In 2024, about 11.8% of Americans moved to a new home, and some of those relocations were from coast to coast. Taking on a cross-country move, like moving from Los Angeles to New York City, is a huge change and undertaking. Something like that requires a solid plan.
Not only does a long-distance move have more to consider when it comes to logistics, but it’s also way more expensive than a local move. You can’t really get around that part, but there are ways to save, like hiring labor-only movers who will take care of just the loading and unloading while you handle the truck or moving container. You can also use HireAHelper’s platform to easily find movers to help at both ends of your move, no matter the distance.
If you’re planning a move from Los Angeles to NYC, this guide will walk you through the whole process, including the major differences between the two cities and the steps to take when planning your move to make everything as easy and stress-free as possible.
From Coast to Coast: What You Need To Know When Moving from LA to NYC
Moving across the country is more than just a long drive. You’ll face changes in how you travel, where you live, and even daily costs. Let’s break down the biggest shifts, so you know what to expect.
LA vs. NYC: Transportation and Car Ownership
Los Angeles is built for cars. It’s infamous for its traffic, most people drive daily, and parking is part of life. But New York City is the opposite, with subways, buses, and walking being the main ways to get around. Parking is rare and can cost hundreds each month.
If you own a car and you’re moving to NYC, you’ll need to decide whether to sell it, tow it, or drive it cross-country. If you choose to bring it, HireAHelper makes it easy to book labor-only movers to load it onto the trailer safely.
LA vs. NYC: Culture
While it might not end up being your experience in either city, both tend to have pretty different vibes. LA is known for being laid-back and spread out, where people often meet for hikes or beach days. In NYC, the energy is faster and louder. The city feels much more dense, and people are always on the move. You will swap “LA time,” where being late is okay, for a city that runs on a tight clock.
NYC is also, in fact, the city that never truly sleeps. You can find a hot meal or an open shop at 3 am, while West Coast cities like LA tend to close up shop earlier in the night. You’ll also be trading the sunny, outdoor life for a world of museums, Broadway shows, and late-night subway rides.
LA vs. NYC: Neighborhoods
Picking the right spot to live is a big decision. Not only do you have to consider your budget, but you probably don’t want to live an hour and a half from work or your kids’ schools, either. Not to mention, each area has a unique feel and culture that might or might not match your lifestyle. Here’s a look at the four main boroughs for newcomers, so you can get an idea of what might be your perfect match:
- Manhattan: This is the heart of the city with the most famous sights. It’s also the most expensive area to live. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $4,040/month. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the action.
- Brooklyn: Many people move here for a mix of trendy shops and quiet streets, and it is a neighborhood that might feel a bit more like some parts of LA to you. The average rent for a one-bedroom is around $2,972/month. It offers great food and a strong sense of community.
- Queens: This borough is famous for its diverse food and multiculturalism. Plus, it’s a great place to find more space for your money. The average rent for a one-bedroom is about $3,479/month. It’s a bit quieter but still very close to Manhattan.
- Staten Island: This is the most affordable borough and feels very residential. It has more green space and feels like a suburb. The average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,721/month. You will likely need a car or use the ferry here.
Your choice should also match the lifestyle you want. Some people love the rush of a busy street, while others want a quiet park nearby.
LA vs. NYC: Apartment Hunting
In Los Angeles, you might spend weeks driving to different open houses with plenty of parking, but in New York, the market moves much faster, and apartments can be gone in a single day. You need to be ready to sign a lease the moment you find a place you like. Here are some other aspects of the apartment and home hunt in NYC to keep in mind:
- Virtual tours: If you can’t visit in person, ask for a live video walk-through. This helps you see the true condition of the unit and the building hallway before you commit.
- Short-term rentals: Consider booking a furnished short-term room for your first month. This gives you a temporary place to stay while you hunt for a long-term apartment in person.
- The 40x rule: Many NYC landlords require your annual salary to be at least 40 times the monthly rent. For a $3,000 apartment, you would need to earn $120,000 a year.
To keep on track and have everything you need to do in mind, make sure to follow these steps:
- Research NYC neighborhoods and average rents.
- Gather pay stubs and tax returns for your rental application.
- Set a firm moving date and request time off work.
- Book labor-only help on HireAHelper’s platform for loading in LA.
- Find local help on our marketplace to unload your truck in NYC.
LA vs. NYC: Weather
In LA, the weather is mostly sunny and warm all year, but New York has four distinct seasons, and the weather can change quickly. You’ll experience humid summers and freezing winters with snow. Some parts of the city, like neighborhoods near the water, can feel much windier and colder than others.
“Most apartment buildings in NYC require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This is a document that proves the movers helping you have insurance. If you don’t have one, the building manager might not let you move in.”
This means you’ll need to change your wardrobe and swap your flip-flops and light jackets for heavy wool coats and waterproof boots. And you’re more limited in what you can do outdoors during certain times of the year. In LA, you can go for a day at the beach or a hike in the sun nearly 365 days a year. In NYC, you might spend winters visiting museums to stay warm.
LA vs. NYC: Cost Comparison
Moving from LA to NYC will change how you spend your money. While LA is notoriously expensive, NYC often sits at the top of the list for high costs. You’ll likely pay even more for your home and your daily needs, so it’s important to look at the numbers before you pack your bags.
Housing is the biggest cost you’ll face. Rent in New York is much higher than in Los Angeles. But you’ll also find that grocery prices are higher in the city.
Even though some things cost more, you might save money on transportation. In LA, you have to pay for car insurance, gas, and repairs, but in NYC, you can often skip the car and use the subway or walk to your destination.
LA vs. NYC: Cost Comparison Table
| Los Angeles | New York City | |
| Median Home Price | $1,348,783 | $2,968,160 |
| Average Rent | $2,165/month | $4,040/month |
| Est. Salary for a Comfortable Lifestyle | About $111,000/year before taxes | About $169,000/year before taxes |
| Grocery Premiums | 8% higher than the national average | 17% higher than the national average |
| Transportation | 35% higher than the national average | 20% higher than the national average |
Figures from Apartments.com. Salary estimates are for a single adult without dependents.
The Mover’s Guide for How To Get From LA to NYC
Moving across the country takes a lot of work. You’ll need a clear plan to handle the long distance. This section will help you manage your belongings and pick the best way to move your life to New York.
Packing Early and Deciding What To Bring
Starting as early as you can is the best way to lower your stress. Don’t wait until the last week to put items in boxes. One of the biggest rules for moving is that the less stuff you have, the cheaper and faster it will be, so you should begin by going through every room and deciding what you truly need in your new NYC home.
- Donate or sell furniture you won’t need
- Use sturdy bins for fragile items
- Label boxes by room for easy unpacking
- Pack a “first week” bag with clothes and basics
Remember that New York apartments are often smaller than those in LA. You may not have room for a giant sofa or a massive dining table. Focus on essentials and things that matter most.
Shipping Options for Furniture and Personal Items
There are many ways to get your stuff to the East Coast. You should pick the one that fits your budget and how much work you want to do. Here’s a look at your main options:
LA to NYC Moving Options
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost Range |
| DIY Move (Rental Truck) | Full control, cheapest option upfront | Driving long distance, fuel costs | $1,700-$2,200 |
| Moving Container | No long drive, flexible timing | Limited space, street permits needed | $3,500-$4,200 |
| Labor-Only Help | Low-effort option, saves time | You still handle the driving | $3,300-$3,800 |
| Full-Service | Movers handle everything | Most expensive option | $8,500+ |
Timing Your Move
The time of year you move can change your experience. Summer is the busiest time for moving, and prices are often higher. If you can, try to move in the late fall or winter, and try to schedule your arrival for mid-week. By doing this, you might find better deals on rental trucks and movers. Traffic is usually lighter, too, and it’s easier to find a place to park your truck near your new building when you move during off-peak times.
You should also keep an eye on the weather as your move date gets closer. Moving into NYC during a snowstorm is a big challenge.
Coordinating Utilities, Internet, and Mail Forwarding
Don’t wait until you arrive to set up your new home. You want the lights, water, and internet to work the moment you walk through the door, so call utility companies in NYC at least two weeks before you move.
You should also visit the post office or go online to set up mail forwarding. This ensures your bills and letters find you at your new address. Also, remember to cancel your services in LA for the day after you leave to avoid paying for two places at the same time.
Consider a Temporary Location
If you’re not sure where to live yet, think about a short-term stay. You can rent an Airbnb or a furnished room for a month. This gives you time to explore different neighborhoods in person without any rush.
It also makes the actual moving day easier. You can put your items in a storage unit while you look for a long-term lease. Having a place to stay for at least a little while in New York before your move takes the pressure off and lets you make a better choice for your future home.
Preparing for Move-In Day in NYC
Moving to a new city is exciting, but moving day always requires a plan. New York buildings have strict rules that you might not find in LA. Being ready will help your move-in go smoothly without any last-minute surprises.
Measuring Entryways
Before you load your truck in LA, make sure your furniture will actually fit in your NYC home. Many New York buildings have narrow hallways, tiny stairwells, and small doorways. Use a tape measure to check these spots:
- The width of your front door
- The height of the elevator
- The tight corners in the stairwell
For example, if your sofa is too big, you might need to take it apart or outright get rid of it. It’s much better to know this now than to get stuck on the sidewalk on moving day.
Securing Building Insurance Proof
Most apartment buildings in NYC require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This is a document that proves the movers helping you have insurance. If you don’t have one, the building manager might not let you move in.
Ask your landlord or building manager about their specific COI rules early. Then, check with the movers you book through our platform. They can often provide the right proof to meet the requirements of your new building.
Reserving Freight Elevators and Parking
In NYC, you can’t just use any elevator to move boxes and furniture. Many buildings require you to book a “freight elevator” in advance. These are larger elevators used only for moves. Call your landlord to reserve a time slot, as they can fill up fast on weekends.
“[In] New York City…. [p]arking is rare and can cost hundreds each month. If you own a car and you’re moving to NYC, you’ll need to decide whether to sell it, tow it, or drive it cross-country.”
Parking is another big challenge. You should look into getting a parking permit for your truck or container. Without one, you might have to park far away or face a heavy fine. But getting a parking permit isn’t just about keeping things legal. It also makes sure no one takes the spot close to the curb that you need to move your stuff inside.
Scheduling Unloading Help
After driving across the country, the last thing you want to do is carry a heavy couch up three flights of stairs. But full-service moving companies are expensive, especially for long distances. A good compromise is to book local movers to help you load and unload your stuff. You can use HireAHelper’s marketplace to find local pros in NYC who know how to handle city moves.
Schedule your help to arrive at least an hour after you think you will get there. This gives you time to pick up keys and park the truck. Having a fresh crew ready to do the heavy lifting will make your first day in the city much better.
How to Haul All Your Stuff to NYC
One of the biggest questions you have to answer when moving cross-country is how you’re going to get you and all your stuff from point A to B. The good news is you have a few options to choose from:
Do-It-Yourself
Some people think the main advantage of DIY is saving money, but this may or may not be true depending on how you go about it. Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete — and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck.
You’ll have to think about paying for gas across about 2,800 miles. And the cost of parking at hotels and motels along the way.
Full-Service
Many people enjoy using moving services that do packing, move-out, transport, move-in, and unpacking, or some combination of those options. The obvious perk is convenience. You don’t have to think about any other logistics or drive a huge moving truck across miles of highway. However, it’s by far the most expensive option, often thousands of dollars more than DIY, labor-only, or moving containers. Plus, it’s important to find a company you trust, since they’re handling every element of your move.
Moving Containers
A solution like PODS might be ideal for moving to NYC, because moving container companies give you both storage and moving in one service, and you only have to load and unload one time. With moving containers, the company drops one off at your home, you pack all your stuff up at your own pace, and once you’re done, the company comes to pick it up and will either transport it cross-country or take it to their storage facility for you.
Once your containers get to New York, you have the option to leave them in storage for as long as you need while you find a place to live and get yourself settled. Then, once you’re ready, you just book your container delivery and unload everything into your new place.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from LA to NYC?
First of all, give yourself time to price-shop. It’s always best to get at least three quotes so you get a good idea of what the cost of moving in your area is like. Do your research, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to bring other company quotes to places you prefer and ask another company to match them.
Moving costs add up fast, especially for a cross-country move. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses you should expect:
Expected Expenses for a Move from LA to NYC
| Expense | Estimated Cost | What It Covers |
| Labor-Only Fees | $3,300-$3,800 | Help loading in LA and unloading in NYC |
| First/Last Month’s Rent | About $8,080 | The average cost for a one-bedroom in NYC ($4,040/month). |
| Security Deposit | About $4,040 | Usually equal to one month of rent |
| Travel Expenses | $1,500-$2,000 | Gas, tolls, hotels, and food for the drive |
| Tipping | $40-$80 per person | Standard tip for good service |
Knowing these numbers upfront helps you avoid any sticker shock when you arrive. It’s also smart to save a little extra for small items like new shower curtains or cleaning supplies.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and culture shock when you arrive. Give yourself time to adjust to the fast pace and loud noises of the city. Soon, the subway and the skyline will feel like home.
To help you settle in, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Keeping a car: Many new residents try to keep their cars for “weekend trips.” In reality, street parking is a nightmare and private garages cost more than a car payment.
- Blocking sidewalks: In LA, sidewalks are for strolls. In NYC, they’re for commuting. Never stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to check your phone or a map.
- Bringing huge furniture: Your California-king bed or giant sectional may not fit through a narrow NYC doorway. Measure everything twice before you decide to haul it across the country.
- Dressing for sunshine: Don’t wait until the first snow to buy a heavy coat. LA “winter” gear will not keep you warm when the temperature drops below freezing.
- Skipping the neighborhood walk: Don’t pick an apartment just because it looks good online. Visit the area at night to check for noise, safety, and how close the nearest subway station is.
Ready to start your journey to the Big Apple? Use HireAHelper’s marketplace to compare prices and verified reviews of local moving crews. We make it easy to book the help you need for a stress-free, affordable move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I save before moving to NYC?
For a cross-country move, you’re easily looking at a $10,000+ estimate for moving from LA to NYC. However, it’s hard to give an exact number to save up before you make your move since that figure really depends on where you’re going and what your rent situation will be. You’ll need to have enough money to cover:
- Moving service or rental truck
- First and last month’s rent
- Security deposit (which is typically equivalent to a month’s rent)
- Tipping your movers
- Cabs, takeout, and extras
Of course, it’s always a good idea to add some buffer to cover other surprise expenses that might come up.
How far in advance should I book moving help for an LA→NYC move?
You should aim to book your help about three months before your move. This is the best way to get lower rates and ensure your date is open. HireAHelper’s platform offers flexible options, so you can still find a reliable crew for last-minute moves if your plans change quickly.
What are common hidden costs in a coast-to-coast move?
Long moves often have extra costs that are easy to miss. You should plan for things like fuel fees and highway tolls. If your new building has many stairs or a long walk from the curb, some movers may charge more. Here are a few other items to keep in mind:
- Food and hotels for your cross-country drive
- Extra insurance to protect your items
- Storage fees if your new home is not ready
- Tips for the crews who help you load and unload
- Parking permits or tickets in NYC
Can I ship my car along with my household goods?
Yes, you have a few ways to move your car. You can tow it behind your rental truck or pay for a service to drive it for you. If you choose to tow it yourself, you can use our platform to find local help. They can safely load and unload your car for you.
What documentation do I need for an NYC apartment application?
To get the apartment you want, keep a folder ready with these items:
- A government photo ID, like a driver’s license
- Your two most recent pay stubs
- Bank statements from the last two or three months
- A letter from your boss stating your job title and salary
- Tax returns from the last year or two
Organize these in a folder or digital file before you start searching, since New York landlords move quickly. This is key in a city where the best apartments can be rented in just a few hours.
How do I ensure a smooth move-in day in New York City?
First, call your new building to learn their rules. You may need to book a specific time to use the freight elevator. You should also check if they need a special insurance form from your movers. These rules are very common in the city.
On the day of the move, label all your boxes clearly by room. This helps your unloading crew work faster. Also, be sure to reserve parking permits early to avoid delays.