San Francisco, CA → Malibu, CA · Regional long-distance move
About 390 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,730–$5,550, delivery in 1–3 days, 899 carriers on the San Francisco side and 7 in Malibu.
Malibu sits about 390 miles southeast of San Francisco, so this is an in-state move that most movers classify as a regional long-distance 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 $3,730 to $5,550 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 7 h 25 min.
On the San Francisco side there are 899 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (270 of them authorized for interstate work), and 7 around Malibu (2 interstate). For an in-state 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 Malibu.
San Francisco has a population of about 826,079 and Malibu about 10,000. San Francisco is considerably denser (18,635 people per square mile versus 537), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,240 | $2,730 | $3,330 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,730 | $4,550 | $5,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $5,970 | $7,280 | $8,880 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,210 | $10,010 | $12,220 |
$550–$780
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,370–$2,010
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,730–$5,550
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for San Francisco, CA → Malibu, 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: Act 2 Services INC
Legal name: Lengner And Sons Produce Express
Legal name: Pacific Coast Container INC
Legal name: Success Trucking INC
Legal name: Malibu Demolition INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,540 to $2,290 for a studio, $2,240 to $3,330 for a one-bedroom, $3,730 to $5,550 for a two-bedroom, $5,970 to $8,880 for a three-bedroom and $8,210 to $12,220 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 390 road miles (330 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 7 h 25 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 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.
No. Because both San Francisco and Malibu are in California, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $550 to $780 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,370 to $2,010. 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 San Francisco–Malibu corridor.