($1,315+) Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,409 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,010 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,728, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,010 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,819 - $6,214, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,409 - $3,671.
- 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 $3,885 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 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,885 - $8,587. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 18 days for this 2,253-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,728 - $5,898 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,819 - $3,337), rental truck ($1,409 - $2,567), or freight trailer ($1,605 - $3,218). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,885 - $8,587 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,010.
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,253-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California, with costs ranging from $2,728 - $12,010. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $385 - $2,568. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Ann Arbor and Long Beach. Local movers in Ann Arbor typically start around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,728 - $5,898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,885 - $8,587
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,863 - $12,010
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan 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.
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Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Ann Arbor 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 | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% 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 coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items21% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Bos Moving & Services, Inc. | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% 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?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,819 and $6,214. 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 Ann Arbor typically runs around $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,819 - $3,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,195 - $4,827
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,110 - $6,214
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $96 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $193 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $899 in Ann Arbor, MI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Long Beach, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,819. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,195 - $4,827, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Handle With Care Moving (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.7/5), 31 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA
A rental truck for this 2,253-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Long Beach, California, costs between $1,409 and $3,671. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $1,409 - $2,567
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,934
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,927 - $3,671
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,409 - $3,671 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Ann Arbor to Long Beach. Fuel ($920 - $1,052) , lodging at around $193/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $193 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $83 and $417 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $920 - $1,052 in fuel for the 2,253-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $899 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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 $3,938.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,605 - $3,218
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,938
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,436 - $4,920
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $899.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $96 and $193 per foot.
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.
- XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: 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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 84 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 2,253-mile move.
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 $2,728 - $12,010 on the 2,253-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,819 - $6,214 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,409 - $3,671 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,885 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
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 52 and 71 in Ann Arbor. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
