Long Beach to San Diego Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Long Beach to San Diego, CA (~112 miles) typically ranges from $126 to $4,112.
Local movers such as Sterling Van Lines, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Long Beach
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Long Beach to San Diego?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Long Beach to San Diego are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by Walsh Moving and Storage (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Long Beach to San Diego moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
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 Long Beach to San Diego?
The cost to move from Long Beach to San Diego ranges from $126 to $4,112*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $631 - $4,112
- Moving containers: $730 - $2,127
- Rental trucks: $126 - $237
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $631 - $2,823 | $730 - $1,175 | $126 - $191 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,166 - $3,550 | $871 - $1,665 | $131 - $221 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,662 - $4,112 | $1,140 - $2,127 | $152 - $237 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Long Beach, CA movers.
How Long Beach to San Diego moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 26% of Long Beach movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 29% of Long Beach movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Sterling Van Lines |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Long Beach to San Diego
Moving from Long Beach to San Diego is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Sterling Van Lines leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Long Beach to San Diego
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5 stars): 84.5% positive customer ratings.
- Walsh Moving and Storage (4.56/5 stars): 86.8% positive customer ratings.
- Merit Moving Systems (4.58/5 stars): 95.3% positive customer ratings.
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.56/5 stars): 93.1% positive customer ratings.
- Meathead Movers (4.62/5 stars): 76.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 99 movers in Long Beach, drawing on 48,113 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Long Beach to San Diego
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Long Beach, CA
Long Beach residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does San Diego compare to Long Beach?
Cost of living: Long Beach vs. San Diego
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Long Beach | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,075 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $762,188 | $847,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,969 | $104,321 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,681 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,051 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.6% |
| Average sales tax | 10.25% | 7.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Long Beach and San Diego comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in San Diego are 39% higher than in Long Beach. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 39% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in San Diego are 11% higher than Long Beach. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in San Diego is 24% higher than Long Beach. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in San Diego is 25% higher than Long Beach. Plan to add roughly 25% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in San Diego is 28% higher than Long Beach. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in San Diego runs 27% higher than Long Beach. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in San Diego are 24% lower than Long Beach. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,750 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Long Beach.
How life is different in Long Beach vs. San Diego
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in San Diego might look different from Long Beach in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Long Beach | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 451,307 | 1,386,932 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 60-37 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.58 | 39.83 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- San Diego is 207% larger in size than Long Beach. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Long Beach and San Diego voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in San Diego (79°F) match Long Beach (79°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Long Beach (46°F) and San Diego (46°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Long Beach (14 inches) and San Diego (12 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Long Beach and San Diego is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in San Diego (39.83) is lower than Long Beach (58.58). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in San Diego
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define San Diego's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
Final verdict: Long Beach to San Diego movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 84.5% positive reviews across 362 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $126 - $4,112, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Long Beach to San Diego
How far in advance should I book Long Beach-to-San Diego movers?
Book your Long Beach to San Diego movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much is a moving truck from Long Beach to San Diego?
A rental truck from Long Beach to San Diego costs $124 - $183 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $131 - $221 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $152 - $237 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How much are moving container companies from Long Beach to San Diego?
Moving containers from Long Beach to San Diego cost $486 - $1,171 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $871 - $1,665, and a larger home costs $1,140 - $2,127.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Long Beach to San Diego?
A full-service move from Long Beach to San Diego costs $570 - $2,425 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,166 - $3,550, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,662 - $4,112.
Do movers in California offer storage?
86% of movers in California offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
