Best Richmond to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Richmond to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,672 mile move from Virginia to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 49 Richmond to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 15,000 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 $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Richmond 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 Richmond to Los Angeles Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
2Moving Pro, Inc.9.469.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Estes SureMove9.219.68Authorized For PropertyContact
4On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA9.199.58Authorized For HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck8.968.87Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Richmond to Los Angeles

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,672 miles from Richmond, VA to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $4,053 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Richmond to Los Angeles move is roughly $9,798. 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$2,717300 ft³9.06
1 Bedroom$4,053450 ft³9.01
2 Bedrooms$6,718750 ft³8.96
3 Bedrooms$9,7981100 ft³8.91
4 Bedrooms$14,1721600 ft³8.86
5+ Bedrooms$15,8541800 ft³8.81
*Please note: These Virginia to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Richmond guide.

Compare the 5 Best Richmond 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

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ 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 1,438+ 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
Estes SureMove Logo

Estes SureMove

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,255+ data points

3901 W Broad St

Richmond, VA, 23230

About Estes SureMove

The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you,...

Services

  • Home moving
  • Employee relocations
  • Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

121018 / 97275

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans9,075
Registered Drivers8,573
Total Annual Miles Moved586,187,648 (2023)
View Full Review
3
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA Logo

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 957+ data points

424 E Grace St # 92

Richmond, VA, 23219

About On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Richmond, VA. They provide local and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Moving Helpers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3865625 / 1413617

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved8,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.96/10
based on 3,899+ data points

8403 Sanford Dr

Henrico, VA, 23228

About Two Men and a Truck

With over 30 years’ experience and 350 locations worldwide, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted name in the moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2988823 / 17957

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (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.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease the transition, we've compared popular neighborhoods between Richmond, VA & Los Angeles, CA , highlighting similarities to help you familiarize yourself with your new city. Whether you're seeking a lively atmosphere, a family-friendly environment, or a haven for arts and culture, this guide aims to make your move as smooth as possible.

RichmondLos AngelesHow They're Similar
The FanLos FelizEclectic, artsy vibes
Church HillSilver LakeHistoric residences, hipster culture
CarytownAbbot KinneyUnique shopping, vibrant community
Short PumpStudio CityFamily-friendly, suburban feel
Scott's AdditionArts DistrictIndustrial, creative spaces
Shockoe BottomDowntown LA (DTLA)Urban, historical, nightlife
Westover HillsTopangaNature, secluded retreat
Forest HillEagle RockCommunity-focused, outdoorsy
BellevueMontroseQuaint, charming, with a vintage feel
ManchesterVeniceTrendy, waterfront, arts scene

In moving from Richmond to Los Angeles, you'll find that neighborhoods like Los Feliz mirror The Fan's eclectic and artistic flair, offering a variety of local establishments such as Skylight Books and the vintage Vista Theatre. Similarly, Carytown's unique shopping experience can be found in Abbot Kinney, where boutiques like Burro showcase an array of unique goods. For those seeking a balance between urban living and nature, Westover Hills' serene environment finds its counterpart in Topanga, known for its vast outdoor spaces and a tight-knit community, highlighted by spots like the Topanga Canyon Inn. These parallels draw a comforting line of similarity for newcomers, making the vast expanse of Los Angeles feel a bit more like home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to Los Angeles

Moving from Richmond, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, is a significant change that brings both challenges and opportunities. Here, we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation . Through comparing the cons of leaving Richmond against the positives of moving to Los Angeles, and vice versa, our tables aim to illuminate the complexities of such a decision. Let's dive into the nuanced realities of this cross-country move.

CONs
PROs
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Less diverse cuisines
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High humidity summers
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Vibrant arts community
  • World-class dining
  • Broader career options
  • Mild, dry climate
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Competitive housing market
  • Smog and air quality issues
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Smaller, close-knit community
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Lower cost of living
  • More green spaces

While Los Angeles boasts a vibrant arts community and an endless array of world-class dining options, it does come with its share of challenges. The high cost of living might be a shock coming from Richmond, where your dollar stretches further, especially in the housing market. However, Los Angeles also offers unparalleled opportunities in various industries, not to mention the appealing mild, dry climate that is a welcome change from Richmond's humid summers. While bidding farewell to Richmond’s rich historical sights and cozy community might be difficult, Los Angeles welcomes newcomers with its diverse neighborhoods ranging from the artsy Echo Park to the scenic trails in Griffith Park. Each area boasts its unique charm, restaurants like Bestia in the Arts District, and sights such as the Griffith Observatory, offering a fresh start with new adventures.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape is essential when relocating, as food plays a crucial role in local culture and daily life. To help you transition smoothly, we'll explore the comparison of the local cuisine between Richmond & Los Angeles . This head-to-head examination will illuminate the food scenes of both cities, giving you a taste of what to expect in your new home.

RichmondLos Angeles
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamTacos
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Pizzeria Mozza
    • n/naka
    • Guelaguetza
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Richmond, the local culinary scene is cherished, evident in the historic and savory Virginia Ham, a staple at local gatherings. For a taste of this local delight, places like Sally Bell's Kitchen offer a glimpse into the city's culinary heritage. On the flip side, Los Angeles’ food scene is as diverse as its population, with street tacos standing out as an iconic bite. You’ll find them in abundant variety throughout the city, especially in vibrant neighborhoods like Koreatown and Venice. In addition, Los Angeles is a haven for vegan and health-conscious diners, with numerous establishments like Cafe Gratitude in Larchmont serving creative plant-based dishes that cater to this lifestyle.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering where to dine. This restaurant comparison between Richmond and Los Angeles is intended to help you find your next favorite spot, using familiar tastes from your current hometown as a guide. Whether you're craving gourmet experiences or simple, hearty meals, this guide will help make your transition as flavorful as possible.

RichmondLos AngelesWhat You'll Love
L’OpossumProvidenceBoth offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on creative, beautifully presented dishes.
Mama J’s KitchenRoscoe’s House of Chicken and WafflesSouthern comfort food with a soul food twist at its best.
Sally Bell’s KitchenPhilippe The OriginalIconic for their sandwiches, each bearing a unique twist on traditional recipes.
Stella’sRepubliqueBoth are known for their exceptional Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.
ZZQ Texas Craft BarbequeBludso’s Bar & QueQuality BBQ with a focus on smoked meats and homestyle sides.
Edo’s SquidOsteria MozzaBoth specialize in high-quality, Italian cuisine with fresh, carefully sourced ingredients.
Julep’s New Southern CuisinePost & BeamOffering a modern approach to traditional Southern dishes, in a refined setting.
LehjaBadmaashCreative Indian cuisine that blends traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Joe’s InnThe Apple PanA classic diner experience with a history of serving hearty, American comfort food.
Can Can BrasserieCafé StellaBoth evoke the spirit of a French bistro with their ambiance and classic French fare.

For those who appreciate the fine dining experience, Richmond’s L’Opossum offers an inventive menu similar to what you can find at Providence in Los Angeles, known for its commitment to sea-to-plate dishes. If you're yearning for a taste of southern comfort akin to Mama J’s Kitchen, Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in LA ensures you don’t miss out on homestyle favorites. BBQ enthusiasts transitioning from ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque's smoky offerings will find solace in Bludso’s Bar & Que, where slow-smoked meats and a passion for BBQ are palpable. These comparisons illustrate how, though cities may change, the pursuit of culinary excellence and comfort food remains universal.

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Richmond vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing Richmond and Los Angeles is crucial to understand the real estate landscape. This comparison sheds light on key housing factors, ensuring you're well-informed before making your decision.

ComparisonRichmondLos Angeles
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalModern, Spanish Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, large backyardsOutdoor living spaces, ocean views

Transitioning from Richmond to Los Angeles means adapting to a significant shift in real estate norms. In Los Angeles, expect a pronounced increase in housing costs, with both median home prices and rent considerably higher than in Richmond. This higher cost of living in Los Angeles is often justified by its robust urban lifestyle score, reflecting its vibrant city life and myriad amenities. Notably, Los Angeles' architecture is diverse, with a prevalence of Modern and Spanish Revival styles that embody the city's eclectic and historic cultural landscape. These factors, along with Los Angeles' slightly better walkability score, indicate a more dynamic but also more expensive living environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.

2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.

3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations

When moving from Richmond, VA to Los Angeles, CA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison aims to prepare you for what to expect and how to best adapt to your new home's climate.

Summer icon
89/71

Richmond, VA

84/66

Los Angeles, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/28

Richmond, VA

68/48

Los Angeles, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Richmond, VA

15

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
10

Richmond, VA

0

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRichmondLos Angeles
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Richmond to Los Angeles, you'll leave behind cold winters and humid summers for a climate that's warm year-round, with significantly more sunny days. While you'll experience less rainfall and almost no snow in LA, it's essential to prepare for different natural disaster risks, including earthquakes and wildfires. Plus, adapting to the higher UV index and adjusting for air quality and local allergens will be part of your new daily routine in Los Angeles.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison offers a snapshot of what you might expect when moving from Richmond, VA to Los Angeles, CA, focusing on various economic factors that affect daily life and overall affordability.

ComparisonRichmondLos Angeles
Avg. Household Income$51,770$70,372
Cost of Living Index104.5136.4
State Income Tax5.7513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.800.79
Avg. Sales Tax5.39.5
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Finance, EducationEntertainment, Aerospace, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessConcerningCritical

While the average household income is slightly higher in Richmond, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher, affecting affordability and lifestyle. State income tax in California is among the highest in the U.S., which can significantly impact your take-home pay compared to Virginia. Furthermore, despite similar average property taxes, the overall cost of housing in Los Angeles is much higher. The dominant industries in each city reflect the economic opportunities available: government and finance in Richmond versus entertainment and technology in Los Angeles. These differences underscore the importance of financial planning and career considerations when moving between these cities.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Richmond, VA to Los Angeles, CA, this comparison of the politics and religious makeup of each city can provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect. How do the residents lean politically? What is the religious landscape like? These factors can significantly influence the cultural and social atmosphere of a city.

RichmondLos Angeles
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocratLiberal/Democrat
Local PoliticsDemocrat-led city governmentDemocrat-led city government
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious presenceVaried, with large Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist communities

Moving from Richmond to Los Angeles, you'll find that both cities have a liberal/Democrat leaning in terms of political makeup and are led by a Democrat city government. However, the religious landscape is quite different. In Richmond, Christianity dominates but there is a diverse religious presence. Los Angeles, on the other hand, sports a more varied religious landscape, with significant Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist communities. Knowing this can help you anticipate the social and cultural environment you'll be moving into and can ease the transition to your new home.

Richmond vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Richmond, VA to Los Angeles, CA requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison between Richmond & Los Angeles will help you plan your travels and decide whether you'll need to adjust your transportation habits.

ComparisonRichmondLos Angeles
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

While Richmond offers a somewhat relaxed commute with lesser traffic congestion and reasonable public transit options, Los Angeles presents a stark contrast with its notorious traffic snarls and greater reliance on cars despite having a more expansive public transit system. Navigating through LA without a car is difficult, given its extensive geography and heavy traffic, whereas in Richmond, it's somewhat easier but still comes with its own set of challenges. Adjusting to these differences will be key in making your transition smooth and managing your daily commute effectively.

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