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Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Long Beach (about 2,542 miles) typically costs $4,139–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

Estimates based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Prices can change based on how much you're moving, demand, add-on services like packing, and how flexible your move dates are.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Durham to Long Beach

Moving from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA typically costs $4,139–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,542-mile move from Durham to Long Beach, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of March 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

On average, moveBuddha users save 30% by comparing options with our moving cost calculator.

Estimated moving costs from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA

Move size Professional movers Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,565–$6,124 $1,977–$3,991 $1,668–$3,073
2–3 bedrooms $4,139–$8,600 $2,670–$5,664 $1,701–$3,879
4+ bedrooms $7,258–$12,805 $3,859–$7,324 $2,084–$4,488

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

These are real moving quotes similar to your Durham to Long Beach move using our proprietary live pricing feed. Exact pricing can vary, but the examples below show what movers have actually charged for similar move sizes and service types.

  • BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,306 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • Allied Van Lines recently quoted $11,869 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
  • Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,526 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
BLVD Moving
Cary, NC La Habra, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Feb 15, 2026
Allied Van Lines
Clayton, NC Stanton, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 31, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Gibsonville, NC Lennox, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 23, 2026
United Van Lines
Louisburg, NC East Rancho Dominguez, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 08, 2026
American Van Lines
Whitsett, NC South Monrovia Island, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 30, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Knightdale, NC North Tustin, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 18, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Green Level, NC South El Monte, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 17, 2025
Roadway Moving
Carrboro, NC Bell Gardens, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 14, 2025
Joyce Van Lines
Graham, NC Pasadena, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 09, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Siler City, NC San Dimas, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 09, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Long Beach, CA to Durham, NC guide.

Best Durham to Long Beach movers by type

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

When moving from Durham to Long Beach, most households compare professional movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only services. Each option offers a different balance between price, convenience, and control.

  • Professional movers: Best if you want a hands-off move and professionals handling the logistics.
  • Moving containers: A middle ground where you pack and load, while the company transports the container.
  • Rental trucks: Usually the lowest base price, but you handle driving and most of the work.
  • Local movers: Some city-based movers can handle interstate moves, especially shorter routes.
  • Labor-only: Hire help for loading or unloading while you manage theNeed flexibility on moving day? Opt for a truck or container. This choice lets you pack at your own pace and manage your belongings the way you want.
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Professional
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Container
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Labor Only
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Local

Best professional movers from Durham to Long Beach

The average cost of professional movers is $4,139–$8,600 for a typical 2–3 bedroom move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA. Professional interstate movers are the best choice if you want a hands-off move with packing, loading, transportation, and unloading handled by experts.

To compare top-rated companies, see our guide to the best interstate moving companies.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience

Factors that impact the cost of moving from Durham to Long Beach

Long-distance movers calculate prices using a few key details about your move.

  • Shipment size and weight: Interstate movers primarily price moves based on shipment weight and the amount of space your items take up in the truck. Smaller moves can start around $2,565, while larger homes may reach $12,805 or more depending on inventory.
  • Distance and route logistics: The move from Durham to Long Beach covers about 2,542 miles. Longer routes increase transportation costs and may require additional fuel, driver time, and coordination.
  • Move date and demand: Moving companies charge more during busy periods like summer and month-end weekends. Flexible scheduling, such as moving mid-week or mid-month, can sometimes lower your quote.
  • Service level you choose: Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, which raises the price. Containers and rental trucks are often cheaper because you handle more of the work yourself.
  • Access at pickup and delivery: Long carries, stairs, elevators, or limited truck parking can add labor time and increase your total moving cost.

Other factors to consider for your Durham to Long Beach move

  • HOA rules: Check any neighborhood or community rules on moving to avoid delays on move day.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, find out how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for large vehicles and moving trucks, check local rules ahead of time.
  • State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use is properly licensed before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not typically require moving permits, but it’s still smart to check local parking restrictions before move-in day.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Long Beach smoothly. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: State rules differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized.

What to know before moving from Durham to Long Beach

Overall, Durham and Long Beach are in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly expenses may not change much.

Singles average $2,803 in Durham and $2,681 in Long Beach. Families average $5,945 in Durham and $6,051 in Long Beach.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key numbers:

Durham Long Beach
Average 1 bedroom rent $1,875 $2,450
Average 3 bedroom rent $2,573 $3,780
Average home value $391,719 $835,800
Average income (per capita) $69,117 $78,995
Cost of living (single) $2,803 $2,681
Cost of living (family of four) $5,945 $6,051
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 22% higher in Long Beach than in Durham.
  • Home prices are about 113% higher in Long Beach than in Durham.
  • Average income is about 14% higher in Long Beach than in Durham.
  • Long Beach has a higher unemployment rate than Durham by about 27%.
  • Sales tax is higher in Long Beach than in Durham.
  • State income tax is higher in California than in North Carolina.

How common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Durham and Long Beach

Here's a breakdown of typical everyday costs in both cities:

Living expense Durham Long Beach
Basic utilities $148 $147
Cell phone plan $52 $52
Dozen eggs $5 $4
Loaf of bread $4 $4
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15 $18
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $70 $75
Gym membership $40 $41
  • Basic utilities cost more in Durham than in Long Beach.
  • A quick meal costs less in Durham than in Long Beach.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Long Beach.

How life is different in Durham vs. Long Beach

Here are some ways life is different between Durham and Long Beach:

Durham Long Beach
Population 283,506 451,307
Transportation score 4 8
Walkability score 30 73
Bike friendliness score 38 70
Crime index 54.72 58.58
Safety index 45.28 41.42
Air quality Good Good
  • Long Beach's population is about 59% greater than Durham.
  • Long Beach has a higher public transportation score (8 out of 10) than Durham (4).
  • Long Beach is more walkable (73 out of 100) than Durham (30).
  • Long Beach is more bike friendly (70 out of 100) than Durham (38).
  • Long Beach has a higher crime index than Durham (58.58 vs 54.72).
  • Long Beach has a lower safety index than Durham (41.42 vs 45.28).
  • Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Long Beach it’s Good.

Where to live in Long Beach

Now that you've decided to make the move to Aquatic Capital of America, these are the best neighborhoods to consider in Long Beach.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Belmont Shore
  • Recreation Park
  • Carroll Park
  • Alamitos Beach
  • Bluff Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bixby Village
  • Los Altos
  • Wrigley Heights
  • Park Estates
  • Alamitos Heights

Things to do in Long Beach

After settling into your new home in California, you can start exploring what Long Beach has to offer:

  • Arts and culture:Long Beach is home to museums and cultural attractions like the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation:The city’s Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West are great places for walks, trails, and time outside.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Durham to Long Beach?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Durham to Long Beach. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Durham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Long Beach?

With many people choosing to move from Durham to Long Beach in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Durham to Long Beach take?

Covering 2,542 miles, the move from Durham, NC to Long Beach, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Durham movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Long Beach can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Durham can handle specialty items for my move to Long Beach?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Durham, 18 movers can handle pianos. 7 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NC, there are 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.
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