How much does it cost to move out of state?
How much does it cost to move out of state?
$3,000 – $9,500 average cost for professional movers
$3,000 – $6,000 average cost for a moving container
$2,000 – $3,000 average cost for moving truck rental
Average cost to move out of state
The average cost to move out of state is $2,000 to $9,500 if you hire professional movers. If you load and unload your belongings yourself, renting a moving truck costs $2,000 to $3,000, while a moving pod costs $3,000 to $6,000 on average. Interstate moving costs depend on the distance, home size, and time of year.
| Home size | Professional movers | Moving container / pod | Moving truck rental* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,500 – $7,000 | $2,000 – $4,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,000 – $9,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| 4 – 5 bedrooms | $5,000 – $20,000 | $4,500 – $8,000 | $2,500 – $3,500+ |
*Total rental cost for 5 to 7 days, not including fuel
Professional movers
Long-distance movers cost $3,000 to $9,500 on average for a 2- to 3-bedroom home, but prices can range from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on the distance and home size. Professional moving companies handle the loading, unloading, and driving for you, providing the most convenient experience.
Full-service moving companies typically charge at the higher end of the price range but provide packing supplies and will pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your items.
Many interstate moving companies offer tracking services so you can monitor the progress of your moving truck while it's in transit.
Moving container / pod
A moving pod costs $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the container size, moving distance, and location. Most companies include one month of storage in the moving fee, which includes the time the container spends in your driveway for loading and unloading. Additional storage time costs $170 to $360 per month.
Most moving container companies follow this simple process for out-of-state moves:
The company delivers an 8- to 16-foot storage container to your home and parks it in the driveway, where you load it with your belongings.
When you're ready, the company picks up the container and transports it to your destination.
After you've emptied the container, they pick it up from your new driveway.
Moving the contents of a home with more than 2 bedrooms may require multiple moving containers or pods.
Moving truck rental
Moving truck rental costs $300 to $500+ per day or $1,500 to $3,500+ total for an out-of-state move, depending on the distance, truck size, and rental duration. Many companies charge a flat rate for 5- to 7-day rentals for long-distance moves.
The rental fee does not include the cost of fuel, insurance, or packing supplies. Most companies require you to return the truck with a full tank of fuel, and you'll also face these extra costs:
Towing: Most companies charge $45 to $100 more for a tow dolly or car carrier to tow your car behind the moving truck.
Protecting your items: Renting moving blankets or pads costs $5 to $20+.
Loading & unloading: Renting a furniture dolly or hand truck costs $10 to $30 per day.
If you plan to rent a moving truck and drive it yourself, remember to factor in travel expenses like meals and hotel stays.
Factors that affect interstate moving costs
Several factors impact the cost to move out of state:
Distance: The distance of your move is the biggest cost factor and affects the fuel charges, travel expenses, labor hours, and number of drivers required. In general, the longer your move, the higher the total cost.
Home size: The total volume and weight of your belongings is the second-largest factor impacting the cost of the move. The larger your home and the more items involved, the more time, labor, truck space, and fuel the move will require.
Time of year: Moving companies are busiest in the summer, and prices can be 20% to 30% higher during the peak moving season from May through September.
Moving insurance: Moving companies are legally required to offer at least two insurance options—minimal coverage for free and comprehensive, full-value coverage for an extra fee. Moving companies charge 1% to 2% of the estimated value of your belongings for insurance.
Professional movers vs. DIY: Loading a moving truck or container yourself saves you money but requires time and effort. Moving companies charge $50 to $100+ per hour per mover. If you opt to rent a moving truck or pod, consider hiring local movers to load or unload it for you.
Packing services
Many moving companies offer professional packing services in addition to loading, transporting, and unloading your items. Packing services cost $50 to $80 per hour or $500 to $2,500 for a 2- to 4-bedroom home. This fee typically includes moving boxes and tape, but additional packing supplies may cost extra.
Large or specialty items
Moving companies charge more to move large, bulky, or specialty items like pianos and pool tables. Shipping your car also costs extra if you choose not to drive it from one state to the other yourself.
Moving a piano costs $450 to $2,300Â for long-distance moves.
The cost to move a pool table is $300 to $800+.
The average cost to ship a car is $900 to $1,800 for 1,500 to 2,000 miles or up to $2,400 for more than 2,000 miles.
How to save money on an out-of-state move
Moving to another state can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce your costs. Some methods, like scheduling your move on a weekday, require minimal effort. Other methods, like renting a truck and driving it to another state yourself, require more time, effort, and advanced planning.
Consider these strategies to save money on your interstate move:
Schedule your move during the off-season from October through April.
Choose a moving date in the middle of the week to avoid higher weekend rates.
Look for discounts on moving companies' websites and social media accounts.
Ask moving companies about discounts for AAA members, senior citizens, or military personnel.
Declutter and downsize by donating, selling, or recycling items before moving. The fewer items you move, the lower your cost.
Pack your belongings yourself instead of paying for professional packing services. Look for free moving boxes and packing supplies.
Rent a moving truck and ask your family and friends for help loading and unloading it.
FAQs about out-of-state moves
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
The cheapest way to move to another state is by renting a moving truck and handling all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
How long does an out-of-state move take?
Moving to another state takes 3 to 21 days, including loading the moving truck, transporting your belongings to the new location, and unloading the truck. The total time depends on the distance, shipment size, and weather and traffic conditions.
| Distance | Number of days* |
|---|---|
| 400 – 800 miles | 3 – 10 |
| 800 – 1,200 miles | 4 – 12 |
| 1,200 – 1,700 miles | 5 – 15 |
| 1,700 – 2,400 miles | 6 – 20 |
| 2,400 – 3,300 miles | 7 – 21 |
*For professional loading, transportation, and unloading; does not include packing and unpacking time.
How much should you tip movers?
Tip interstate movers $5 to $10 per hour or $40 to $80 per person per day. Keep in mind that two separate moving crews may handle your move—one loading the truck at the first location and another unloading it at the destination—along with one or more drivers who transport your belongings.
Are moving costs tax deductible?
Moving costs are not tax deductible for most taxpayers. You can only deduct your out-of-pocket moving expenses if you are:
An active-duty member of the Armed Forces, and you are moving as part of a permanent change of station due to a military order
The spouse or dependent of a military member who is moving to a new base
The spouse or dependent of a military member who died, deserted, or is imprisoned
Getting quotes from interstate movers
When planning a move to another state, it's important to hire a reputable company to ensure the process goes smoothly. Follow these guidelines to help you find the best interstate movers or a long-distance moving company for your move:
Read moving company reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Get quotes from at least 3 interstate moving companies to compare.
Choose a moving company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Confirm the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Ask for the company's DOT number.
Ask for references from recent customers in your area.
Get a detailed written estimate and contract. Read the fine print to ensure you don't face unexpected fees later.
Questions to ask interstate moving companies
Before you sign a contract with a moving company, ask these questions:
How long have you been in business?
Can you provide references from past customers?
Are you registered with the DOT and FMCSA? What is your DOT Number?
How do you calculate the cost of the move?
Does the estimate include loading and unloading my belongings?
Which other services does the estimate include?
What extra charges may come up that aren't detailed in the estimate?
Do you offer packing services? How much extra do they cost?
Do you have liability insurance coverage?
What moving insurance options do you offer? What is the coverage and deductible?
How long will the move take, and do you guarantee the delivery date?
Do you offer tracking so I can monitor the progress of my move?
Do you conduct background checks on all your employees?
What is your cancellation policy?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.