($1,355+) Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Moving from Columbus, OH, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,342 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,398 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,255 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,648, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,398 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,766 - $6,409, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,342 - $3,785.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,887 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Moving options from Columbus to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,887 - $8,344 on this route, with movers handling 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 2,255-mile route typically takes 7 to 18 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,255-mile route from Columbus to Long Beach, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,648 - $6,268 $1,766 - $3,542 $1,342 - $2,697 $1,685 - $2,942
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,887 - $8,344 $2,241 - $4,636 $1,497 - $3,181 $1,848 - $3,747
4+ bedrooms $6,799 - $12,398 $3,142 - $6,409 $1,762 - $3,785 $2,487 - $5,179

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 Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

For the 2,255-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Long Beach, California, full-service movers cost between $2,648 and $12,398. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $358 - $2,388 (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 Columbus generally start around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Long Beach:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,648 - $6,268
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,887 - $8,344
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,799 - $12,398

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 Columbus to Long Beach.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio 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 Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$597 - $5,970
Storage in transitNew place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage$239 - $1,433/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$358 - $2,866
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers$1,194 - $3,582
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,985 - $11,940
Car shippingSecond vehicle$894 - $1,699
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage$1,194 - $2,985
PianoAny piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage$955 - $4,179
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers$358 - $1,791
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage$776 - $2,388
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$358 - $17,910+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$358 - $4,179+

What are the best full-service movers from Columbus 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.

  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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,766 and $6,409. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Long Beach:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,766 - $3,542
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,241 - $4,636
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,142 - $6,409

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 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 $836 in Columbus, OH, 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 Ohio 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 $1,766. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,241 - $4,636, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Columbus to Long Beach?

  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 Columbus 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 Columbus:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
  • EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 2,255-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Long Beach, California, costs between $1,342 and $3,785, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $857 - $979
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
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 Columbus to Long Beach based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,697
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,497 - $3,181
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,785

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,342 - $3,785 does not include fuel ($857 - $979) , lodging ($179/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Long Beach typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $857 - $979 for the 2,255-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 Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $836.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,255-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $179 per night, adding $358 - $537 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $358.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Long Beach?

  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 Columbus, OH to Long Beach, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Long Beach, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,848 and $3,747.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Long Beach:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,685 - $2,942
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,848 - $3,747
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,487 - $5,179

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $90 and $179.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $836.

What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Long Beach?

  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. THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network 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 Long Beach 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: Columbus, OH 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Columbus, OH Long Beach, CA
Cost of living index91162
Average rent$1,441/mo$2,075/mo
Median home value$233,368$762,188
Average income$65,327/yr$83,969/yr
Unemployment rate5.7%5.2%
State income taxUp to 3.5%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score41/10073/100
Safety index50.35/10041.42/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Columbus, OH guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 103 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 2,255-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Columbus, OH, to Long Beach, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,648 - $12,398 on the 2,255-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,766 - $6,409 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,342 - $3,785 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,887 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.

FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Long Beach, CA

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.

What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, OH 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 do I know a mover is licensed in California?

When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($857 - $979), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $179/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Long Beach?

Long Beach has a walkability score of 73 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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

About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.