($939+) Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $979 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,297 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,555 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,298, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,297 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,409 - $5,252, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $979 - $2,785.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,023 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 Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Houston to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,023 - $7,044 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 1,555 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,555-mile route from Houston to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,298 - $5,612, container $1,409 - $2,729, rental truck $979 - $1,803, freight trailer $1,322 - $2,605.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,023 - $7,044, container $1,858 - $3,736, rental truck $1,090 - $2,257, freight trailer $1,577 - $3,112.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,845 - $10,297, container $2,658 - $5,252, rental truck $1,387 - $2,785, freight trailer $2,024 - $4,119.
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 Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,555-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Long Beach, California, with prices running from $2,298 - $10,297. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $369 - $2,460 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Houston and Long Beach are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Houston movers tend to run around $175 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,298 - $5,612
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,023 - $7,044
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,845 - $10,297
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 Houston to Long Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 66% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing96% of local movers | $615 - $6,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $246 - $1,476/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $369 - $2,952 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs66% of local movers | $1,230 - $3,690 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,075 - $12,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $921 - $1,750 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $1,230 - $3,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type54% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $984 - $4,305 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers | $369 - $1,845 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $800 - $2,460 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $369 - $18,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $369 - $4,305+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Long Beach?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Houston, TX. 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 Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,409 and $5,252. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Houston typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,409 - $2,729
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,858 - $3,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,658 - $5,252
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Houston, TX and Long Beach, 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 $861 in Houston, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $92 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $185 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 Texas 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 $1,409. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,858 - $3,736, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Houston to Long Beach?
- 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Summit Moving And Storage Houston (4.6/5), 5 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
A rental truck for this 1,555-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Long Beach, California, costs between $979 and $2,785. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $609 - $696
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Houston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Houston to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $979 - $1,803
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,090 - $2,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,387 - $2,785
Pro tip: A rental truck from Houston to Long Beach looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $979 - $2,785. But once you factor in fuel ($609 - $696) , overnight lodging ($185/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $609 - $696 for the 1,555-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $861.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,555-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $185 per night, adding $369 - $554 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $62 and $369.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston to Long Beach?
- 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 Houston, TX to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Houston, Texas, to Long Beach, 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 $1,577 and $3,112.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $2,605
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,577 - $3,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,024 - $4,119
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $861.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $92 and $185 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Houston to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (4.58/5 stars): W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Houston to Long Beach, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Houston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 97 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,549/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $258,925 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $62,894/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 47/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 36.5/100 | 41.42/100 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA to Houston, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Texas alone has 289 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,555-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Houston, TX, to Long Beach, 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 $2,298 - $10,297 on the 1,555-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,409 - $5,252, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $979 - $2,785. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,023 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 UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, to Long Beach, CA
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 Houston, TX to Long Beach, 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 do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($609 - $696), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $185/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Long Beach?
Long Beach has a walkability score of 73 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 47 and 49 in Houston. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
