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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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to CA move
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.
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 Beach
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.