The financial case for this move is stronger than people expect: Seattle runs about 36% cheaper for singles and 23% cheaper for families compared to LA, and Washington has no state income tax, which quietly adds up fast.

This guide covers the best movers I'd consider for this specific route, realistic cost ranges across service types, and everything worth knowing about the transition before you hand over your deposit.

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## Best Movers for the Los Angeles to Seattle Route

Finding a quality [long-distance mover](/best/long-distance-movers) in LA that handles the Seattle run well isn't automatic. Not every operation has the logistics infrastructure for a move this size this far north. I reviewed over 100 [California](/movers/california) moving companies with verified interstate capabilities, scoring them on price, customer review patterns, and reliability on long hauls.

Here's who I'd put at the top of the list:

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 | (323) 483-4288**
State License #: 0192497 | DOT #: 3014539 | 7 years in business

**Review snapshot:** 88% positive / 12% negative | [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/seka-moving-los-angeles) (28) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=seka+moving+los+angeles+ca) (60) | [BBB Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york-city/profile/moving-companies/seka-moving-0121-172591)

Seka earns consistent praise for what matters most: crews that show up prepared, handle fragile items carefully, and — this is rarer than it sounds — actually finish ahead of schedule. An 88% positive rate reflects a company that takes the job seriously. Customers repeatedly flag responsive communication and flexibility when timing shifts.

The 12% negative feedback mostly involves damaged items and friction in the claims process. Not unusual for the industry, but if you're moving anything of significant value, sort out your coverage before the truck is loaded.

**Services offered:** 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 card, cash, money order. Deposit required.

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### Rigo's Moving Company Inc

**4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | (323) 519-2845**
State License #: 0191663 | DOT #: 3075110 | 11 years in business

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

Eleven years in the business and over 560 reviews across platforms — Rigo's has a real track record. An 80% positive rate is above average for the industry, and customers frequently highlight efficient crews, careful handling of furniture, and strong communication on moving day.

Where it gets complicated: some customers report unexpected fees, late arrivals, and charges for time not actually worked. What I'd tell a friend here is to nail down every line item in the quote in writing before signing. If the billing is clear upfront, most people leave happy.

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

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### Sterling Van Lines

**6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 | (866) 266-8751**
State License #: 0189566 | DOT #: 568254 | 33 years in business

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

Thirty-three years in business is a real differentiator on a route like this. Sterling's reputation is built on professionalism, careful handling, and pricing that holds up — especially on smaller loads. An 85% positive rate across 362 reviews is solid, and customers frequently mention items arriving undamaged.

The complaints are mostly about delivery timing and getting status updates during transit. On a 1,100-mile move, window communication matters — ask about it directly before you book. The claims process has also drawn some criticism from the less satisfied customers.

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

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### NorthStar Moving Company

**633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | (213) 622-7767**
State License #: 0182466 | DOT #: 1836576 | 7 years in business

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

This is the most substantial review profile on this list: over 1,200 verified reviews with a 92% positive rate. That combination — volume and satisfaction — is hard to fake. Customers consistently mention crews that arrive on time, communicate well, and price fairly relative to the competition.

The 6% negative feedback includes damaged items, billing discrepancies, and a claims process that can be difficult to navigate. Those concerns don't disappear just because the positive rate is high. Cover your items properly before the move. NorthStar also handles international moves, which is useful if you have items coming from or going abroad.

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

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### Best Fit Movers

**2466 E 16th St Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90021 | (323) 827-8950**
State License #: 0191680 | DOT #: 3051481 | 7 years in business

**Review snapshot:** 71% positive / 29% negative | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=best+fit+movers+los+angeles+ca) (65) | [BBB Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-diego/profile/moving-companies/best-fit-movers-1126-172020142)

Best Fit offers a broad range of specialty capabilities — pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, antiques — and their pricing is competitive. But a 29% negative rate is high enough to register. Complaints center on furniture damage, unexpected charges, and unresolved claims. The review volume is also relatively thin compared to others on this list.

Worth getting a quote from, but compare it carefully against the others before committing to a move this long.

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

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

Movers in California average around $129 per hour for local work, but long-distance pricing is driven by weight, distance, and the services you add. Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a number based on your actual load size — the ranges below are a solid starting point, but your specific inventory matters.

Here's what this 1,134-mile route typically costs across the three main service types:

| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|-----------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,178 – $4,808 | $809 – $2,078 | $683 – $1,352 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,482 – $5,631 | $1,434 – $3,049 | $760 – $1,545 |
| 4+ BR | $4,289 – $8,164 | $2,000 – $3,950 | $899 – $1,958 |

*Estimates based on pricing data for this route as of January 2026. Fuel costs are included in truck rental ranges. Final pricing varies based on shipment weight, access conditions, optional services, and schedule. Get quotes from at least three companies before you commit.*

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

For a studio or one-bedroom, a [full-service mover](/best/full-service-movers) runs $1,178 to $4,808. That range is wide because crew size, packing services, and timing all push the number around significantly. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically land between $2,482 and $5,631. Larger households — four bedrooms and up — run $4,289 to $8,164.

Full-service means they load, transport, and unload. Add packing and unpacking, and the price climbs. If you have high-value items like art, antiques, or a piano, specialty handling adds more.

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

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) split the difference between hiring movers and driving yourself. You handle the loading and unloading; the company manages the transport. For a small load, expect $809 to $2,078. Mid-size households typically run $1,434 to $3,049. Larger moves can reach $2,000 to $3,950.

The trade-off is time: container companies work on their own delivery schedules, and windows can be longer than with a direct mover. Worth confirming the delivery timeline for a move this far north.

### Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Los Angeles to Seattle

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest way to get your stuff from LA to Seattle. Studio and one-bedroom moves run $683 to $1,352, fuel included. Two- to three-bedroom households typically land between $760 and $1,545. Larger homes run $899 to $1,958.

What you're trading for the savings: you're driving a large vehicle 1,134 miles and doing all the loading yourself. For some people, that's fine. For others, it's worth paying more to hand that off.

### What Affects the Cost of Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle

Three variables move the number more than anything else:

- **Volume of belongings:** More weight means higher cost across all service types. A loaded one-bedroom with movers can start around $2,344; larger households push past $7,000 without much trouble.
- **Timing:** Summer is peak season in LA — June through August means higher rates and tighter availability. Spring and fall offer better pricing and more scheduling flexibility.
- **DIY vs. full service:** Truck rentals cost less upfront ($683–$1,958), but the effort and logistics of a 1,100-mile self-move carry their own weight.

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

The financial picture on this move is genuinely favorable. Seattle runs about 36% cheaper than LA for a single person, and 23% cheaper for a family of four. Income levels are close between the two cities, so that gap largely converts into more money staying in your pocket each month.

| | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $842,068 |
| Per capita income | $74,993 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0% |

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

A few things worth calling out:

- **Rent** is about 11% lower for a one-bedroom in Seattle. Three-bedroom rents actually run slightly higher in Seattle than LA, so if you're upsizing, don't assume rent will drop.
- **Home values** show the biggest gap: Seattle's median home value is about 64% lower than LA's. If buying is on your horizon, that changes the math considerably.
- **Income** is within 5% between the two cities, so your earning power transfers well.
- **No state income tax** in [Washington](/movers/washington) is the sleeper benefit. California taxes income up to 13.3%. If you're a salaried worker, freelancer, or have investment income, this difference alone can be worth thousands per year.
- **Sales tax** runs slightly higher in Seattle at 10.35% versus LA's 9.5%. You'll notice it on electronics and large purchases, but it's not a deal-breaker.
- **Unemployment** is roughly 55% lower in Seattle than in LA — a healthy sign if you're relocating for a job search or planning to land work after you arrive.

Here's how specific day-to-day costs compare:

| Expense | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---------|-------------|---------|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.84 |
| Casual meal (one person) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | $100.00 | $