($1,495+) Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,495 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,186 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,770 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 $2,361, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,186 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,990 - $6,649, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,495 - $4,408.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,416 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 Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Jersey City to Irvine: 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 $3,416 - $6,858. Moving containers run about 32% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 51% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,770-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 2,770-mile route from Jersey City to Irvine, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,361 - $5,257 | $1,990 - $3,504 | $1,495 - $2,841 | $1,637 - $3,285 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,416 - $6,858 | $2,335 - $4,927 | $1,669 - $3,487 | $1,907 - $3,901 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,765 - $11,186 | $3,424 - $6,649 | $1,965 - $4,408 | $2,821 - $5,599 |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,770-mile relocation from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, cost between $2,361 and $11,186. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $450 - $3,000, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Jersey City typically charge a base rate around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,361 - $5,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,416 - $6,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,765 - $11,186
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 Jersey City to Irvine.
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 Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $750 - $7,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $300 - $1,800/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $450 - $3,600 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,750 - $15,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,124 - $2,135 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,500 - $3,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,200 - $5,250 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $450 - $2,250 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $975 - $3,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $450 - $22,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $450 - $5,250+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Irvine?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Jersey City, NJ. 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 Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,990 and $6,649. 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 Jersey City costs roughly $130/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,990 - $3,504
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,335 - $4,927
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,424 - $6,649
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Jersey City, NJ and Irvine, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,050 in Jersey City, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $113 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $225 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey 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 $1,990. 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 $2,335 - $4,927.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Irvine?
- 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
Truck rentals from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, range from $1,495 - $4,408 for the 2,770-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,322 - $1,511
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Jersey City to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,495 - $2,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,965 - $4,408
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Jersey City to Irvine starts at $1,495 - $4,408, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,322 - $1,511), overnight lodging ($225/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $113 and $525.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $225.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,322 and $1,511 for the 2,770-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,050 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Irvine?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, CA
For larger DIY moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Irvine, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,907 and $3,901.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,637 - $3,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,907 - $3,901
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,821 - $5,599
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $113 - $225 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $1,050.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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: Jersey City, NJ vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 68.99/100 |
| 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 Irvine, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Jersey 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 315 movers in New Jersey, so you have real options to compare for this 2,770-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Jersey City, NJ, to Irvine, 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 $2,361 - $11,186 on the 2,770-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,990 - $6,649 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,495 - $4,408 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,416 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Irvine, CA
Is Irvine a safe place to live?
Irvine has a safety index of 68.99 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.01, compared to 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, 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 $1,669 - $3,487. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Irvine?
For families, Westpark II, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge are worth a look in Irvine. If you're moving solo or without kids, Westpark, Westpark II, and Oak Creek tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Jersey City, NJ to Irvine, 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 do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Irvine run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.