($1,240+) Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,240 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,685 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,253 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 $2,701, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,685 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,733 - $6,167, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,240 - $3,748.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,592 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Ann Arbor 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 $3,592 - $7,482. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,253 miles, expect 7 to 18 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 2,253-mile route from Ann Arbor to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,701 - $5,621 | $1,733 - $3,373 | $1,240 - $2,568 | $1,484 - $2,833 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,592 - $7,482 | $2,244 - $4,418 | $1,330 - $2,825 | $1,813 - $3,642 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,746 - $11,685 | $3,053 - $6,167 | $1,801 - $3,748 | $2,322 - $5,031 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California, costs between $2,701 and $11,685. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,253-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $385 - $2,568, 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 Ann Arbor and Long Beach. For a rough baseline, movers based in Ann Arbor tend to start around $304 plus $100/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 Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,701 - $5,621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,592 - $7,482
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,746 - $11,685
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 Ann Arbor to Long Beach.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Long Beach, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,284 - $3,852 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,210 - $12,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $962 - $1,827 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $835 - $2,568 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $385 - $19,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $385 - $4,494+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Ann Arbor, MI. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,733 and $6,167. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Ann Arbor typically costs about $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,733 - $3,373
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,244 - $4,418
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,053 - $6,167
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 $899 in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 $96 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $193 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 Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan 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 $1,733. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,244 - $4,418.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,240 - $3,748 for a rental moving truck on the 2,253-mile route from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $920 - $1,052
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Ann Arbor to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,240 - $2,568
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,825
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,801 - $3,748
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,240 - $3,748 does not include fuel ($920 - $1,052), lodging ($193/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Ann Arbor to Long Beach typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $899.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $920 - $1,052 for the 2,253-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $77 and $417, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $193 per night for hotel stops on the 2,253-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $385 - $578.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,156 and $3,642.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,484 - $2,833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,813 - $3,642
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,322 - $5,031
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $96 - $193 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for about five hours typically runs $899.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Ann Arbor to Long Beach, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Ann Arbor, MI | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,260/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $435,434 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $81,089/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 52/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 79.18/100 | 41.42/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to California, 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. Michigan alone has 173 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,253-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Ann Arbor, MI, 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 $2,701 - $11,685 on the 2,253-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,733 - $6,167 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,240 - $3,748 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,592 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 Ann Arbor, MI, to Long Beach, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Ann Arbor, MI 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.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Long Beach a safe place to live?
Long Beach has a safety index of 41.42 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.58, compared to 79.18 and 31.0 in Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor, MI 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 $1,330 - $2,825. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Long Beach?
For families, Bixby Village, Los Altos, and Wrigley Heights are worth a look in Long Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Belmont Shore, Recreation Park, and Carroll Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.