($1,176+) Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,237 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,672 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,049 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,664, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,672 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,716 - $6,230, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,237 - $3,412.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,791 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 Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham 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 $3,791 - $8,061. 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 2,049 miles, expect 6 to 17 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 2,049-mile route from Birmingham to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,664 for a studio up to $12,672 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,716 - $6,230 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,237 - $3,412, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,530 - $5,032, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,049-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Long Beach, California, with costs ranging from $2,664 - $12,672. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $351 - $2,340. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Long Beach. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,664 - $5,527
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,791 - $8,061
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,243 - $12,672
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 Birmingham to Long Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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 Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham 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 | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Birmingham, AL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,716 and $6,230. 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 Birmingham runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,716 - $3,324
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,286 - $4,660
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,102 - $6,230
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Birmingham, AL and Long Beach, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $819 in Birmingham, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $88 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $176 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,716. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,286 - $4,660, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,237 - $3,412 for a rental moving truck on the 2,049-mile route from Birmingham, Alabama, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $763 - $872
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Birmingham to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,237 - $2,435
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,870
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,724 - $3,412
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,237 - $3,412 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to Long Beach. Fuel ($763 - $872) , lodging at around $176/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $819.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $763 - $872 for the 2,049-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 $70 and $380, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $176 per night for hotel stops on the 2,049-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $351 - $527.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, 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 $1,053 and $3,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,530 - $2,762
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,741 - $3,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,266 - $5,032
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $819.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $176 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Long Beach fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 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 Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 46 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 2,049-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Birmingham, AL, 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 $2,664 - $12,672 on the 2,049-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,716 - $6,230 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,237 - $3,412 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,791 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 Birmingham, AL, to Long Beach, CA
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 do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Long Beach run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Long Beach, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,664 to $12,672, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,664 and $12,672, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL 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 $1,273 - $2,870. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
