Moving from Irvine to Long Beach, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Irvine to Long Beach costs $38–$4,159, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 31-mile route within California take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Irvine to Long Beach?
Moving from Irvine to Long Beach doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 31-mile move:
Moving from Irvine to Long Beach costs between $38 and $4,159, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 31-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $819–$2,681 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $399–$1,143 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $47–$123 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $75/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Long Beach?
Expect to spend between $38 and $4,159 on a Irvine to Long Beach move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 31-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $443–$4,159
- Moving containers: $118–$1,613
- Rental trucks: $38–$152
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 31 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $443–$1,362 | $118–$863 | $38–$94 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $819–$2,681 | $399–$1,143 | $47–$123 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,343–$4,159 | $783–$1,613 | $67–$152 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Irvine to Long Beach move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Irvine to Long Beach move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Irvine to Long Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Irvine to Long Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 31 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Irvine to Long Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 31 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach to Irvine guide.
How does Long Beach compare to Irvine?
Cost of living: Irvine vs. Long Beach
A cost-of-living comparison between Irvine and Long Beach covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Long Beach compares to Irvine.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irvine | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,000 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $1,113,305 | $762,188 |
| Average income (per capita) | $129,647 | $83,969 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| Average sales tax | 7.75% | 10.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Irvine and Long Beach comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Long Beach is 48% lower than Irvine. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Long Beach are 32% lower than Irvine. The discount accelerates timelines for first-time buyers and improves cash flow for trade-up moves.
- Average income in Long Beach is 35% lower than Irvine. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Long Beach runs 71% cheaper than Irvine. The savings rate compounds quickly if held constant.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Long Beach is 66% lower than Irvine. The discount typically lands on housing and childcare, the two largest line items.
- Unemployment rates in Long Beach and Irvine are similar. Hiring conditions translate directly across the move.
- Sales taxes in Long Beach are 32% higher than Irvine. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Irvine, you'd need about $870 in Long Beach.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Long Beach
A comparison of life in Irvine and Long Beach covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Irvine | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 451,307 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 58.58 |
- Long Beach is 47% larger in size than Irvine. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Irvine and Long Beach leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Long Beach (79°F) and Irvine (82°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Irvine (46°F) and Long Beach (46°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Irvine (13 inches) and Long Beach (14 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Irvine and Long Beach is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Long Beach (58.58) runs higher than Irvine (31.01). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Long Beach
Long Beach's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Long Beach
- The Queen Mary
- Museum of Latin American Art
- Rancho Los Cerritos
- Long Beach Museum of Art
- Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
Parks in Long Beach
- Bluff Park
- Rainbow Lagoon Park
- Bixby Park
- El Dorado Park West
Sports teams in Long Beach
Universities in Long Beach
- California State University, Long Beach
- Long Beach City College
Final verdict: best movers from Irvine to Long Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Irvine to Long Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $38–$4,159 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Irvine to Long Beach
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Irvine to Long Beach?
A move from Irvine to Long Beach with a professional moving company costs $340–$1,238 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $819 up to $2,681. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,343–$4,159 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Irvine to Long Beach?
Moving containers from Irvine to Long Beach cost $117–$830 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $399–$1,143. A larger home costs $783–$1,613.
How much is a moving truck from Irvine to Long Beach?
A rental moving truck from Irvine to Long Beach costs $38–$96 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $47–$123, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $67 and $152.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Irvine-to-Long Beach movers?
Lock in your movers for a Irvine to Long Beach move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Long Beach?
The best deals on a move to Long Beach fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
