($1,122+) Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,122 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,635 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,080 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 $2,272, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,635 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,559 - $5,562, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,122 - $3,254.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,364 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Indianapolis to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,364 - $7,124 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 62% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,080 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,080-mile route from Indianapolis to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,272 - $4,879 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,559 - $2,937), rental truck ($1,122 - $2,392), or freight trailer ($1,418 - $2,808). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,364 - $7,124 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,635.
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 Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,080-mile relocation from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $2,272 and $10,635. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $349 - $2,328, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Indianapolis typically charge a base rate around $245 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Indianapolis to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,272 - $4,879
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,364 - $7,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,185 - $10,635
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 Indianapolis to Long Beach.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Indianapolis 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 | $582 - $5,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $233 - $1,397/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $349 - $2,794 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs41% of local movers | $1,164 - $3,492 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,910 - $11,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $872 - $1,656 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $1,164 - $2,910 |
| Piano | Any piano type37% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $931 - $4,074 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $349 - $1,746 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Busy Bee Movers | $757 - $2,328 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $349 - $17,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $349 - $4,074+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Indianapolis to Long Beach?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Indianapolis, IN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,559 and $5,562. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Indianapolis typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Indianapolis to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,559 - $2,937
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,185 - $4,161
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,853 - $5,562
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Indianapolis, IN 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 $815 in Indianapolis, IN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $87 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $175 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 Indiana 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 $1,559. 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 $2,185 - $4,161.
What are the best moving containers Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis:
- Busy Bee Movers (4.1/5), 35 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,080-mile move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Long Beach, California, costs between $1,122 and $3,254, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $770 - $880
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,122 - $2,392
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,765
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,532 - $3,254
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,122 - $3,254 when pricing out a rental truck from Indianapolis to Long Beach. Fuel alone runs $770 - $880, and overnight lodging ($175/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $175 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Indianapolis, Indiana, usually costs about $815 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,080-mile drive falls between $770 and $880, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $58 and $349 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Long Beach, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Indianapolis, Indiana, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Long Beach, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,648 and $3,603.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Indianapolis to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,418 - $2,808
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,648 - $3,603
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,351 - $4,589
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?
- 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 $87 - $175 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Indianapolis, Indiana, for about five hours typically runs $815.
What are the best freight companies from Indianapolis 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: 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: Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Indianapolis, IN | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,399/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $205,828 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $62,995/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.15% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 39.29/100 | 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 Indianapolis, IN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Indiana to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 137 movers based in Indiana, handy for sizing up options on this 2,080-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,080-mile route from Indianapolis, IN, to Long Beach, CA, run $2,272 - $10,635 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,559 - $5,562, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,122 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,364, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Indianapolis, IN, 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 4 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 Indianapolis, IN 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 ($770 - $880), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $175/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 31 and 43 in Indianapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Indianapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 37% of movers in Indianapolis handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.