($545+) Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $539 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,788 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 784 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,749, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,788 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,120 - $3,550, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $539 - $1,448.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,490 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Moving options from Albuquerque to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,490 - $6,340 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 784-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 784-mile route from Albuquerque to Irvine, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,749 - $4,721 $1,120 - $2,002 $539 - $1,037 $922 - $1,697
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,490 - $6,340 $1,357 - $2,669 $613 - $1,218 $1,097 - $2,178
4+ bedrooms $4,302 - $8,788 $1,912 - $3,550 $737 - $1,448 $1,397 - $2,755

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 784-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irvine, California, with prices running from $1,749 - $8,788. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $364 - $2,424 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Albuquerque and Irvine are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Albuquerque movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,749 - $4,721
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,490 - $6,340
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,302 - $8,788

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 Albuquerque to Irvine.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Mexico to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 84% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$606 - $6,060
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$242 - $1,454/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$364 - $2,909
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers$1,212 - $3,636
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,030 - $12,120
Car shippingSecond vehicle$908 - $1,725
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Johnson Storage & Moving$1,212 - $3,030
PianoAny piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$970 - $4,242
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers$364 - $1,818
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% nationallyTop pick: $788 - $2,424
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$364 - $18,180+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$364 - $4,242+

What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Irvine?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,120 and $3,550. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Albuquerque runs about $65/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,120 - $2,002
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,357 - $2,669
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,912 - $3,550

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $91 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $182 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Irvine, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $848 in Albuquerque, NM. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $1,120. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,357 - $2,669, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Albuquerque to Irvine?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
  • Johnson Storage & Moving (4.3/5), 126 years in business
  • K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 784-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irvine, California, costs between $539 and $1,448, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $302 - $346
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Albuquerque daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque to Irvine based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $539 - $1,037
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $613 - $1,218
  • 4+ bedrooms: $737 - $1,448

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $539 - $1,448 does not include fuel ($302 - $346) , lodging ($182/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $848.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $302 - $346 for the 784-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 $73 and $394, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $182 per night for hotel stops on the 784-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $364 - $545.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque to Irvine?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Irvine, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irvine, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,097 and $2,178.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $922 - $1,697
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,178
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,755

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $848.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $91 - $182 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Irvine?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Rinchem Company, LLC (4.54/5 stars): Rinchem Company, LLC 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: Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Albuquerque, NM Irvine, CA
Cost of living index92165
Average rent$1,250/mo$4,000/mo
Median home value$265,984$1,113,305
Average income$65,604/yr$129,647/yr
Unemployment rate7.4%5.4%
State income taxUp to 5.9%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score43/10043/100
Safety index28.28/10068.99/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Albuquerque, NM guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico 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 19 movers licensed in New Mexico, useful context for sizing up this 784-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 784-mile route from Albuquerque, NM, to Irvine, CA, run $1,749 - $8,788 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,120 - $3,550, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $539 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,490, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.

FAQs: Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Irvine, CA

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.

What is the cheapest way to move from Albuquerque, NM 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 $613 - $1,218. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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 28.28 and 71.72 in Albuquerque. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Albuquerque, NM 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.

What percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 50% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.