($1,570+) Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,586 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,622 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,762 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 $2,331, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,622 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,989 - $7,420, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,586 - $4,628.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,850 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 Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
Moving options from Newark to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,850 - $7,271 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,762 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,762-mile route from Newark to Irvine, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,331 - $5,806 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,989 - $4,063), rental truck ($1,586 - $2,950), or freight trailer ($1,808 - $3,588). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,850 - $7,271 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,622.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,762-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, with prices running from $2,331 - $11,622. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $441 - $2,940 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Newark and Irvine are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Newark movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,331 - $5,806
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,850 - $7,271
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,958 - $11,622
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 Newark to Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $735 - $7,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $294 - $1,764/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $441 - $3,528 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,470 - $4,410 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,675 - $14,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,101 - $2,092 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,470 - $3,675 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $1,176 - $5,145 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $441 - $2,205 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $956 - $2,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $441 - $22,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $441 - $5,145+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Irvine?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,989 and $7,420. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,989 - $4,063
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,684 - $5,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,775 - $7,420
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 $1,029 in Newark, NJ. 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 $110 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $221 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 Irvine, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,989. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,684 - $5,551, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,762-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Irvine, California, costs between $1,586 and $4,628, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,292 - $1,476
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Newark 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 Newark to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,586 - $2,950
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,717 - $3,512
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,083 - $4,628
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,586 - $4,628 does not include fuel ($1,292 - $1,476) , lodging ($221/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Newark to Irvine typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,029.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,292 - $1,476 for the 2,762-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $88 and $478, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $221 per night for hotel stops on the 2,762-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $441 - $662.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Irvine, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,323 and $4,136.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,808 - $3,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,189 - $4,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,876 - $5,699
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $110 - $221 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 Newark, New Jersey, typically costs $1,029.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Irvine quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Newark, 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Newark, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 89 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 2,762-mile move.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to Irvine, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,331 - $11,622 on the 2,762-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,989 - $7,420, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,586 - $4,628. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,850 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Irvine, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Irvine, 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 Newark, NJ to Irvine, 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 Newark, NJ to Irvine, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 ($1,292 - $1,476), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $221/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, 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 $1,717 - $3,512. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
