Elizabeth, NJ → Downey, CA · Cross-country move
About 2,871 road miles heading west. Typical two-bedroom cost $9,630–$14,330, delivery in 7–14 days, 1,447 carriers on the Elizabeth side and 1,488 in Downey.
Downey sits about 2,871 miles west of Elizabeth, which makes this an interstate relocation from New Jersey to California that most movers classify as a cross-country move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $9,630 to $14,330 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 7 to 14 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 50 hours (6 driving days).
On the Elizabeth side there are 1,447 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (881 of them authorized for interstate work), and 1,488 around Downey (629 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Downey.
Elizabeth has a population of about 141,675 and Downey about 108,468. The two cities have comparable density (11,162 and 9,222 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. California is a higher-cost state than New Jersey, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $3,850 | $4,700 | $5,730 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $5,780 | $7,050 | $8,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $9,630 | $11,750 | $14,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $15,410 | $18,800 | $22,930 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $21,190 | $25,840 | $31,530 |
$4,000–$5,650
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$3,580–$5,270
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$9,630–$14,330
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Elizabeth, NJ → Downey, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Piece Of Cake Moving + Storage LLC
Legal name: Maersk Logistics & Services USA INC
Legal name: Venus Global Consulting
Legal name: Dependable Highway Express INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $3,850 to $5,730 for a studio, $5,780 to $8,600 for a one-bedroom, $9,630 to $14,330 for a two-bedroom, $15,410 to $22,930 for a three-bedroom and $21,190 to $31,530 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 2,871 road miles (2,433 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 50 hours (6 driving days).
Expect a delivery window of 7 to 14 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from New Jersey into California makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $4,000 to $5,650 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $3,580 to $5,270. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Elizabeth–Downey corridor.