San Mateo, CA → Irvine, CA · Regional long-distance move
About 437 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,940–$5,870, delivery in 1–3 days, 332 carriers on the San Mateo side and 625 in Irvine.
The route from San Mateo, CA to Irvine, CA covers roughly 437 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 $3,940 to $5,870 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 8 h 14 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 625 around Irvine (239 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 Irvine.
San Mateo has a population of about 103,337 and Irvine about 318,764. San Mateo is considerably denser (8,732 people per square mile versus 4,690), 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 | $1,580 | $1,920 | $2,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,370 | $2,890 | $3,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,940 | $4,810 | $5,870 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,310 | $7,700 | $9,390 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,680 | $10,580 | $12,910 |
$600–$850
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,410–$2,070
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,940–$5,870
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for San Mateo, CA → Irvine, 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: Home Express Delivery Service LLC
Legal name: Maeflower Logistics LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,580 to $2,350 for a studio, $2,370 to $3,520 for a one-bedroom, $3,940 to $5,870 for a two-bedroom, $6,310 to $9,390 for a three-bedroom and $8,680 to $12,910 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 437 road miles (370 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 8 h 14 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 Irvine 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 $600 to $850 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,410 to $2,070. 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–Irvine corridor.