Out-of-State Moving Costs - What You’ll Pay in 2026
In a nutshell: Moving out of state usually costs about $4,199 on average. If you hire a full-service moving company, the price often falls between $2,289 and $8,998. A DIY move costs less but can still range from $559 to $4,969. Your final price depends on how far you are moving, how much stuff you have, and the type of service you pick.
Stop Stressing,
Start Calculating
A full-service move across state lines costs more than renting a truck or using a moving container. You pay for labor, packing, loading, transport, and delivery. If you choose a DIY option, you save money but handle most of the work yourself.
We reviewed many interstate moving companies and looked closely at their pricing. This helps us show you what people usually pay when moving out of state and what affects those costs.
Our Featured Interstate Movers
Find out moving costs for every state:
What Full-Service Movers Charge for Out-of-State Moves
A full-service moving company handles almost everything for you. They take care of packing, loading, transporting, and unloading. They also bring their own equipment and packing supplies. This level of service makes it the most expensive option for moving out of state.
The estimates below show what people usually pay for a full-service interstate move. These figures come from real quotes and reported moving costs from our platform.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2–3 Bedrooms | 4–5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 miles | $318 – $742 | $528 – $1,137 | $1,026 – $2,864 |
| 250 miles | $764 – $1,928 | $1,642 – $2,978 | $2,146 – $3,982 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,184 – $2,768 | $1,964 – $4,584 | $4,168 – $7,926 |
| 2,500 miles | $1,566 – $3,684 | $2,934 – $6,742 | $7,964 – $13,886 |
Note: These price ranges are general estimates. Your actual cost can change based on the size of your move, extra services, parking access, time of year, demand, and mover availability.
What Moving Containers Charge for Out-of-State Moves
Moving containers are shipped to your location so you can load your items at your own pace. After that, the company transports the container to your new address. This option sits between full-service moving and DIY since you handle part of the work yourself.
Using a container can lower your overall moving cost while still keeping the process manageable.
Below are typical price ranges for moving out of state with a container.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2–3 Bedrooms | 4–5 Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | $472 – $836 | $792 – $1,918 | $948 – $2,172 |
| 500 miles | $968 – $1,764 | $1,486 – $2,684 | $2,192 – $3,468 |
| Cross country | $2,084 – $4,152 | $3,128 – $4,984 | $5,612 – $7,692 |
What Rental Trucks Charge for Out-of-State Moves
Renting a moving truck is one of the most budget-friendly ways to move across state lines. You rent the vehicle, pack it yourself, and drive it to your new location. This option works best if you are comfortable handling the physical work and long-distance driving.
What this option usually involves:
- You manage packing, loading, and unloading
- You drive the truck the entire distance
- You stay in control of timing and scheduling
- You save more compared to full-service movers
Estimated rental truck costs for out-of-state moves
| Distance | Small move (1 bedroom) | Medium move (2–3 bedrooms) | Large move (4–5 bedrooms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 250 miles | $368 – $792 | $746 – $1,382 | $1,248 – $2,184 |
| Around 1,000 miles | $1,184 – $2,268 | $1,964 – $3,486 | $3,864 – $5,642 |
| Cross-country (2,500+ miles) | $1,892 – $3,146 | $3,264 – $5,738 | $5,964 – $7,892 |
Keep in mind that these numbers only show the truck rental itself. Extra costs may include:
- Fuel and mileage fees
- Insurance coverage
- Tolls and parking
- Packing supplies
What Labor-Only Movers Charge for Out-of-State Moves
Labor-only movers handle the physical work, but not the transportation. This means you arrange the truck or container, and they take care of loading and unloading. It’s a popular choice for people who want help with heavy lifting but still want to keep costs under control.
What labor-only services usually include:
- Loading items into your truck or container
- Unloading at your new home
- Basic furniture handling and placement
- Optional packing or unpacking help (for an added fee)
Estimated labor-only moving costs for out-of-state moves
| Move Size | Loading Only | Loading + Unloading | What this typically covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $246 – $462 | $438 – $786 | Small crew for 2–3 hours of work |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $468 – $864 | $786 – $1,294 | Medium crew with basic furniture handling |
| 4–5 bedrooms | $912 – $1,624 | $1,318 – $2,186 | Larger crew for heavy or bulky items |
These prices usually depend on:
- Number of movers needed
- Hourly rate in your area
- Total time on-site
- Stairs, elevators, or long carries
A quick example:
Let’s say you’re moving from San Antonio, TX, to Albuquerque, NM. You rent your own 20-foot truck but hire labor-only movers for help.
- Loading at your old home: around $524
- Unloading at your new place: around $552
- Total labor cost: roughly $1,076
What Moving Out Of State Actually Costs (Real-Life Example)
Let’s skip the generic averages for a moment and talk about what people really pay. Here are a few situations that mirror real decisions people make every day.
Small apartment move (1–2 bedrooms)
If you are moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Reno, NV, which is roughly 750 miles.
Here’s what the cost might look like:
- Full-service movers: around $2,680 – $3,540
- Moving container: about $1,360 – $1,980
- DIY truck rental: roughly $912 – $1,264
Medium family move (3–4 bedrooms)
If a family is shifting from Columbus, OH, to Denver, CO, which is about 1,150 miles away.
Here's what the cost might look like:
- Full-service moving company: $6,240 – $7,880
- Container move (2 large units): $4,120 – $5,460
- DIY truck move: $2,780 – $3,640
Short interstate vs long-distance
Not every out-of-state move costs the same. Distance changes everything.
For example:
- Short border move: San Diego, CA → Las Vegas, NV
- Full-service movers may cost $1,640 – $2,360.
- Cross-country trip: Boston, MA → Seattle, WA
-
Costs jump significantly:
- Full-service movers: $9,280 – $12,460
- Moving container:$5,260 – $8,140
- DIY move: $4,360 – $6,680
As you can see, the same “out-of-state” label can mean two very different price tags.
A quick reality check
Your final cost depends on:
- How much you’re moving
- How far you’re going
- How much work you want to handle yourself
- Timing and availability
If you want the lowest price, DIY is the route. If you want the least stress, full-service is worth considering.
Where Your Money Actually Goes on a Long-Distance Move
Suppose you’re moving a 3-bedroom home from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA, which is roughly 720 miles, and you’ve decided to hire full-service movers.
Here’s how the costs usually break down. Instead of one big number, your total is a mix of several smaller charges.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Crew work & handling | $1,472 – $2,138 | Packing, wrapping furniture, carrying heavy items, and loading the truck |
| Travel & transport fees | $1,896 – $2,782 | Truck usage, distance-based charges, fuel, and road expenses |
| Supplies & protection | $348 – $726 | Boxes, padding, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and protective materials |
| Coverage & liability | $186 – $468 | Basic coverage or full-value protection options |
| Extra services | $294 – $872 | Stairs, long carries, bulky items, or appliance handling |
| Total estimated range | $4,496 – $6,986 | Final price based on home size, access, timing, and route |
Key Factors That Impact the Out-of-State Moving Costs
Your total moving cost depends on several practical details. The biggest ones are how far you’re going, how much you’re taking, and which type of service you choose.
Below are the main factors that influence your final price:
- Volume of belongings: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Large or heavy pieces like treadmills, safes, or antique furniture can also increase labor and handling charges.
- Distance traveled: Longer routes lead to higher transportation expenses. Even small increases in mileage can affect fuel, time, and overall pricing.
- Move date: Moving seasons like summer and weekends often cost more due to higher demand. Moving during weekdays or off-season months can help reduce your total.
- Moving method: Full-service movers charge more for convenience, while truck rentals and containers usually cost less but require more work from you.
- Added services: Optional services such as packing, unpacking, storage, furniture disassembly, or difficult access situations can raise the final bill.
- Coverage options: Choosing better protection for your items will add to your cost but offer more security during transit.
- Fuel rates: Fuel prices directly affect long-distance moving charges, especially for interstate moves. When fuel costs rise, moving quotes often increase as well.
Steps To Follow When Moving Out of State
An out-of-state move can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller actions makes it easier to manage. Use these steps to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress:
- Secure your new housing before setting any moving dates
- If your move isn’t job-related, start your job search in advance
- Set a realistic moving budget or discuss relocation support with your employer
- Decide how you’ll move (truck rental, container, labor-only, or full-service movers)
- Research moving companies and compare multiple quotes
- Create a move plan or timeline so nothing slips through the cracks
- Sort through your belongings and donate or dispose of items you no longer need
- Begin packing early if you're handling it yourself, and gather all packing supplies ahead of time
How to Find a Reliable Out-of-State Moving Company
Choosing the right mover matters more than most people realize. A little research can save you from delays, damaged items, or surprise fees later on.
Here’s how to make a smart choice:
- Look through real customer feedback: Check reviews on Google, BBB, or by searching movers here. A few bad reviews are normal, but repeated complaints about hidden fees or poor service are a warning sign.
- Confirm legal registration: Interstate moving companies should be listed with the FMCSA. You can verify their USDOT number to make sure they’re properly licensed
- Pay attention to warning signs: Avoid movers that push for large upfront deposits, refuse to inspect your items, or give quotes that seem too good to be true
- Notice how they communicate: A professional mover will explain their process clearly, respond to questions, and provide written estimates and contracts
- Check their experience with long-distance moves: Companies that regularly handle interstate relocations tend to manage logistics better and avoid common mistakes.
Common Mistakes That Increase Moving Costs
Many people end up paying more for their out-of-state move simply because of small planning errors. These mistakes seem minor at first, but they can quickly add hundreds or even thousands to your final bill.
Here are the most common ones to watch out for:
Booking too late
Waiting until the last minute limits your options. Movers charge more when demand is high or when your move date is close.
Underestimating how much you own
If your inventory grows on moving day, your final cost will increase. More items mean more space, more labor, and more time.
Not comparing multiple quotes.
Relying on one estimate can lead to overpaying. Getting at least three quotes gives you a better sense of fair pricing.
Choosing the cheapest option blindly
Very low quotes often come with hidden fees or poor service. What looks like a deal can become expensive later.
Forgetting extra fees
Charges for stairs, long carries, bulky items, or difficult parking can significantly raise costs if you don’t plan ahead.
Packing poorly or too slowly
Last-minute packing may force you to pay for professional packing or delay the move, both of which add to the total.
Moving during peak times
Summer weekends and end-of-month dates cost more. Flexible timing can reduce your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most people should plan for $2,000 to $8,000, depending on distance, home size, and service type. Smaller moves with DIY methods cost less, while large homes with full-service movers can exceed this range.
Yes. The cheapest time to move is usually late fall through early spring. Summer months and weekends cost more because demand is highest.
Interstate movers typically charge based on both weight and distance. The heavier your belongings and the farther the move, the higher the total cost.
In most cases, moving costs are not tax-deductible unless you are an active-duty military member relocating for orders. Always check with a tax professional for your specific situation.
Delivery time usually ranges from 3 to 10 days, depending on distance, route scheduling, and the mover’s availability.
How We Gather and Verify Out-of-State Moving Costs
At My Good Movers, our cost estimates are based on real data, not generic averages. We follow a structured process to make sure the prices you see show what people actually pay when moving out of state.
Real move pricing data (40%):
We gather cost information from completed moves submitted by verified customers. This includes full-service moves, container moves, rental truck moves, and labor-only services. We remove extreme outliers and inconsistent reports to keep our ranges realistic and reliable.
Distance and move size analysis (25%):
We adjust pricing based on how far the move travels and the size of the household. Costs are categorized by type and mileage, so users see estimates that align with their specific move scenario.
Regional and market conditions (15%):
We track regional pricing patterns, demand shifts, and seasonal changes. Factors like fuel costs and peak moving periods are continuously monitored to keep our data current.
Service-type segmentation (10%):
Each moving method uses its own dataset. We separate pricing for full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only services to avoid blending inaccurate averages.
Data validation and quality checks (10%):
All collected data goes through multiple verification stages. We compare it with industry benchmarks and remove any entries that show unrealistic pricing patterns or inconsistencies.
If you want to learn more about how we gather our moving cost data, you can explore our full pricing methodology here
(239) 799–6077 
Cost Calculator
Compare Movers