Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,465 – $8,155 when moving from Charleston to Long Beach, with most moves taking seven to 18 days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,343 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Long Beach to Charleston.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Charleston, WV, to Long Beach, CA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Charleston, there are 4 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Charleston, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Charleston you can trust with your Charleston to Long Beach relocation.
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Charleston to Long Beach
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Charleston to Long Beach far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Charleston has 4 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to Long Beach without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Charleston?
How we chose the best movers WV→CA movers
The best local movers for Charleston to Long Beach moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Long Beach can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Charleston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Long Beach.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.96 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
Movers in West Virginia charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,356 – $5,746 | $1,285 – $3,256 | $1,395 – $2,698 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,065 – $8,155 | $2,236 – $4,732 | $1,465 – $3,179 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,490 – $12,989 | $3,236 – $6,682 | $1,888 – $3,820 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Long Beach
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Long Beach, you can expect to spend between $1,356 and $5,746. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,065 to $8,155 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Long Beach typically runs between $7,490 and $12,989.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Long Beach
When moving from Charleston to Long Beach, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,285 and $3,256. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,236 to $4,732. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,236 up to $6,682. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Long Beach
Renting a moving truck Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Long Beach. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,395 and $2,698. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,465 and $3,179. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,888 and $3,820.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Long Beach

What to know before moving from Charleston to Long Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Long Beach runs about 73% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,681 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $6,051 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Charleston | Long Beach | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $2,450 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,780 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $835,800 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $78,995 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 137% more expensive in Long Beach than in Charleston; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 444% higher in Long Beach than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 33% higher in Long Beach than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Long Beach, since the cost of living for a single person in Long Beach is 73% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Long Beach, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Long Beach is 57% higher than in Charleston.
- Long Beach has a lower unemployment rate than Charleston by about 16%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 46% higher in Long Beach than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Long Beach:
Living Expense | Charleston | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $128.95 | $147.18 |
Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $51.55 |
Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.58 |
Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.79 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $75.00 |
Gym membership | $31.00 | $41.20 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Long Beach, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Long Beach.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Long Beach
Charleston | Long Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 451,307 |
Transportation score | 2 | 8 |
Walkability score | 33 | 73 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 70 |
Crime index | 53.94 | 58.58 |
Safety index | 46.06 | 41.42 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Long Beach’s population is about 840% greater than Charleston.
- Long Beach’s public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Charleston’s lower score of 2.
- Long Beach is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 73 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Long Beach’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.58 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Long Beach is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.42 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Long Beach is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Long Beach move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Long Beach. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Long Beach
Planning your move to Aquatic Capital of America? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Long Beach has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Long Beach features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
Planning your move from Charleston to Long Beach? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Long Beach in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charleston to Long Beach take?
The 2,343-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Long Beach, , typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Long Beach.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 3 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, West Virginia has 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide there are 1,579 and 1,108 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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