San Mateo, CA → Downey, CA · Regional long-distance move
About 405 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,800–$5,650, delivery in 1–3 days, 332 carriers on the San Mateo side and 1,488 in Downey.
The route from San Mateo, CA to Downey, CA covers roughly 405 miles by road, a southeast-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
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 $3,800 to $5,650 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 41 min.
On the San Mateo side there are 332 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (93 of them authorized for interstate work), and 1,488 around Downey (629 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 Downey.
San Mateo has a population of about 103,337 and Downey about 108,468. The two cities have comparable density (8,732 and 9,222 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,280 | $2,780 | $3,390 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,800 | $4,630 | $5,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,080 | $7,410 | $9,050 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,360 | $10,190 | $12,440 |
$570–$800
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,380–$2,030
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,800–$5,650
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for San Mateo, CA → 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: Act 2 Services INC
Legal name: Pacific Coast Container INC
Legal name: Dependable Highway Express INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,540 to $2,290 for a studio, $2,280 to $3,390 for a one-bedroom, $3,800 to $5,650 for a two-bedroom, $6,080 to $9,050 for a three-bedroom and $8,360 to $12,440 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 405 road miles (343 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 7 h 41 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 Mateo and Downey 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 $570 to $800 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,380 to $2,030. 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 Mateo–Downey corridor.