Quick answer: For a 2,554-mile move from Raleigh to Long Beach, expect to spend around $1,956–$8,891 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Long Beach to Raleigh guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Raleigh to Long Beach

Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Raleigh to Long Beach isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.

No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Raleigh to Long Beach journey

Organizing a move from Raleigh to Long Beach can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Raleigh known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Long Beach.

  1. Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/athensmovingexperts, https://twitter.com/athensmovingexp
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LittleGuysRaleigh, https://twitter.com/littleguyshq
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy.
On the other hand, negative feedback—about 5.4%—focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Company Info

State license #: 2548

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1931566


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
35% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking.
On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/ExcelAllied/, https://twitter.com/excelms
78% of all reviews were positive
18% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team's politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected.
When compared to typical industry input, Excel's high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Company Info

State license #: 2311

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 076235


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleMoversRaleigh/, https://twitter.com/MMRaleigh
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices

How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Long Beach?

Raleigh movers charge $93 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,556 - $6,077 $1,722 - $3,950 $1,805 - $3,599
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,421 - $8,891 $3,087 - $6,486 $1,956 - $4,038
4+ bedrooms $8,562 - $14,466 $4,292 - $8,402 $2,397 - $5,055
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,554 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Carolina to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,556 and $6,077. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,421 to $8,891 for the trip from NC to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,562 and $14,466.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to California

When you're heading from North Carolina to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,722 and $3,950. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,087 and $6,486. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,292 to $8,402. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to California

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,805 and $3,599. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,956 and $4,038. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,397 up to $5,055 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from Raleigh to Long Beachtoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Raleigh to Long Beach can be as low as $1,556 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,691.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,805 to $4,521. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Long Beach

Moving from Raleigh to Long Beach means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Long Beach, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to Long Beach so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh Long Beach
Average rent cost $1,670 $2,075
Average home value $431,795 $835,800
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $78,995
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $2,681
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $6,051
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.25% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Long Beach, since prices are typically 24% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The home prices in Long Beach are 93.6% higher than in Raleigh, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Long Beach, where incomes are, on average, 2,971.3% higher than in Raleigh. Major employers in Long Beach include UTi Worldwide, Molina Healthcare, and Promises Behavioral Health.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Long Beach. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 55.9% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Long Beach and Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Long Beach is 20.93% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Long Beach, since its sales taxes are 41.38% higher than what you are paying in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Long Beach are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,323.51 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Long Beach

Long Beach Raleigh
Population 451,307 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 73 31
Bike friendliness score 70 39
Crime Index 58.58 38.87
Safety Index 41.42 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Long Beach and Raleigh have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in California easier.
  • Long Beach offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. Long Beach has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Long Beach means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Raleigh. Long Beach is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 73 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Long Beach is considered more bike-friendly than Raleigh in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Long Beach has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Long Beach is higher than in Raleigh, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.58 in Long Beach, it is 38.87 in Raleigh. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Long Beach. With a crime index of 41.42, Long Beach ranks lower in overall safety than Raleigh, whose index is 60.13. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Long Beach has better air quality than in Raleigh. Long Beach has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Raleigh. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. Long Beach move

  • Weather: Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Long Beach. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 move to 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 California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Long Beach has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Long Beach features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach Museum of Art, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Long Beach are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh. are lower.

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

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Long Beach in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA covers 2,554 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Long Beach.

Helpful moving resources