($1,560+) Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,411 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,979 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,542 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,550, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,979 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,946 - $6,994, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,411 - $4,199.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,687 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Long Beach: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,687 - $7,587. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,542 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,542-mile route from Durham to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,550 - $5,845 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,946 - $3,514), rental truck ($1,411 - $2,846), or freight trailer ($1,786 - $3,262). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,687 - $7,587 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,979.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
For the 2,542-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California, full-service movers cost between $2,550 and $11,979. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $373 - $2,484 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Durham generally start around $240 plus $122 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,550 - $5,845
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,687 - $7,587
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,724 - $11,979
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Durham to Long Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $621 - $6,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $248 - $1,490/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $373 - $2,981 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,242 - $3,726 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,105 - $12,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $930 - $1,767 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,242 - $3,105 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $994 - $4,347 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $373 - $1,863 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $807 - $2,484 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $373 - $18,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $373 - $4,347+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Long Beach?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Durham, NC. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,946 and $6,994. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Durham costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,946 - $3,514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,374 - $5,349
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,541 - $6,994
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $93 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $186 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $869 in Durham, NC, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Long Beach, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,946. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,374 - $5,349, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Long Beach?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Durham to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Durham:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.9/5), 49 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,411 - $4,199 for a rental moving truck on the 2,542-mile route from Durham, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,005 - $1,148
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Durham to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,624 - $3,422
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,930 - $4,199
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Durham to Long Beach starts at $1,411 - $4,199, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,005 - $1,148) , overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $186 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $81 and $404 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,005 - $1,148 in fuel for the 2,542-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $869 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Long Beach?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA
For larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Long Beach, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,077 and $4,238.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,786 - $3,262
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,077 - $4,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,643 - $5,596
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Durham, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $869.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $93 - $186 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Durham to Long Beach. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Durham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Durham, NC | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 99 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,699/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $355,053 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $79,234/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 30/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 45.28/100 | 41.42/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach, CA to Durham, NC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 117 movers based in North Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 2,542-mile route.
Our take
A move from Durham, NC, to Long Beach, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,550 - $11,979 on the 2,542-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,946 - $6,994, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,411 - $4,199. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,687 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Long Beach, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,005 - $1,148), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $186/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,624 - $3,422. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,550 to $11,979, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,550 and $11,979, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
