Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Long Beach typically costs $3,300–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,555 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Long Beach
Moving from Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA typically costs $3,300–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,555-mile move from Houston to Long Beach, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,002 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,767 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,965 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Long Beach
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$2,900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Long Beach, CA to Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Long Beach movers by type
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Best professional movers from Houston to Long Beach
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Houston to Long Beach, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best TX→CA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Houston to Long Beach
Many movers find Long Beach easier on the wallet than Houston - roughly 3% less for singles and 15% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,681 for one person in Long Beach versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it's $6,051 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $2,450 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,780 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $835,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $78,995 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 34% higher in Long Beach compared to Houston; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 217% greater in Long Beach than in Houston.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 13% higher in Long Beach than in Houston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Long Beach and Houston, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Long Beach can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 15% less than in Houston.
- In Long Beach, the unemployment rate is approximately 27% higher than in Houston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 24% in Long Beach over Houston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Houston and Long Beach:
| Living Expense | Houston | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $147.18 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $51.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.79 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $41.20 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Long Beach.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Long Beach.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Long Beach.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Long Beach.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Long Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Long Beach.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Long Beach.
How life is different in Houston vs. Long Beach
| Houston | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 451,307 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 73 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 70 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 58.58 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 41.42 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Long Beach's population is about 80% less than Houston.
- Long Beach's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston's score of 5.
- Long Beach is more walkable than Houston with a score of 73 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Long Beach's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 58.58 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Long Beach is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 41.42 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Long Beach is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Long Beach move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Long Beach. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Long Beach has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Long Beach, such as the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Long Beach?
The best time to move from Houston to Long Beach is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Long Beach?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Houston to Long Beach, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Houston to Long Beach take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA covers 1,555 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Long Beach.
Which movers in Houston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Houston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 27 movers in Houston advertise piano moving expertise. 15 movers in Houston provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.