How Much Does It Cost to Move Across the Country in 2025?
A cross-country move costs an average of $4,574
The average cost ranges from $2,392 to $6,867, with an average cost of $4,574, depending on factors like home size, distance, and services.
Additional cost factors include moving supplies, services, insurance, and labor.
Hiring professional movers saves time and effort and protects your belongings, ensuring an efficient and skillful move.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Moving across the country costs an average of $4,574, with most homeowners spending between $2,392 and $6,867. Your total cost depends on factors like your home's size, the distance of your move, and the level of professional assistance you choose. Long-distance moving costs can cost as little as $550 and can reach up to $12,000.
Moving out of state or across the country is a significant undertaking, and hiring professional movers can save time and energy and ensure that your belongings are properly transported.
Long-Distance Moving Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of moving across the country, such as the size of your home, the distance to be traveled, and the level of professional services you require.
Size of Your Home
The size of your home significantly affects the cost of a cross-country move. Moving a studio or one-bedroom home can cost up to $3,000, while moving a three-bedroom home can cost as much as $8,000.
| Number of Bedrooms | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Studio/1 | $700–$3,000 |
| 2 | $1,000–$7,000 |
| 3 | $1,400–$8,000 |
| 4 | $1,800–$10,000 |
| 5 | $3,000–$12,000 |
| 6 | $4,000–$15,000 |
Requested Services
Any additional services you require can drastically alter the overall cost of moving across the country. Here are some add-on services that can help make your moving process smoother:
The cost of hiring professional movers ranges from $4,000 to $10,000+ for a full-service move. For most long-distance moves, moving companies charge by weight, not by the hour.
Professional packers cost from $280 to $2,200.
Move-out cleaning costs between $120 to $420.
Time, Weight, and Distance
Long-distance moving costs are typically based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. The heavier your items and the farther you travel, the higher the cost.
The time of year can also impact the cost of your move. Moving on a weekend or on a holiday may result in higher rental prices.
Moving Supplies
Packing materials range from $1 for a medium-sized box to $40 for bubble wrap or storage bins. While these may seem minor compared to other expenses, they can add up quickly.
Insurance
Moving insurance typically costs between 1% and 2% of your property's value. While homeowners' or renters' insurance may cover your belongings during a move, you can purchase additional coverage if needed.
Additional Expenses
Factor in costs for vehicle registration and driver's licenses in your new state, lodging and meals during travel, and storage units, if needed.
Long-Distance Moving Cost by Service Level
If you're planning a long-distance move of more than 400 miles, you'll need to choose a type of moving service for the trip.
| Service Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Full service | $1,400–$9,700 |
| Truck rental | $1,200–$2,100 |
| Shipping container | $700–$3,200 |
Full-Service Movers
Hiring full-service movers costs $1,400 to $9,700 or more, depending on the distance and any additional services. When you hire a moving company for an interstate trip, they usually send a consultant to your house to do the following:
Evaluate the size of the truck you’ll need
Estimate the total weight for the load
Talk to you about extra insurance for your belongings
At the end of the consultation, you’ll get a detailed estimate with itemized services and costs.
Moving Truck Rental
Renting a moving truck to move across the country costs $1,200 to $2,100.
Shipping Containers
Renting and transporting a shipping container for your move costs $700 to $3,200. The price depends on how many units you need and how far you plan to go. Most homes use one to three units.
Container companies drop a portable storage unit at your house and let you pack it at your leisure. On a specified date, they pick it up and deliver it to your destination for you to unload.
DIY vs. Hiring Long-Distance Movers
While managing a local move on your own is feasible, moving across the country often requires professional assistance. While packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings yourself is an option, hiring a professional moving company can save you significant time and effort and help ensure that your belongings are insured and transported correctly.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A move qualifies as long-distance when it covers 400 miles or more. This definition means that relocations beyond 400 miles require specialized planning and transportation services, which include additional factors such as fuel costs, tolls, and extended labor. The extensive distance demands thorough scheduling and precise coordination to guarantee a smooth and efficient move.
The best way to move out of state depends on your budget, the distance to your new home, and the number of belongings coming with you. However, hiring professional movers to assist with your out-of-state move is the ideal way to organize and execute your move. Pro movers have the skills and experience necessary to complete your cross-country move as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Moving insurance directly affects your overall moving cost by protecting your possessions during transit. While the added expense may increase the final cost, it safeguards valuable and fragile items from damage. With moving insurance covering around $0.60 per pound, the investment ensures that any potential losses are compensated. Including insurance in your budget minimizes risk and guarantees peace of mind throughout your relocation.
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