How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State? 2026 Cost Guide
Moving out of state costs about $2,200–$10,000+ for a full-service move in 2026, with many typical 2- to 3-bedroom moves costing around $4,300. A DIY truck rental can cost considerably less, often around $600–$5,300, while large cross-country moves can exceed $15,000.
The actual cost to move out of state depends mainly on your home size, shipment weight, moving distance, moving method, moving date, and services you choose.
Interstate moves also work differently from local moves. Long-distance movers may calculate the price using shipment weight, distance, services, and other charges rather than simply billing by the hour.
This guide explains the typical out-of-state moving costs for different home sizes and distances, along with the additional expenses that can affect your final budget.
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Quick Answer: Average Out-of-State Moving Cost
There is no single price for an interstate move. A small apartment moving to a nearby state can cost a few thousand dollars, while a large household moving across the country can cost well into five figures.
| Move Type | Typical 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY truck rental | $600 – $5,300 |
| Full-service, standard move | $2,200 – $10,000 |
| Large home or cross-country move | $10,000 – $18,000+ |
These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed quotes. Your actual price can be higher or lower depending on the route, shipment size, season, availability, and services included.
Why Out-of-State Moving Costs Vary So Much
The biggest difference between two moving quotes is often the amount of household goods being transported.
A lightly furnished one-bedroom apartment may require only a small truck and a limited amount of labor. A large five-bedroom home may require a much larger truck, more movers, more fuel, and substantially more transportation capacity.
Distance matters too. Moving 300 miles to a neighboring state is very different from moving 2,500 miles across the country.
The moving date can also affect the price. Summer, weekends, and the end of the month are generally busier periods, which can reduce availability and increase rates.
Cost by Home Size
Home size is one of the most useful starting points when estimating the cost to move out of state. Movers generally care about the amount and weight of your belongings rather than the number of bedrooms alone.
| Home Size | Typical Full-Service Interstate Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,100 – $4,000 |
| 2–3 bedroom | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| 4–5+ bedroom | $4,100 – $15,000+ |
These figures are broad estimates because a two-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture can weigh much less than a heavily furnished two-bedroom house.
Studio or One-Bedroom Move
A studio or one-bedroom interstate move is usually the least expensive full-service option because there are fewer belongings to pack, load, transport, and unload.
A short interstate move may fall near the lower end of the range, while a long-distance move involving professional packing or storage can cost considerably more.
Two- to Three-Bedroom Move
A two- or three-bedroom household is a common interstate moving scenario. Many moves in this category fall somewhere around $3,000–$6,500 for full-service transportation, although distance and shipment weight can move the price outside this range.
Furniture, appliances, storage requirements, and the amount of packing needed can make a major difference.
Four- or Five-Bedroom Move
Large households require more transportation capacity and labor. A full-service interstate move for a four- or five-bedroom home can therefore reach $10,000 or more, especially for a cross-country route.
If the household has accumulated belongings over many years, decluttering before requesting quotes can be one of the simplest ways to reduce the shipment size and potentially lower the moving cost.
Cost by Distance
Distance is another major factor in an out-of-state moving cost estimate. A longer route generally requires more fuel, driver time, transportation resources, and scheduling coordination.
| Distance | Typical Cost for a 2–3 Bedroom Move |
|---|---|
| About 500 miles | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| About 1,000 miles | $1,900 – $6,500 |
| 1,500+ miles | $4,600 – $10,000+ |
| Cross-country, 2,500+ miles | $6,000 – $15,000+ |
These ranges should be used for budgeting rather than as guaranteed prices. Moving companies use different pricing methods, and the same route can produce different quotes depending on the shipment weight, moving date, and services requested.
Why Distance Is Not the Only Factor
It can be tempting to estimate an interstate move by multiplying the number of miles by a simple per-mile rate. That approach can produce a misleading result.
The final price may also include shipment weight, labor, fuel, packing, valuation coverage, stairs, long carries, storage, and specialty-item charges.
For a more detailed explanation of how mileage and shipment weight can affect long-distance moving prices, see our moving cost per mile guide.
Full-Service vs. DIY for Out-of-State Moves
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. The cheapest option is not always the easiest, so compare the total cost with the time and physical work involved.
Full-Service Moving
Full-service movers handle most of the physical work. Depending on the company and package, they can pack your belongings, load the truck, transport everything to the new state, unload it, and sometimes unpack it.
For an interstate move, full-service pricing commonly falls between $2,200 and $10,000+, although larger homes and very long-distance moves can cost substantially more.
The main advantage is convenience. You do not have to drive a large rental truck across several states or organize a group of people to handle loading and unloading.
The trade-off is price. Professional labor, transportation, fuel, insurance or valuation coverage, and additional services can make a full-service move much more expensive than a DIY move.
DIY Truck Rental
A DIY interstate move means renting a truck or moving vehicle and handling the driving and physical work yourself.
The rental itself may cost around $600–$5,300 for an out-of-state move, depending on truck size, distance, dates, availability, and rental terms.
However, the advertised rental price is not your complete moving budget. You also need to account for fuel, tolls, food, lodging, moving equipment, insurance or protection, and potentially additional rental days.
For a short interstate move, DIY can produce significant savings. For a very long move, however, the extra driving time and fuel costs should be included before deciding.
Moving Containers and Hybrid Options
Moving containers provide a middle-ground option. The company delivers a container, you load your belongings, and the company transports the container to your destination.
This approach eliminates the need to drive a large rental truck yourself while still allowing you to save money by handling the loading and unloading.
Moving containers can also be useful when the move-out and move-in dates do not line up because some providers offer storage options.
For a broader comparison of professional movers, containers, and DIY options, see our movers cost comparison guide.
Most & Least Expensive States to Move To or From
The state you're leaving and the state you're moving to can influence the price of an interstate move. However, there is no universal list of states that will always be the most expensive.
Moving companies price individual routes based on demand, available trucks, labor costs, distance, and how easy it is for them to find another shipment for the return journey.
Why Some Moving Routes Cost More
High-demand metropolitan areas can have higher labor and operating costs. Popular moving corridors can also become more expensive during peak periods when many customers are competing for the same trucks and crews.
Remote destinations can create another pricing problem. A truck may need to travel farther with limited opportunities to pick up another shipment, increasing the carrier's operating cost.
Hawaii and Alaska can also involve substantially different transportation arrangements because many household moves require ocean or specialized freight transportation.
| Route Factor | Potential Effect on Moving Cost |
|---|---|
| Large metropolitan origin | May increase labor and operating costs |
| Large metropolitan destination | Demand can affect availability and pricing |
| Remote destination | May increase transportation costs |
| Popular interstate corridor | Competition may lower or raise prices depending on demand |
| Hawaii or Alaska | Specialized transportation can significantly increase costs |
Rather than assuming that moving from or to a particular state will automatically be expensive, get quotes for your exact addresses and moving dates.
What Makes Interstate Moves Legally Different?
An interstate move is different from a local move because it crosses a state boundary. Household goods carriers involved in interstate transportation are subject to federal rules administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
This matters because consumers have specific rights and responsibilities when hiring an interstate moving company.
Written Estimates
Interstate movers generally provide written estimates before the move. Depending on the type of estimate, the final amount may be fixed or may change according to the terms of the estimate and the actual circumstances of the shipment.
Always read the estimate carefully and make sure you understand which services are included.
Shipment Weight
For moves where weight is part of the pricing method, the shipment may be weighed to determine the actual weight of the household goods being transported.
This is one reason an inventory that is significantly larger than originally estimated can affect the final cost.
Check the Moving Company's Credentials
Before hiring an interstate mover, verify the company's federal registration and USDOT information. Do not rely only on a website, social media page, or online advertisement.
Consumers can use the FMCSA's official resources to research an interstate moving company and learn more about their rights before signing a contract.
Other Costs to Budget For
The moving company's transportation quote is only one part of your total relocation budget. Several additional expenses can appear before, during, or after an interstate move.
Fuel and Travel Expenses
If you're driving your own rental truck, remember that fuel can become a significant expense on a multi-state journey.
You may also need to budget for hotels, meals, toll roads, parking, and other travel costs.
Vehicle Transportation
If you are not driving your personal vehicle to the new state, you may need a separate auto transport service.
Vehicle shipping costs vary widely depending on the vehicle, distance, transportation method, route, season, and carrier availability.
Storage
Temporary storage can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to a relocation budget if your new home is not ready when your belongings arrive.
Ask whether storage is included in your moving quote or billed separately.
Packing and Specialty Services
Professional packing is convenient but increases the total cost. Specialty items such as pianos, antiques, large safes, artwork, and unusually heavy furniture may also require additional labor or equipment.
Ask for each additional service to be listed separately on your estimate so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
The best way to estimate your out-of-state moving cost is to use your actual home size, inventory, addresses, moving date, and preferred moving method rather than relying only on a national average.
Two households with the same number of bedrooms can have very different moving costs because one may have significantly more furniture and household goods.
Get at Least Three Written Quotes
Request written estimates from at least three interstate moving companies. This gives you a better idea of the normal price for your specific route and makes unusually high or low quotes easier to identify.
Do not compare only the final dollar amount. Check what each company includes in the estimate.
Confirm What Is Included
Ask each mover whether the quoted price includes packing, loading, unloading, furniture disassembly, furniture reassembly, stairs, long carries, storage, valuation coverage, and other services you may need.
A quote that appears cheaper may become more expensive once additional services are added.
Ask Whether the Estimate Is Binding
Find out whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or subject to specific conditions. The type of estimate can affect how the final price is calculated.
Read the written documents carefully before signing. If something is unclear, ask the mover to explain it in writing.
Book at the Right Time
Summer is generally the busiest moving season. Weekend and end-of-month dates can also be more competitive because many households move during these periods.
If your schedule is flexible, ask about weekday and off-peak dates. Moving during a less busy period may give you more availability and potentially a better rate.
Verify the Mover Before Booking
For an interstate move, check the mover's federal registration and USDOT information before making a payment or signing a contract.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides information for consumers researching interstate movers and understanding their rights.
Calculate Your Out-of-State Moving Cost
Estimate your moving budget using your home size, distance, moving method, and other important cost factors.
How to Reduce the Cost of Moving Out of State
Moving to another state does not have to mean choosing the most expensive option. A few practical decisions can make a noticeable difference in the final bill.
Get Rid of Items You No Longer Need
The more belongings you move, the more space, labor, and transportation capacity you may need.
Before requesting your final quote, sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of items you no longer use. Reducing your shipment can be especially useful when the mover calculates part of the price from shipment weight.
Pack Your Own Belongings
Professional packing saves time, but it can add significantly to the moving bill.
If you have enough time and can safely pack your household goods yourself, doing so can reduce labor costs. Keep fragile and valuable items clearly labeled and packed appropriately.
Compare Different Moving Methods
Do not assume full-service moving is your only option.
Compare a professional mover with a rental truck, moving container, or hybrid service. The best choice depends on how much physical work you're willing to handle and how much convenience you want.
Choose Flexible Moving Dates
If you can move during a weekday or outside the busiest summer period, ask moving companies for alternative dates.
Even when the savings are not dramatic, greater availability can make it easier to find a suitable mover and schedule.
Moving Out of State Cost: What Should You Budget?
For planning purposes, a typical interstate move can fall anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $10,000.
A small household moving a relatively short distance may stay near the lower end. A large household traveling across the country with professional packing and additional services can move well above the national average.
| Situation | Reasonable Planning Range |
|---|---|
| Small household, shorter interstate move | $2,200 – $4,000 |
| Typical 2–3 bedroom interstate move | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| Large household or longer move | $6,000 – $10,000+ |
| Large cross-country relocation | $10,000 – $18,000+ |
These figures are useful for creating a preliminary budget, but they should not replace a written quote based on your actual shipment and addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Out of State
How much does it cost to move out of state on average?
A typical full-service interstate move can cost around $2,200–$10,000+, with many 2- to 3-bedroom moves falling around $3,000–$6,500. Larger homes and long cross-country moves can cost considerably more.
Is it cheaper to move out of state yourself?
Usually, yes. A DIY truck rental can cost significantly less than hiring full-service movers because you handle the packing, loading, driving, and unloading. However, fuel, lodging, tolls, equipment, and your time should be included when comparing the options.
How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom home out of state?
A full-service interstate move for a 2-bedroom household can commonly cost around $3,000–$6,000+, depending on shipment weight, distance, moving date, and services. A lightly furnished apartment may cost less.
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
Renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself is usually the lowest-cost option. A moving container can be a good middle-ground choice if you want to avoid driving a large truck but are willing to load and unload your belongings yourself.
How much does a cross-country move cost?
A cross-country full-service move can cost approximately $6,000–$15,000+, depending on home size, shipment weight, distance, services, and moving date. Large households with packing and storage can exceed this range.
Additional Resources
For official information about interstate moving regulations and consumer rights, review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's moving resources.
Plan Your Moving Budget Before You Book
Compare your expected moving cost based on distance, home size, and moving method before requesting professional quotes.