($1,516+) Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
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Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,516 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,691 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,715 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,431, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,691 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,874 - $6,979, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,516 - $4,125.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,634 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Norfolk to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,634 - $7,118 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 54% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,715 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,715-mile route from Norfolk to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,431 - $5,450, container $1,874 - $3,715, rental truck $1,516 - $2,967, freight trailer $1,687 - $3,083.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,634 - $7,118, container $2,503 - $5,020, rental truck $1,674 - $3,395, freight trailer $1,866 - $3,894.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,973 - $10,691, container $3,217 - $6,979, rental truck $2,034 - $4,125, freight trailer $2,760 - $5,307.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 13, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,715-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, with costs ranging from $2,431 - $10,691. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $358 - $2,388. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Norfolk and Los Angeles. Local movers in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,431 - $5,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,634 - $7,118
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,973 - $10,691
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Norfolk to Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $597 - $5,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $239 - $1,433/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $358 - $2,866 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,194 - $3,582 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,985 - $11,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $894 - $1,699 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $1,194 - $2,985 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $955 - $4,179 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $358 - $1,791 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $776 - $2,388 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $358 - $17,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $358 - $4,179+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Los Angeles?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Norfolk, VA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,874 and $6,979. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Los Angeles. If you go over that window, storage in Norfolk adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,874 - $3,715
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,503 - $5,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,217 - $6,979
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Norfolk, VA and Los Angeles, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $836 in Norfolk, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $90 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $179 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,874. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,503 - $5,020.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk to Los Angeles?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Norfolk to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,715 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, running $1,516 - $4,125. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,031 - $1,179
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Norfolk daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Norfolk to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,516 - $2,967
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,674 - $3,395
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,034 - $4,125
Pro tip: A rental truck from Norfolk to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,516 - $4,125. But once you factor in fuel ($1,031 - $1,179), overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $90 and $418.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $179.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,031 and $1,179 for the 2,715-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $836 for 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Norfolk, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,866 and $3,894.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,687 - $3,083
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,866 - $3,894
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,760 - $5,307
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $90 - $179 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, typically costs $836.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Norfolk to Los Angeles. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Norfolk, VA vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Norfolk on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Norfolk, VA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,500/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $270,567 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $64,017/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 41.9/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 304 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,715-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Norfolk, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,431 for a studio to $10,691 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,715-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,874 - $6,979. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,516 - $4,125, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,634 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Los Angeles, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,031 - $1,179), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,674 - $3,395. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Los Angeles, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,516 to $10,691, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,431 and $10,691, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Norfolk?
Local movers based in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $89/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.