San Diego, CA → Los Angeles, CA · about 120 miles

Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles: cost and free quotes

A move from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is about 120 miles, roughly 2 hours of driving. For a 2-bedroom home, a short in-state move typically costs $700–$1,600. Tell us about your move and we’ll match you with a licensed moving partner for this route. It’s free.

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San Diego to Los Angeles moving cost by home size

Short in-state moves are usually priced by the hour. These estimates add a typical crew’s loading and unloading time to the 2-hour drive between the two cities:

Home sizeTypical crewEstimated cost
Studio2 movers, 3–5 h$400 – $800
1 bedroom2 movers, 3–5 h$400 – $800
2 bedrooms3 movers, 5–7 h$700 – $1,600
3 bedrooms4 movers, 7–10 h$1,200 – $2,800
4+ bedrooms4–5 movers, 9–12 h$1,600 – $3,500

Estimates use crew sizes, loading hours and hourly rates from the MovingRated movers hourly rates guide (June 2026), plus the drive at the crew’s hourly rate, rounded to the nearest $100. Some movers also charge travel time from their depot, or price longer in-state moves by weight. These are not MoveLeads quotes; your mover prices your actual move.

What changes the price

  • Hours. Short moves are priced by crew size and time, so packing ahead and having everything ready cuts the bill.
  • Season. May to September is peak season and costs the most. October to April is usually cheaper.
  • Timing. Weekdays and mid-month dates cost less than weekends and month-end. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead can save 10 to 20%.
  • Extras. Packing, stairs, long carries from the truck, shuttle trucks and heavy items like pianos or safes add to the bill.

Season and booking figures from the Sirelo long-distance moving cost guide.

Moving to Los Angeles: what to know

Some Los Angeles streets need a temporary parking permit for a moving truck, and traffic can stretch a load-out day. Book a weekday morning start if you can.

Leaving San Diego

San Diego weather is mild year-round, so there is no bad-weather season to avoid. Some neighborhoods need a temporary parking permit for a moving truck.

Before you book a mover

  1. Check the mover’s California license or registration where required, and ask for proof of insurance.
  2. Ask for an in-home or video survey, not a phone guess. Estimates based on a real look at your home are more accurate.
  3. Ask for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate so the price can’t jump on delivery day.
  4. Never pay a large deposit in cash. A big upfront demand is a common sign of a moving scam.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Los Angeles?

For about 120 miles, expect roughly $400–$800 for a studio, $700–$1,600 for a 2-bedroom home and $1,600–$3,500 for 4 or more bedrooms. Short in-state moves are usually priced by the hour, so the crew size, hours and drive time set the price.

How long does a move from San Diego to Los Angeles take?

The drive is about 120 miles, roughly 2 hours. Most in-state moves this size are loaded, driven and unloaded in one or two days, depending on home size.

What is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Los Angeles?

Peak moving season runs from May to September, when prices are highest. Moving from October to April, on a weekday, and away from the end of the month usually costs less. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead can also lower the price.

What license does a mover need for this move?

This move stays inside California, so state rules apply. Check that the mover is licensed or registered with the state where required, and ask for proof of insurance before you book.

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