($1,413+) Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,413 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,213 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,554 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,335, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,213 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,810 - $6,774, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,413 - $4,115.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Raleigh, NC, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,355 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 Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Raleigh to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,355 - $7,530 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 28% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 57% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,554-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,554-mile route from Raleigh to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,335 for a studio up to $11,213 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,810 - $6,774 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,413 - $4,115, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,597 - $5,579, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
For the 2,554-mile move from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California, full-service movers cost between $2,335 and $11,213. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $385 - $2,568 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Raleigh generally start around $226 plus $93 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Raleigh to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,335 - $5,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,355 - $7,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,243 - $11,213
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 Raleigh to Long Beach.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Raleigh 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 packing73% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% 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 items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $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 Raleigh to Long Beach?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Raleigh, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,810 and $6,774. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Raleigh costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,810 - $3,335
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,417 - $4,639
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,199 - $6,774
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $899 in Raleigh, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $96 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $193 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina 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 $1,810. 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 $2,417 - $4,639.
What are the best moving containers Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 33 years in business
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,413 - $4,115 for a rental moving truck on the 2,554-mile route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,043 - $1,192
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $2,872
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,454 - $3,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,856 - $4,115
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,413 - $4,115 when pricing out a rental truck from Raleigh to Long Beach. Fuel alone runs $1,043 - $1,192, and overnight lodging ($193/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,043 - $1,192 for the 2,554-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $899.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,554-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $193 per night, adding $385 - $578 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $64 and $385.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Raleigh 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 Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Long Beach, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,877 and $3,711.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,597 - $3,220
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,877 - $3,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,507 - $5,579
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $96 - $193 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, typically costs $899.
What are the best freight companies from Raleigh to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,670/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $378,862 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $82,424/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 60.13/100 | 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 Raleigh, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 313 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 2,554-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Raleigh, NC, to Long Beach, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,335 for a studio to $11,213 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,554-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,810 - $6,774. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,413 - $4,115, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,355 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Long Beach, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,043 - $1,192), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $193/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Raleigh, NC to Long Beach, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,454 - $3,224. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.