What is the cheapest way to move in LA?
For a local LA move, renting a truck and doing the work yourself is usually cheapest: moveBuddha's 2026 data puts local truck rentals at $30 to $500, local container moves at $400 to $700, and local movers at $500 to $3,500 or more. Home size, stairs, distance and whether you can drive a truck decide the real winner.
| Option | Typical cost | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Rental truck, local | $30 to $500 | Load, drive and return |
| Portable container, local | $400 to $700 | Load and unload; the company drives |
| Movers, local (under 100 miles) | $500 to $3,500+ | Nothing |
| Movers, long distance (1,000+ miles) | $1,500 to $8,500+ | Nothing |
Where to rent
Budget Truck Rental
Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.
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Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.
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Portable containers and trailers for moves between cities.
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Compare and reserve self-storage units near you.
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The three options by cost
Rental truck ($30 to $500 locally): cheapest, but you do all the loading, driving and returning.
Portable container ($400 to $700 locally): you pack, the company drives. Good if you need several days to pack or don't want to drive a truck.
Full-service movers ($500 to $3,500 or more locally): the most expensive and the least work. For long-distance moves over 1,000 miles, moveBuddha's range is $1,500 to $8,500 or more.
Ways to spend less
Rent the smallest truck that fits in one trip, and compare the total with mileage, fuel and protection included.
Mix and match: rent the truck yourself and pay for loading help by the hour, instead of full-service movers.
Move less. Selling or donating furniture you'd replace anyway can drop you a truck size.
Costs people forget
Street parking: in the City of LA, reserving curb space through LADOT has a non-refundable fee.
Storage between homes: see what storage costs in LA.
Fuel, mileage and equipment on truck rentals.
Questions people ask
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers in LA?
Renting a truck is almost always cheaper: moveBuddha's 2026 ranges are $30 to $500 for a local truck rental against $500 to $3,500 or more for local movers.
What's the cheapest way to move a small apartment?
Usually a cargo van or the smallest box truck for a few hours, loaded yourself. For a few items, a single container like a ReloCube or U-Box can also work.
Related
Sources
- moveBuddha — moving cost calculator and 2026 cost ranges — checked September 27, 2026
- UCLA Housing — LADOT street parking reservation for moving trucks — checked September 27, 2026