Moving from San Francisco to Long Beach, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Long Beach costs between $448 to $8,321 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 404-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Francisco to Long Beach
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Francisco to Long Beach are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Francisco to driving and unloading in Long Beach, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 404 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,145 - $5,881 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,422 - $2,537 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $487 - $976 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Green Moving | $150/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Long Beach?
It costs between $448 to $8,321 to move from San Francisco to Long Beach. The prices below break down your 404-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,282 - $8,321
- Moving containers: $1,044 - $3,274
- Rental trucks: $448 - $1,205
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,282 - $4,303 | $1,044 - $1,958 | $448 - $831 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,145 - $5,881 | $1,422 - $2,537 | $487 - $976 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,862 - $8,321 | $1,884 - $3,274 | $569 - $1,205 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $735 - $6,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $490 - $1,960 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $123 - $490 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Francisco to Long Beach
At 404 miles, your San Francisco to Long Beach move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from San Francisco to Long Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 404 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Francisco to Long Beach. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach to San Francisco guide.
Considerations when moving from San Francisco to Long Beach
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Long Beach
When weighing the cost of living in San Francisco versus Long Beach, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Long Beach really compares to San Francisco.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $762,188 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $83,969 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.63% | 10.25% |
- Rent in Long Beach is around 36% less expensive than in San Francisco, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Long Beach are 45% lower than in San Francisco. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Long Beach is 41% lower than in San Francisco, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Long Beach is 29% cheaper for one person compared to San Francisco. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Long Beach, you’ll find that the cost of living is 31% lower than in San Francisco. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Long Beach is the same as in San Francisco, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales taxes are 19% higher in Long Beach than in San Francisco. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in San Francisco, you’d need about $2,130 in Long Beach.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Long Beach
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in San Francisco and Long Beach. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| San Francisco | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 451,307 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 58.58 |
Long Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Long Beach is approximately 44% lower than the population of San Francisco. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both San Francisco and Long Beach leaned Democratic.
- Long Beach regularly records highs near 79°F, compared to San Francisco at 67°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, both San Francisco and Long Beach face similar winter lows—San Francisco drops to 46°F, while Long Beach falls to 46°F.
- San Francisco usually sees more rain than Long Beach, with about 25 inches of rainfall each year compared to Long Beach’s 14 inches.
- Both San Francisco and Long Beach receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Long Beach and San Francisco have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 58.58 and 61.41, respectively.
Things to do in Long Beach
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Long Beach has it all.
Museums in Long Beach
- The Queen Mary
- Museum of Latin American Art
- Rancho Los Cerritos
- Long Beach Museum of Art
- Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
Parks in Long Beach
- Bluff Park
- Rainbow Lagoon Park
- Bixby Park
- El Dorado Park West
Sports teams in Long Beach
Universities in Long Beach
- California State University, Long Beach
- Long Beach City College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Long Beach?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from San Francisco to Long Beach, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,217 and $3,851. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,145 up to $5,881. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $3,862 to $8,321 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Long Beach?
Moving containers from San Francisco to Long Beach will cost you $785 to $1,845 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,422 to $2,537. A larger home will cost $1,884 to $3,274.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Long Beach?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $453 to $831. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $487 and $976. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from San Francisco to Long Beach, costs usually fall between $569 and $1,205.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco-to-Long Beach movers?
To make your move from San Francisco to Long Beach as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Long Beach?
For the best deals on your move to Long Beach, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
