As smoke cleared from the 2025 LA wildfires, droves of Angelenos boxed up their California dreams for a cross-country exodus to the Northeast. So, where are these former LA residents putting down roots? For many, it’s as simple as three iconic letters: NYC. Whether you’re Whether you’re ready to leave the smoke and uncertainty behind or chasing new beginnings — or simply ready to leave the smoke and uncertainty behind — if you too want to replace the Hollywood Sign with the Empire State Building, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your roadmap for moving from Los Angeles to New York.
A long-distance move is no small feat, and relocating from California to New York is about as far as you can move in the continental U.S — so here’s all you need to know before heading east to the city that never sleeps.
We’ll break down the current NYC rental market, the weather and climate differences, the NYC job market projections, the main entertainment attractions, and the cost of living in Los Angeles versus New York. Taking these factors into account on the front end will create a much smoother transition when it’s time to hit the road.
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Los Angeles to New York?
It’s no secret —moving across the country isn’t cheap. But the exact amount you’ll spend can fluctuate based on the size of your home, the relocation service you use, and other determining factors. Moving from Los Angeles to New York will cost you about $1,800 on the lowest end (DIY-style) to upwards of $13,000 on the higher end (full-service moving). Here’s an average breakdown to help you crunch the numbers and iron out a realistic budget.
Estimated Cost for Moving from Los Angeles to New York*
Home Size | Rental Truck | Moving Container | Professional Movers |
1-Bedroom | $1,797 – $3,414 | $2,183 – $4,134 | $3,267 – $6,053 |
2-Bedroom | $1,944 – $3,445 | $2,689 – $4,717 | $4,240 – $8,248 |
3-Bedroom | $2,097 – $4,224 | $3,335 – $5,792 | $6,166 – $8,781 |
4-Bedroom | $2,458 – $4,594 | $3,982 – $6,917 | $8,565 – $13,482 |
*Based on rough estimates from MoveBuddha (April 2025), excluding insurance and taxes.
Factors that influence the cost of moving from Los Angeles to New York
Now that we’ve estimated the long-distance moving costs based on averages, let’s discuss some other price-influencing variables, so you can plan and save accordingly.
The weight and volume of your haul
Take inventory of all the items you need to transport. If you’re using professional movers, the total weight and volume of your truck load will impact the cost of moving from Los Angeles to New York. Items that require extra care like pianos, electronics, billiards tables, valuable artwork, or large appliances will also influence the price, so declutter where you can to lighten the haul and curb expenses.
The relocation service you choose
One of the most influential factors on the price of a move is the type of moving solution you choose. There are many options to choose from when moving from Los Angeles to New York — each with their own benefits, drawbacks, and price ranges.
Renting a moving truck tends to be the most affordable way to move long-distance, but it also requires significant time and effort since it’s on you to load and unload the truck as well as drive it across the country.
If you’re looking for a less labor-intensive option, there’s also renting a moving container. It’s pricier than a DIY truck rental, but it will save you the hassle of driving. Movers will drop this container off at your home, then all you have to do is load it. Renting a container usually falls in the middle between renting a moving truck and hiring a full-service company, although that’s not always the case, as you can see above.
Your third choice is hiring full-service movers to do it all for you — this usually costs most out of pocket, but it’s undeniably the most seamless and convenient option. Not only will these movers pack the boxes, they’ll also load the truck, transport everything to NYC, then unload it all in your new home. They can even include packing services in many cases for an additional fee.
The season and timing of your move
The time of year can also influence how much it costs to move. Summers are the busiest time of year for planning a long-distance relocation, so movers tend to charge more during this peak season. Weekend moves can also be pricier. If you’re on a budget or have a flexible schedule, planning your move on a weekday in the fall or winter is a simple way to manage your budget.
Moving from Los Angeles to New York: 7 Things You Should Know
Ready to put that age-old NYC versus LA debate to rest and become a permanent New Yorker? Here are the main considerations to keep in mind when moving from Los Angeles to New York.
1) The cost of living in NYC is higher than the cost of living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles and New York are among the most expensive cities in the U.S., but when you compare NYC versus L.A., Manhattan comes out pricier. The cost of living in NYC is a whopping 130 percent higher than the national average, as opposed to 50 percent for L.A.
So if you think living in Los Angeles is pricey, brace yourself because NYC is 42 percent higher. To put this into context, you’ll spend $11,660 per month in New York to maintain the same quality of life you were able to afford on $8,200 in Los Angeles.
The expensive cost of living in both cities is due to numerous factors such as limited housing inventory, inflated groceries and utilities, and some of the nation’s highest state income taxes (13.3 percent in California and 10.9 percent in New York). So, before you move across the country, make sure the increased cost of living is feasible.
2) The NYC rental market is currently more inflated than Los Angeles
While we’re comparing costs, let’s turn our attention to housing. In the current NYC rental market, a one-bedroom apartment will set you back around $4,437 per month, on average, while a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles will cost around $2,685 per month. Of course, those prices can fluctuate based on where you choose to settle. Certain neighborhoods in NYC boroughs outside of Manhattan, such as Brooklyn or Queens, won’t cost quite as much — $3,590 and $2,800 per month, respectively.
3) The median home values in NYC are less expensive than Los Angeles
If you want to purchase a home after moving from New York to Los Angeles, this could be the right time to do it — both housing markets are expensive, but New York is relatively cheaper. The median sale price in NYC costs $852,500, compared to $1,060,000 in L.A.
4) The NYC job market is more diverse and robust than Los Angeles
After a few rough years due to the post-COVID economic slump, the NYC job market is on an upward trajectory again. With 4,803,700 job positions and a current employment rate of 4.3 percent, career opportunities will be easier to find in New York than in the Los Angeles job market — especially considering L.A.’s unemployment rate is 5.9 percent. Work commutes are also more convenient in NYC, thanks to an excellent public transit system that puts L.A.’s notorious traffic congestion to shame.
When it comes to the top industries, these two cities share considerable overlap—New York and Los Angeles are equally known for entertainment, media, fashion, tourism, hospitality, design, finance, education, healthcare, and technology. In fact, NYC has emerged as a tech hub due to its “Silicon Alley” corridor in Lower Manhattan’s Flatiron District with companies such as Netflix, Uber, Amazon, Hulu, and Microsoft. Both cities have comparable median salaries, too—but you can expect to earn slightly more in NYC ($73,950 versus $72,384 in L.A.).
5) The weather and climate in NYC are much different from Los Angeles
New York has a subtropical climate with humid summers that hover between 80–90 degrees, followed by long, cold winters that can drop below 35 degrees. New Yorkers will enjoy about 224 days of sunshine with 47 inches of rain and 25 inches of snow per year. Due to NYC’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, hurricanes are a concern (just ask anyone who faced Hurricane Sandy back in 2012). But overall, natural disasters are less common here than in California, and you’ll experience four distinct seasons—think: blustery autumns perfect for breaking out your favorite boots, and breezy springs made for sundresses.
As you already know, Los Angeles has a more temperate Mediterranean climate with warm 85-degree summers and short, mild winters that rarely drop below 45 degrees. L.A. boasts 284 days of sunshine with just 16 inches of rain and zero inches of snow per year. While Angelenos used to year-round “beach weather” might find New York winters harsh at first, the risk of wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides is much lower in NYC.
6) The overall crime rate in NYC is slightly lower than Los Angeles
Both New York and Los Angeles are known for their high crime rates — but L.A. is in another stratosphere. The total amount of Los Angeles crimes exceed the national average by 61 percent, versus NYC which is 34 percent above the national average. Granted, that’s a high number as well, but most criminal activities occur within small pockets of the city. Here’s a rundown of the safest NYC neighborhoods and the areas to be cautious of.
Safest neighborhoods in New York
Tribeca, Manhattan
Battery Park City, Manhattan
Chelsea, Manhattan
Highest crime rate areas in New York
East Harlem, Manhattan
Brownsville, Brooklyn
Mott Haven, The Bronx
7) The NYC entertainment scene is just as vibrant as Los Angeles
The iconic landmarks, attractions, and nightlife hotspots in New York need no introduction. There’s a reason it tops the list of global travel destinations. Of course, L.A. is the entertainment capital of the world — home to Hollywood studios, the storied Sunset Strip music scene, and world-class museums like The Getty and LACMA — but NYC matches the energy with Broadway, off-Broadway, and world-famous galleries around every corner.
If you’re a foodie, savor dim sum in Chinatown, pizza in Little Italy, nitro cold brew in Soho, and bagels in the Lower East Side. If you’re a culture buff, meander through exhibits of priceless artwork at MOMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or catch a new musical on Broadway. Sports fan? Cheer on the two-time NBA champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden. If outdoor adventures are your thing, stroll across The Highline and explore the trails in Central Park. If you’re in the mood for nightlife, check out the piano bars in Greenwich Village, dance clubs in Chelsea, or rooftop lounges in Midtown. And that’s just scratching the surface!
Final Verdict: Is It Better to Live in NYC or L.A.?
Living in New York City is the better choice if you want classic urban vibes with world-class entertainment and unmatched career opportunities, with a respite from the intense climate disasters, congested traffic, and high crime rates of Los Angeles. But like anywhere else, New York also has its share of potential drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of living in NYC versus L.A.
Pros of moving from Los Angeles to New York:
The NYC job market is diverse and robust.
Home values in NYC are cheaper than L.A.
Living in NYC exposes you to all four seasons.
NYC has one of the best public transit systems in the world.
The crime rate in NYC is lower than in L.A.
You’ll find top-notch entertainment in NYC.
You’ll spend less time in traffic.
Cons of moving from Los Angeles to New York:
The NYC rental market is higher than L.A.
NYC has humid summers and harsh winters.
The cost of living in NYC is extremely inflated.
Space is much harder to come by — apartments are often smaller and more expensive.
The cost of living overall is higher.
There’s less access to year-round nature.
The pace of life and sheer noise of the city is more intense — some find it energizing, others exhausting.
Parking and insurance rates make owning a car impractical and expensive.
Is the Empire State calling your name? Check out our New York guides to learn more about relocating to New York: |
Colonial Van Lines Will Handle Your Move in a New York Minute
If you’re drawn to an exhilarating urban lifestyle with world-class entertainment and lucrative career opportunities — and the steep cost of living isn’t a deal-breaker for you — then moving from Los Angeles to New York is a fantastic idea.
When it’s time for your East Coast relocation, let Colonial Van Lines tackle the logistics for you. With more than 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, our team of expert movers will take care of all the details — including loading, driving, and unloading — ensure a smooth transition to your new home in the Big Apple. Contact us for a free moving quote today!