Hero background image

St. Louis to Los Angeles Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

Embracing the journey from St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, to Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is not just a move; it's a thrilling chapter waiting to unfold. You're trading in the historic charm and serene riverside of St. Louis for LA's endless summer, sprawling beaches, and the buzz of Hollywood. Given the sheer distance and life change this move represents, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving takes the guesswork out of this decision, ensuring your adventure starts on the right note.

5 Best Movers for Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

#1
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,711+ data points

St Charles, MO
Full Moving Service, Commercial Moving Service, Long Distance Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 3/5/2024)

USDOT: 4004648 Verify

About Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC is a full-time moving company servicing the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Thi...Read More >>

top st louis 2024 sunrise moving and packing llc image
top 10 ranked movers in st louis 2023 sunrise moving and packing llc image
top 10 ranked movers in st louis 2022 sunrise moving and packing llc image
#2
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3489907 Verify

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. Th...Read More >>

top 10 los angeles 2024 best california movers image
top 10 ranked movers in palmdale 2023 best california movers image
top 10 ranked movers in firebaugh 2022 best california movers image
#3
Prodigy Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 11,757+ data points

Los Angeles, CA
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3983945 Verify

About Prodigy Moving & Storage

Serving the greater Los Angeles area and California, Prodigy Moving & Storage has moved residences and offices since 2003. As a locally-...Read More >>

top 10 santa clarita 2024 prodigy moving storage image
top 10 ranked movers in santa clarita 2023 prodigy moving storage image
top 10 ranked movers in los angeles 2022 prodigy moving storage image
#4
BEK Moving Co. Logo
Superb

based on 2,046+ data points

Arnold, MO
Residential moves (houses, apartments, high rises, etc.), Long-distance moves, Furniture disassembly & reassembly See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3237297 Verify

About BEK Moving Co.

Although BEK Moving Co. started in 2017, it has over 45 years of working experience performing residential moves, commercial relocations, an...Read More >>

top 10 st louis 2024 bek moving co 1 image
top 10 ranked movers in st louis 2023 bek moving co 1 image
top 10 ranked movers in st charles 2022 bek moving co 1 image
#5
Modern Moving Company Logo
Superb

based on 811+ data points

St. Louis, MO
Cheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3876556 Verify

About Modern Moving Company

Modern Moving Company will take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your move. This locally owned and operated business is based i...Read More >>

top 10 st louis 2024 modern moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in ofallon 2023 modern moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in ofallon 2022 modern moving company image

Relocating from St. Louis to Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide comparing St. Louis, MO & Los Angeles, CA neighborhoods . This comparison uses your knowledge of St. Louis areas as a baseline to find similar vibes in Los Angeles, helping you feel at home in your new city.

St. LouisLos Angeles
Central West EndWest Hollywood

Vibrant nightlife, diverse dining

SoulardSilver Lake

Hipster vibe, music scene

The HillLittle Italy

Rich culinary tradition, tight-knit community

ClaytonBeverly Hills

Upscale living, luxury shopping

LaFayette SquareLos Feliz

Historic homes, artsy atmosphere

Forest Park SoutheastGriffith Park

Lush green spaces, cultural landmarks

Tower Grove SouthEcho Park

Community-focused, diverse eateries

South GrandKoreatown

Eclectic dining, vibrant nightlife

Downtown STLDowntown LA

Urban living, cultural hubs

Cherokee StreetAbbot Kinney

Bohemian style, unique shops

For those who revel in the energetic nightlife and diverse dining options of St. Louis's Central West End, you'll find a similar ambiance in West Hollywood's bustling streets, home to iconic music venues like The Troubadour. If the historic and culinary delights of The Hill capture your heart, Little Italy's vibrant food scene and community festivities will feel like stepping into a familiar neighborhood. Meanwhile, the lush expanses and cultural offerings of Forest Park Southeast find their counterpart in Griffith Park, where the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory offer unique open-air experiences against the backdrop of LA's stunning landscapes. These pairings not only highlight the unique characteristics of each neighborhood but also the shared qualities that make a city feel like home, regardless of where you are on the map.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Los Angeles

  • Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Explore LACMA's art collections
  • Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
  • Walk Santa Monica Pier
  • Experience Disneyland
  • Hike in Eaton Canyon

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

Moving can be an overwhelming experience, entailing a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the pros and cons of relocating from St. Louis, MO to Los Angeles, CA . By contrasting the drawbacks and advantages, we hope to offer a clearer perspective on what to expect from such a significant transition.

CONs
PROs
St. Louis, MO iconSt. Louis, MO
  • Higher crime rate
  • Cold winters
  • Smaller job market
  • Less diverse cuisine
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Vibrant city life
  • Warm climate
  • Broad employment opportunities
  • Rich culinary scene
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • High living costs
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • More traffic congestion
  • Fewer public parks
St. Louis, MO iconSt. Louis, MO
  • Affordable housing
  • Rich history
  • Community feel
  • Abundant green spaces

The move from St. Louis, MO, to Los Angeles, CA, brings with it a dramatic shift in lifestyle. One cannot overlook the warm, sunny climate of Los Angeles, which invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore places like Griffith Park and Venice Beach year-round. Los Angeles' culinary scene, bursting with flavors from around the globe, offers endless dining options, from the food trucks of Santa Monica to upscale eateries in Beverly Hills. However, transitioning from the community-centric neighborhoods of St. Louis, known for their laid-back vibe and historic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, to the buzzing, dense lifestyle of L.A. can be daunting. Despite Los Angeles' higher cost of living and busy traffic, neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park offer a blend of urban living with a sense of community, showcasing local arts, small businesses, and green spaces like Echo Park Lake. Making this move requires consideration of both the tangible and intangible elements that contribute to the fabric of each city's unique lifestyle.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between St. Louis & Los Angeles, highlighting the unique aspects of food culture in each city. Understanding the food scene is essential for those moving, as it's a significant part of local culture and everyday life.

St. LouisLos Angeles

Most iconic local food item

St. Louis-style pizzaFish tacos

Most popular meat dish

St. Louis-style ribsKorean BBQ

Most popular street food item

Toasted ravioliStreet tacos

Most popular vegan food

BBQ jackfruit sandwichVegan ramen

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Pi Pizzeria
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Guisados
  • Bestia

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

69

Abundance of Food Trucks

710

Foodie Scene

710

Vegan Friendly

610

In both St. Louis and Los Angeles, the local cuisine reflects the city's cultural diversity and history. St. Louis is known for its unique take on pizza and ribs, often found in eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse and Pi Pizzeria. Meanwhile, Los Angeles presents a more health-conscious and diverse culinary scene, highlighted by its vegan options like vegan ramen and a wide variety of street food emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Notable spots include Guisados for street-style tacos and Bestia in the Arts District for Italian cuisine. Los Angeles's food scene extends across numerous neighborhoods, each offering a unique taste of the city's vast culinary landscape.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

Food plays a pivotal role in making any area feel like home. This comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles, guiding you towards finding your new favorite eateries. Explore how St. Louis's top dining experiences compare to similar spots in Los Angeles , ensuring you don't miss the flavors of home.

Sidney Street CafeProvidence

High-end dining with a focus on innovative seafood dishes

Pappy's SmokehouseBludso’s Bar & Que

Authentic smoked meats and a staple of the BBQ scene

Zia's on the HillJon & Vinny’s

Cozy Italian-American fare, famous for pasta and pizza

Blues City DeliBay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Known for its sandwiches and deli favorites

Sugarfire Smoke HouseSlab

A mix of traditional and inventive BBQ dishes with a side of Californian flair

ElaiaDialogue

Small, intimate setting with a focus on avant-garde tasting menus

RoosterSqirl

Modern breakfast/brunch spot with a focus on inventive dishes and fresh produce

Bogart's SmokehousePhillip’s Barbecue

Critically acclaimed for its traditional, flavorful BBQ dishes

The Shaved DuckMaple Block Meat Co.

Offering wood-smoked meats in a cozy atmosphere

TasteThe Varnish

Speakeasy-style bar known for its innovative and classic cocktails

For those longing for the unique culinary delights of St. Louis but are now navigating the vibrant scene of Los Angeles, rest assured, the move doesn't have to mean a compromise on dining favorites. If you're missing the intimate, high-end experience of Sidney Street Cafe, Providence in Los Angeles offers a comparable ambience with a focus on seafood, earning acclaim for its culinary creativity. BBQ enthusiasts can transition from the likes of Pappy's Smokehouse to Bludso’s Bar & Que, where the dedication to smoked meats and authentic flavors continues. Meanwhile, The Shaved Duck's cozy atmosphere and wood-smoked meats find a parallel in Maple Block Meat Co., ensuring the comfort food of St. Louis is matched with LA's variety and quality.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current city and your future home is crucial. Here, we'll examine how St. Louis, MO and Los Angeles, CA stack up in terms of housing . This comparison will help you gauge what to expect in terms of costs, living conditions, and overall lifestyle in these cities.

Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles, you'll notice significant differences in housing costs and architectural styles. St. Louis's more affordable housing market offers charming Colonial and Victorian homes, often with spacious yards. In contrast, Los Angeles's expensive market features modern and Spanish architecture with an emphasis on views and eco-friendly features. Despite LA’s higher cost of living, its urban lifestyle score is higher, indicating a vibrant, active environment that many find worth the premium. Both cities offer unique atmospheres, but Los Angeles commands a higher price for its sunny weather and bustling city life.

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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

When preparing for a move from St. Louis, MO to Los Angeles, CA, understanding how the weather differences will impact your daily life is crucial. This comparison offers a glimpse into the climatic changes you should expect in your new home.

Summer icon
89/68

St. Louis, MO

84/64

Los Angeles, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40/23

St. Louis, MO

68/48

Los Angeles, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
41

St. Louis, MO

15

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
17

St. Louis, MO

0

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles, you'll notice a significant increase in sunny days and a milder winter, making outdoor activities more enjoyable year-round. However, it's essential to prepare for the different types of natural disasters that could occur, such as earthquakes in Los Angeles compared to tornadoes in St. Louis. Another key difference is air quality; Los Angeles' air can fluctuate more dramatically, which might affect those sensitive to air pollution. Lastly, while St. Louis experiences a variety of seasonal allergies primarily from trees and grass, Los Angeles deals with a mix of pollen and pollution, impacting the overall allergy season.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

When planning a move from one city to another, comparing the financial implications of such a move is crucial. Understanding how the cost of living compares between your current city, St. Louis, and your prospective city, Los Angeles, helps set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly.

While St. Louis boasts a lower cost of living with higher average household income, the move to Los Angeles introduces a significant increase in living expenses, evidenced by its higher cost of living index. Nevertheless, Los Angeles offers unique opportunities in entertainment, aerospace, and technology sectors, promising for those looking to break into these industries. The nuanced tax situation, with higher state income tax but slightly lower property tax in Los Angeles, also plays a crucial role in financial planning for potential movers. Additionally, both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, though Los Angeles presents a more severe scenario, highlighting the need for advanced financial and social planning before making such a move.

Political & Religious Comparison between St. Louis, MO and Los Angeles, CA

In this section, we offer a quick glimpse into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between St. Louis & Los Angeles to help you understand the community landscape of your current and future home. This snapshot aims to prepare you for the cultural and societal differences you might encounter.

St. LouisLos Angeles

Political Make-up

DemocraticDemocratic

Local Politics

Active in social justice issuesProgressively active in environmental and social causes

Religion

Mixed, with a significant Catholic presenceDiverse, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and others

While both St. Louis and Los Angeles align politically with the Democratic party, the nuances of local politics and social priorities differ. In St. Louis, social justice issues are a focal point, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. Moving to Los Angeles, you'll find a broader spectrum of political activism, particularly with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and progressive social policies. The religious landscape in Los Angeles is exceptionally diverse, offering a wide array of faith communities, from Larche Christian communities to ICJS Jewish studies and beyond. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, making it a fascinating place to live and engage with people from various backgrounds and beliefs.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial for anyone planning to move. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between St. Louis & Los Angeles, aimed at offering insights into what your daily commute might look like in these cities.

St. LouisLos Angeles
2530

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

48

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

57

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible, but challengingChallenging

Can you get by without car?

In St. Louis, you might find the commute slightly more manageable due to lesser traffic congestion compared to Los Angeles, where traffic is known to be significantly denser, especially during peak hours. Both cities offer public transit options, with Los Angeles having a somewhat more comprehensive network, including the Metro Rail and bus services, which facilitates getting around the city. However, the reliance on cars is more pronounced in Los Angeles due to its vast sprawl and the distances between various neighborhoods and points of interest. While it's possible to get by without a car in St. Louis, especially if you plan your activities around the MetroLink areas, navigating Los Angeles without a personal vehicle can be more daunting, making it essential to live and work in areas with ample public transit options.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best St. Louis to Los Angeles Movers Featured Image