When someone from LA calls me and says, “I’m thinking about moving to Texas… or maybe Florida… or honestly maybe just Nevada. What’s it going to cost me?” — I already know we’re about to have a long but helpful conversation.
If you’re in that spot right now, let’s walk through it together.
I’ll break down:
- Typical price ranges from Los Angeles to each state.
- What actually drives the cost up or down.
- Realistic examples (apartments vs. houses).
- How to avoid surprise charges.
I’ll keep it straight, no scare tactics, no fluff — just how it really works in the U.S. moving world.
Getting Oriented: What You’re Really Paying For
Before we zoom in on the specific states, it helps to understand what you’re actually buying when you pay for a long-distance move out of Los Angeles.
You’re paying for:
- Distance: Miles from LA to your new city.
- Weight/Volume: How much space your stuff takes up on the truck.
- Labor: Crew size + hours on both ends.
- Services: Packing, unpacking, specialty items.
The Rule: A long-distance move is rarely a flat "per-mile" number. The quote is a bundle of weight, distance, and service level.
Ballpark Costs: LA to Texas, Florida, and Nevada
I’m going to give you realistic ranges. Final numbers depend on your exact inventory and dates, but this will tell you if you’re in the right universe.
1. Los Angeles to Texas (Mid-Range)
Destinations: Dallas, Austin, Houston (~1,400–1,550 miles).
- Studio / Small 1-Bedroom: $2,300 – $3,600
- Standard 1–2 Bedroom Apt: $3,200 – $5,000
- 2–3 Bedroom Home: $4,800 – $7,500
- Large 4+ Bedroom Home: $7,000 – $11,000+
The Reality: The biggest driver here is weight. A "minimalist" two-bedroom can move for less than a packed-to-the-ceiling one-bedroom.
2. Los Angeles to Florida (Cross-Country)
Destinations: Miami, Orlando, Tampa (~2,500–2,700 miles).
- Studio / Small 1-Bedroom: $2,900 – $4,300
- Standard 1–2 Bedroom Apt: $3,800 – $6,200
- 2–3 Bedroom Home: $5,900 – $8,900
- Large 4+ Bedroom Home: $8,500 – $13,500+
The Reality: Because of fuel, driver time, and tolls across multiple states, Florida will almost always cost more than Texas for a similar load.
3. Los Angeles to Nevada (Budget-Friendly)
Destinations: Las Vegas, Reno (~270–480 miles).
- Studio / Small 1-Bedroom: $1,300 – $2,200
- Standard 1–2 Bedroom Apt: $1,900 – $3,200
- 2–3 Bedroom Home: $3,000 – $4,800
- Large 4+ Bedroom Home: $4,500 – $7,500+
The Reality: Nevada is a "short hop." You have more flexibility with service levels here since the drive is so short.
What Makes a Move Expensive (or Cheaper)?
1. How Much Stuff You Have (Weight)
Two people can have a "1-Bedroom Apartment."
- Person A: Bed, couch, TV, 10 boxes. (2,000 lbs).
- Person B: King bed, sectional, bookcases, dining set, 50 boxes, Peloton. (5,000 lbs). Result: Person B pays significantly more. Decluttering is the #1 way to save money.
2. Service Level
- Budget: You pack boxes; we load/drive/unload.
- Premium: We provide Full Packing Services, pack everything, and handle specialty items.
3. Access Issues
- Long Carry: If the truck can't get within 75 feet of your door.
- Stairs: If you are on the 3rd floor with no elevator.
- Shuttle: If a big semi-truck can't fit on your street, we need a smaller shuttle truck to transfer items.
Realistic Scenarios
To help you place yourself, here are three typical moves we see:
Scenario A: LA Apt to Austin, TX
- Profile: 1-Bedroom, Elevator, Standard Furniture, You pack boxes.
- Range: $3,200 – $4,200.
Scenario B: LA House to Orlando, FL
- Profile: 3-Bedroom House, Garage, Piano, Full Packing Service included.
- Range: $7,800 – $11,000+. (Cross-country + Packing labor).
Scenario C: LA Apt to Vegas, NV
- Profile: Minimalist couple, 1-Bedroom, Light furniture.
- Range: $1,400 – $2,000.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Different companies structure quotes differently. Always ask about:
- Stair Fees: Is there a charge per flight?
- Shuttle Fees: What if the truck doesn't fit?
- Fuel Surcharge: Is it included or extra?
- Storage: If your new place isn't ready, ask about Storage-in-Transit costs.
The Verdict
If we boil it down:
- Nevada: The affordable neighbor. ($1,300–$4,800).
- Texas: The middle ground. ($2,300–$7,500).
- Florida: The cross-country investment. ($2,900–$9,000+).
Where you land depends on your volume, your dates, and your access.
If you want a number tailored to your move—not just a guess—reach out to us at United Prime Van Lines. We’ll build a detailed quote based on your actual inventory so you can plan your budget with confidence.
