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How Much Do Movers Cost in Costa Mesa, CA ?

Quick answer: In Costa Mesa, California, local movers usually charge between $428 and $4,020, or around $122 per hour. If you’re heading out of California, the cost of long-distance movers in Costa Mesa depends on the move size, mileage, and any extra services you request.

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I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that’s right for you.
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Average cost of local movers in Costa Mesa, CA

When you choose to hire a moving company in Costa Mesa, the ease and efficiency of the process cannot be overlooked. However, this convenience typically requires a bigger budget compared to handling the move on your own.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in Costa Mesa based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $428 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $600 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $977 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,273 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,609 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,020 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: The typical studio apartment move involves two skilled movers, taking approximately three hours. The time needed is influenced by how many possessions you have and their type, and the cost is set at $171 per hour.
  • One bedroom: Expect to spend around $171 per hour when moving from a one-bedroom home. This includes a two-person team working for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Relocating a two-bedroom home in California generally costs around $240 an hour. Expect to need three movers for a duration of about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $336 for California movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
  • Four bedrooms: Relocating a four-bedroom home in California requires four movers and will take around nine hours, with a pricing of $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: When you hire California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms, the rate is $470 per hour. Generally, a move of this magnitude demands five movers and takes approximately 10 hours.

Here’s a perk: The average hourly rate for movers in Costa Mesa, CA, is lower than the national average — $122 vs. $139.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Costa Mesa move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Costa Mesa, CA

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in Costa Mesa.

  1. Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
  5. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Movers at Best Fit Movers deliver speed and professionalism. Analyzing 227 customer reviews, 92.5% reflect favorable experiences, often calling out efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and polite, helpful staff. Many mention quick moving processes and attention to customer needs. On the downside, 7% of feedback notes serious problems, mostly tied to belongings being damaged, prices ending up higher than expected, or crews arriving later than planned. A small slice of feedback highlighted inconsistent communication and issues resolving claims. Customers choosing Best Fit Movers will likely notice a much higher satisfaction rate than found at most moving companies, although the sharpest concerns come from those whose items were damaged or whose final bills differed from what they’d been quoted. For those seeking reliability and fast-moving teams, Best Fit Movers stands out, but a handful of users report major disappointments related to mishandled property or added expenses.
Get a Quote (949) 996-9940

Company Info

State license #: 0191680

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3051481


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings. Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
Get a Quote (800) 832-5950

Company Info

State license #: 0190726

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 76628


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Lack of communication
  • Difficult to reach
  • Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies. Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California cities

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Costa Mesa, CA

The cost of moving out of California depends heavily on where you’re headed. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve included a few sample price points below. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific moving route from California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Costa Mesa

When moving a one-bedroom home from Costa Mesa and out of California, the overall cost will mostly come down to distance, move size, and how you decide to move.

Still, to give you a rough idea, here are some sample cost ranges for long-distance moves from California:

  • Costa Mesa to Phoenix $1,326 – $2,836
  • Costa Mesa to Portland $2,030 – $4,073
  • Costa Mesa to Baltimore $2,510 – $5,401

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Costa Mesa

Costs for moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Costa Mesa are mostly influenced by the total load. A modest three-bedroom move can sometimes come in cheaper than a larger, well-furnished two-bedroom home with heavier belongings.

Here’s a general overview of what you might pay for two- to three-bedroom moves covering comparable distances:

  • Costa Mesa to Las Vegas $1,421 – $4,058
  • Costa Mesa to Spokane $2,446 – $5,274
  • Costa Mesa to Austin $2,693 – $5,757

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Costa Mesa

Moving a four-bedroom or larger home from Costa Mesa is a complex task with many factors to consider. The expenses can fluctuate greatly based on the distance, the amount of belongings, and the time of year.

Below is an estimate of what long-distance moves originating from Costa Mesa for homes with four or more bedrooms might entail:

  • Costa Mesa to Las Vegas $2,042 – $4,630
  • Costa Mesa to Portland $4,162 – $6,989
  • Costa Mesa to Indianapolis $5,677 – $9,304

Best interstate moving companies in Costa Mesa, CA

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from California will cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Costa Mesa .

Best overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Costa Mesa, CA

In Costa Mesa, moving container prices usually start around $530 for local moves and can run as high as $2,950 for longer hauls. Cross-country relocations tend to be more expensive, with some topping out near $6,950 or more. The final price depends heavily on the distance and size of the container you go with.

Best moving containers in Costa Mesa, CA

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Costa Mesa, CA

In Costa Mesa, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $38, plus mileage fees of $2 to $1. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You’ll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Here are the typical costs of Costa Mesa rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19 – $38 per day
  • Mileage fee: $2 – $1 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • Mileage on the rental truck
  • Number of days you rent it
  • Tolls along your route
  • Hotel and restaurant expenses
  • Added coverage or insurance plans
  • Fuel usage
  • Renting gear like hand trucks or straps
  • Urban parking costs

Best moving truck rentals in Costa Mesa, CA

Opting for a DIY move using a rental truck often turns out to be the most budget-friendly choice. In Costa Mesa, there’s a wide selection of moving truck rental companies eager to assist you in starting your journey. If you’re prepared to handle the physical work yourself, here are some leading options worth considering:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Best labor-only moving companies in Costa Mesa

Finding reliable moving help in Costa Mesa means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top picks for labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Costa Mesa, CA

Since no two moves are exactly the same, neither are the costs. The amount you’ll pay will be based on the exact details of your move. There are some common cost factors to consider with your Costa Mesa move, including:

  • The distance of your move: The further you travel, the more the expenses increase. Generally, local moves are less costly compared to interstate or nationwide relocations, which demand greater time, fuel, and manpower.
  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You’ll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.
  • Your moving method: Full-service movers handle everything for you, but that convenience comes at a price. Choosing a DIY option, like a moving container company, can be more affordable if you’re willing to do the heavy lifting yourself.
  • Optional services: Add-ons like packing, unpacking, or high-value insurance will raise your total. Even if you DIY, hiring labor to help load or unload will increase your costs.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Purchase extra insurance, if needed. By law, full-service movers include basic released value protection at no cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means an original sculpture worth $750 and weighing 12 pounds would only be covered for $7.20 ($0.60 x 12). For peace of mind, ask your mover or home insurer about full-value protection based on your belongings’ actual worth.
  • Verify your moving approval. Some communities, particularly those governed by HOAs, might have specific restrictions on moving days or times. Ensure you review these guidelines in advance and inform your property manager of your scheduled move-in or move-out date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover’s insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren’t scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.

What discounts do Costa Mesa movers offer?

Some movers in Costa Mesa advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:

Type of discount Costa Mesa California National average
AAA members 0.0% 1.89% 1.13%
Seniors 2.27% 1.89% 4.31%
Students 1.14% 0.54% 1.17%
Teachers 1.14% 0.54% 0.35%
Law enforcement 1.14% 1.08% 0.72%
Military 1.14% 1.89% 3.97%

Ask upfront about discounts when calling Costa Mesa movers — offers vary from one company to the next.

What is the cheapest way to move to Costa Mesa?

To cut costs, consider hiring a container service that allows you to pack and load your items while they manage the transportation in Costa Mesa. Alternatively, you can opt to rent a moving truck and take care of everything independently.

Here are the average moving costs from Costa Mesa to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Phoenix $1,784 – $4,618 $1,140 – $2,196 $365 – $700
Wichita $2,677 – $6,415 $1,605 – $3,550 $869 – $1,887
Philadelphia $3,900 – $7,563 $2,527 – $5,324 $1,529 – $3,498

How to pay for your Costa Mesa move

Credit cards are common, but many Costa Mesa movers also accept cash or money orders. Below, see how payment options stack up across city, state, and national movers.

Payment method Costa Mesa California U.S.
Credit card 82 347 2863
Cash 35 121 824
Money order 5 38 272

Payment options vary, so be sure to ask what’s accepted when contacting Costa Mesa movers.

Helpful Costa Mesa resources

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