Best Houston to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Houston to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,548 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 53 Houston to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Best California Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Houston compared to Los Angeles. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Houston to Los Angeles Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
2Moving Pro, Inc.9.469.01Authorized For Property, HHG
3Pinpoint Movers8.779.23Authorized For HHG
4Right Rate Movers of Houston8.688.59Active
5Go Movers8.519.1Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Houston to Los Angeles?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,548 miles from Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $3,098 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Houston to Los Angeles move is roughly $7,462. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,080300 ft³$6.93
1 Bedroom$3,098450 ft³$6.88
2 Bedrooms$5,125750 ft³$6.83
3 Bedrooms$7,4621100 ft³$6.78
4 Bedrooms$10,7741600 ft³$6.73
5+ Bedrooms$12,0311800 ft³$6.68
*Please note: These Texas to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TX to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Houston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Houston to Los Angeles Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 2,643+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Moving Pro, Inc. Logo

Moving Pro, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 1,253+ data points

557 Vernon Ave

Venice, CA, 90291

About Moving Pro, Inc.

Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Car Transportation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1864442 / 675888

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved26,800 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.77/10
based on 2,169+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.68/10
based on 3,455+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
4
G

Go Movers

Fabulous8.51/10
based on 365+ data points

Missouri City, TX

About Go Movers

Go Movers has been serving as Houston, TX's trusted relocation experts for the past 10 years. They provide both local and...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Nationwide moves
  • Cheap moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3790949 / 1365663

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. To make the transition smoother, this guide offers a neighborhood comparison to help you navigate local neighborhoods between Houston, TX & Los Angeles, CA with more confidence. Identify similar vibes and amenities in these urban landscapes, easing your move.

HoustonLos AngelesHow They're Similar
MontroseSilver LakeArtsy and eclectic with vibrant nightlife
River OaksBeverly HillsUpscale living with luxury shopping
The HeightsEcho ParkHistoric homes and trendy shops
West UniversityWestwoodFamily-oriented with a college town vibe
MidtownDowntown LAUrban living with a bustling scene
Museum DistrictMiracle MileCultural hubs featuring numerous museums
Galleria/UptownCentury CityCorporate hub with high-end shopping
MemorialBrentwoodResidential area with beautiful parks
Clear LakeMarina del ReyWaterfront lifestyle with recreational activities
Rice VillageSanta MonicaStreets lined with trendy shops and eateries

If you're drawn to the vibrant arts scene of Montrose, you'll feel right at home in Silver Lake, with its colorful street art and lively bars. Similarly, River Oaks' taste for luxury and elegant residences parallels the opulence found in Beverly Hills. For those who cherish the historic charm and community feel of The Heights, Echo Park offers a vintage vibe and an abundance of boutique shops. If you're moving from the cultural wealth of Houston’s Museum District, you’ll find a similar treasure trove of exhibitions in the Miracle Mile area, where the Los Angeles County Museum of Art stands out as a must-visit. Meanwhile, if you enjoy the residential tranquility and green spaces of Memorial, Brentwood in LA offers a picturesque environment with attractions such as the Getty Center providing panoramic views of the city.

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Things to Do in Los Angeles

  • Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Explore LACMA's art collections
  • Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
  • See contemporary art at The Broad
  • Walk Santa Monica Pier
  • Experience Disneyland
  • Hike in Eaton Canyon

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Houston to Los Angeles

Moving from Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA offers a chance to weigh the aspects of both cities. This comparison is crafted to provide an honest evaluation of the advantages and challenges you might face, highlighting the significant changes in lifestyle, climate, and opportunities this relocation entails.

CONs
PROs
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • High humidity
  • Lower housing costs
  • Fewer job opportunities in entertainment
  • Less diverse dining
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Better entertainment
  • More professional opportunities
  • World-class cuisine
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Fewer public parks
  • Expensive dining
  • Far from beaches
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Affordable housing
  • More green spaces
  • Diverse food scene
  • Access to Gulf Coast

Moving to Los Angeles from Houston means embracing a city renowned for its outdoor entertainment, world-class cuisine, and vast professional opportunities, especially in the entertainment industry. However, this comes with higher living expenses. Los Angeles' dining scene is accelerated by establishments such as Bestia and n/naka, offering an expansive palette from high-end dining to street food. Contrarily, Houston's appeal includes affordable living and extensive green spaces like Discovery Green, yet it might fall short in professional opportunities in entertainment and diverse climate experiences. Whether craving the bustling streets of West Hollywood or the serene parks of Houston, each city offers unique lifestyles worth considering.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Food Guide

When considering a move, the flavors of your new city can greatly influence your lifestyle and happiness. That's why we've created a comparison of the local cuisine between Houston & Los Angeles to help you understand the food scene in your future home.

Houston
Los Angeles
Most iconic local food item
Texas BBQ Brisket
Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Smoked Ribs
Korean BBQ
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Street Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Jackfruit BBQ
Acai Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Killen's BBQ
  • Uchi
  • The Pass & Provisions
  • n/naka
  • Bestia
  • Pizzanista
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Both Houston and Los Angeles offer unique and vibrant food scenes, but they cater to different palates and lifestyles. In Houston, Texas BBQ brisket and smoked ribs dominate the meat scene, with iconic spots like Killen's BBQ where the smoke and flavor run deep. Moving to Los Angeles introduces you to a diverse culinary landscape, influenced by its coastal location and bustling street food scene. Fish tacos and Korean BBQ are staples here, with neighborhoods like Koreatown and the streets of Venice being prime spots to indulge in these favorites. Additionally, LA's emphasis on health and wellness shines through its food, making it a paradise for vegans and health-conscious diners.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison

Food plays an essential role in making a new area feel like home. This comparison chart serves as a guide for those moving from Houston to Los Angeles, helping you find your new favorite eateries based on your existing preferences. From high-end destinations to local gems, discover places where your taste buds will feel right at home.

HoustonLos AngelesWhat You'll Love
UchiSUGARFISH by Sushi NozawaSimilar focus on high-quality sushi and a unique dining experience
The Breakfast KlubRoscoe's House of Chicken and WafflesIconic for its soul food breakfast and comfort vibes
Hugo'sGuelaguetzaAuthentic Oaxacan cuisine that resonates with Hugo's commitment to traditional Mexican flavors
Truth BBQBludso's Bar & QueBoth are known for their authentic BBQ and casual, yet immersive, dining experience
Pappas Bros. SteakhouseCUT by Wolfgang PuckPremium steakhouse offering a similarly upscale dining experience with exceptional meats
Brennan's of HoustonCommander's PalaceSouthern elegance and creole cuisine, capturing the essence of Brennan's
UnderbellyAnimalFocused on innovative, market-driven cuisine, mirroring Underbelly’s commitment to locality and seasonality
Moon Tower InnWurstkücheBoth offer a unique selection of crafted beers and exotic sausages in a laid-back atmosphere
ColtivareOsteria MozzaItalian cuisine with a focus on fresh, garden-to-table ingredients, akin to Coltivare's style
Ninfa's on NavigationEl CompadreTraditional Mexican food with a festive atmosphere, reminiscent of the lively experience at Ninfa's

While Los Angeles offers a diverse and expansive dining scene, newcomers from Houston will find comfort in establishments like SUGARFISH and Guelaguetza, which provide familiar tastes and atmospheres to those left behind in Houston. The transition from Truth BBQ to Bludso's Bar & Que is almost seamless, with both places providing a deep dive into the precision and passion behind their respective barbecue traditions. Meanwhile, the spirit of Coltivare lives on in LA at Osteria Mozza, where the emphasis on garden-fresh ingredients and innovative Italian dishes continues to delight those who appreciate farm-to-table dining. These comparisons not only introduce you to Los Angeles' culinary landscape but also ensure the flavors of Houston are never too far from heart or palate.

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Ready to start your move?

Houston vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's essential to weigh the real estate options thoroughly. Understanding how the Houston vs. Los Angeles housing market compares can illuminate crucial facets of your decision-making process. Below, we've showcased pivotal factors such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle aspects to offer a well-rounded comparison.

Houston
Los Angeles
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch-style, Modern
Modern, Spanish Colonial
Walkability
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Bikeability
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🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, Open floor plans
Views, Outdoor living spaces

Houston and Los Angeles offer distinct living experiences shaped by their housing markets. In Houston, the preference for ranch-style homes with spacious yards reflects a more suburban lifestyle, favored for its open floor plans and affordability. Contrastingly, Los Angeles prides itself on a quintessential urban lifestyle, where properties often boast outdoor living spaces and breathtaking views, highlighting the city's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Walkability and bikeability are significantly higher in Los Angeles, making it easier to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods without relying solely on a vehicle. This comparison underlines the diverse possibilities awaiting you, whether you're drawn to Houston's more laid-back, spacious living or Los Angeles's dynamic urban environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

1. Silver Lake: You and your pet will love Silver Lake's many dog-friendly cafes and the vast green spaces of the Silver Lake Reservoir.

2. West Hollywood: Your furry friend can roam freely in this neighborhood's dog parks and join you in pet-welcoming shops and restaurants.

3. Santa Monica: Enjoy the ocean breeze with your pet as you explore pedestrian-friendly streets and beach paths where dogs are welcome.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another introduces a plethora of changes, with the weather being a significant consideration. Understanding how the weather in Houston compares to Los Angeles is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight the distinct climatic differences to help you adjust to your new environment.

Houston
Los Angeles
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Flooding
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

94°F/75°F
84°F/66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

65°F/45°F
68°F/48°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

50"
15"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0"
0"


While both cities offer relatively warm climates, moving from Houston to Los Angeles will bring about a notable decrease in humidity and an increase in sunny days, making the Los Angeles climate more comfortable for many. However, this comfort comes with its own set of challenges. Being prepared for Los Angeles’ higher UV index is crucial, despite it being slightly lower than Houston's. Additionally, replacing hurricanes and flooding concerns with earthquakes and wildfires adjustments is necessary for emergency preparedness. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate more easily to your new surroundings.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Houston to Los Angeles

Moving from one city to another significantly impacts your finances. It's crucial to compare areas like cost of living, taxes, and income when relocating from Houston to Los Angeles to gauge how your monetary situation will change. This guide helps illustrate these crucial financial differences.

Houston
Los Angeles
Avg. Household Income
$55,499
$70,372
Cost of Living Index
92.2
136.4
State Income Tax
0%
Up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax
2.09%
1.16%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.25%
9.5%
Top 3 Industries
Energy, Manufacturing, Aeronautics
Entertainment, Technology, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
Notable
Severe

While the average household incomes in Houston and Los Angeles are comparable, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher, especially due to the housing market. The state income tax in California can reach up to 13.3%, a stark contrast to Texas's 0%, affecting your net income. Additionally, sectors like entertainment and technology dominate Los Angeles, offering different career opportunities compared to Houston's energy and manufacturing focus. Moreover, the palpable affluence in Los Angeles coexists with high poverty and homelessness rates, highlighting the city's economic disparities. These factors are essential to consider when planning your move to grasp the financial adjustments needed.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another involves more than a change of scenery; it’s also an introduction to a new community. This comparison, focusing on Houston & Los Angeles, offers a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of the resident populations in both cities, ensuring you’re well-informed about the communities you’re entering or leaving.

Houston
Los Angeles
Political Make-up
Moderately Liberal
Liberal
Local Politics
Diverse with Competitive Elections
Primarily Democratic, Progressive Politics
Religion
Diverse with a strong Evangelical Presence
Diverse, with significant Catholic and Jewish communities

When moving from Houston to Los Angeles, you're transitioning from a city with a relatively moderate liberal stance to one that is more decidedly liberal, especially in local governance and social policies. While both cities boast a rich tapestry of religious diversity, Los Angeles has a significant number of Catholic and Jewish communities, contrasting with Houston's notable Evangelical Christian presence. Understanding these nuances can help you anticipate the social and political climate of your new home, making the adjustment smoother and more informed.

Houston vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in driving/transiting in Houston, TX vs Los Angeles, CA is crucial for anyone planning to make the move. This comparison will help you get a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic will look like.

Houston
Los Angeles
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
27
30
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
9 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
Possible but difficult

In both Houston and Los Angeles, personal vehicles are a significant part of everyday life due to the sprawling nature of these cities. However, Los Angeles offers a slightly better public transit system, including buses and the Metro, which might not cover all areas but could be a viable option for those looking to avoid the city's notorious traffic congestion. The slight edge in public transit in LA compared to Houston’s METRO system means that while getting by without a car is tough in both cities, it's a tad more feasible in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, planning your commute and considering alternatives like carpooling or telecommuting can vastly improve your experience in either city.

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