($1,087+) Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

The cost to move from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO ranges from $1,385 to $10,578, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,087 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,822 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Moving options from Irvine to St. Louis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,385 - $10,578 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,822 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,822-mile route from Irvine to St. Louis, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,385 - $5,685 $1,660 - $3,107 $1,098 - $2,091 $1,380 - $2,689
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,243 - $7,241 $1,961 - $4,308 $1,259 - $2,615 $1,618 - $3,447
4+ bedrooms $6,267 - $10,578 $2,764 - $5,847 $1,482 - $3,107 $2,234 - $4,408

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Hiring full-service movers from Irvine, California, to St. Louis, Missouri, costs between $1,385 and $10,578. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,822-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $398 - $2,652, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Irvine and St. Louis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Irvine tend to start around $197 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to St. Louis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,385 - $5,685
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,243 - $7,241
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,267 - $10,578

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 Irvine to St. Louis.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Missouri. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In St. Louis, 86% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$663 - $6,630
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers$265 - $1,591/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$398 - $3,182
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,326 - $3,978
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,315 - $13,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$993 - $1,887
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,326 - $3,315
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,061 - $4,641
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers$398 - $1,989
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company$862 - $2,652
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$398 - $19,890+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$398 - $4,641+

What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to St. Louis?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Irvine, CA. 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 Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Moving containers from Irvine, California, to St. Louis, Missouri, cost between $1,660 and $5,847. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Irvine typically runs around $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to St. Louis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,660 - $3,107
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,961 - $4,308
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,764 - $5,847

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $928 in Irvine, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $99 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $199 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your St. Louis, MO, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Missouri 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 $1,660. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,961 - $4,308, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Irvine to St. Louis?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:

  • California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
  • Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
  • Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Truck rentals from Irvine, California, to St. Louis, Missouri, range from $1,098 - $3,107 for the 1,822-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $769 - $879
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Irvine to St. Louis based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,091
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,615
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,482 - $3,107

Pro tip: A rental truck from Irvine to St. Louis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,098 - $3,107. But once you factor in fuel ($769 - $879) , overnight lodging ($199/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $769 - $879 for the 1,822-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Irvine, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $928.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,822-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $199 per night, adding $398 - $597 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $66 and $398.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to St. Louis?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Irvine, California, to St. Louis, Missouri. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,618 and $3,447.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to St. Louis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,380 - $2,689
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,618 - $3,447
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,234 - $4,408

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $99 - $199 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Irvine, California, typically costs $928.

What are the best freight companies from Irvine to St. Louis?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to St. Louis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs St. Louis, MO

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. Louis, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Irvine, CA St. Louis, MO
Cost of living index16584
Average rent$4,000/mo$1,250/mo
Median home value$1,113,305$180,206
Average income$129,647/yr$55,279/yr
Unemployment rate5.4%6.3%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 4.8%
Walkability score43/10066/100
Safety index68.99/10030.35/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 St. Louis, MO to Irvine, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Missouri, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,822-mile move like this one.

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Our take

The 1,822-mile move from Irvine, CA, to St. Louis, MO, costs between $1,385 and $10,578 with full-service movers, $1,660 - $5,847 with a moving container, and $1,098 - $3,107 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,243 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to St. Louis tend to point to rich culture and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though poor education and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include BJC HealthCare and Walmart.

FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to St. Louis, MO

How do I know a mover is licensed in Missouri?

Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.

What is the best time of year to move from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO?

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.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is St. Louis a safe place to live?

St. Louis has a safety index of 30.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 69.65, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Irvine, CA to St. Louis, MO?

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 $1,259 - $2,615. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.