Looking For A Mover?
Get 5 Quotes In Just 3 Easy Steps
Network of 700+ movers
200,000 moves annually

Long Distance Moving Costs Guide 2026

Costs, Movers & a Calculator

Featured image

The cost of long-distance moving in 2026 ranges from $1,000 to $14,000, depending on the size of your home, the distance traveled, and the services you choose. On average, most households pay between $2,000 and $7,500 for a full-service interstate move. In this article, we cover whether to choose a professional mover or handle your move yourself, the average moving costs, long-distance moving company rates by city, and how to receive up to five free moving quotes.

Key Takeaways

  • The average cost of a long-distance move is $2,000–$7,500 for most households.
  • Movers typically charge $0.50–$0.70 per pound or $2,000–$5,000+ for cross-country moving services.
  • A 1-bedroom move across state lines costs $1,000–$4,500.
  • Use a moving cost calculator to get a personalized long-distance moving estimate.
  • Booking 6–8 weeks early can reduce long-distance moving companies’ rates by 10–20%.

Cost of Long Distance Moving

The cost of long-distance moving depends on the distance of the move, shipment weight, and additional services selected.

Average Costs

Home SizeAverage Cost (1,000+ miles)
Studio$1,000 – $3,000
1 Bedroom$1,000 – $4,500
2 Bedrooms$3,000 – $8,000
3 Bedrooms$6,000 – $14,000

*Updated in February 2026.

How Much Does It Cost to Relocate a House?

The cost of relocating a house long distance ranges from:

  • $2,000–$5,000 for small moves (under 5,000 lbs)
  • $5,000–$10,000 for medium homes
  • $10,000–$15,000+ for large homes or cross-country moving services

Average Cost of Long Distance Move by Weight

Most long-distance moving companies charge you based on the weight of your interstate move.

WeightEstimated Cost
3,500 lbs$1,500–$3,500
5,000 lbs$2,500–$5,000
10,000 lbs$6,000–$10,000

*Updated in February 2026.

Note: Any specialty items like pianos or antiques will generally increase your moving costs.

Looking to Relocate?
Choose the size of your move below to receive up to 5 free moving quotes!

Long Distance Moving Companies Rates (By City)

NYC Long Distance Moving Costs

DestinationStudio1-bedroom2-bedrooms3-bedrooms
Los Angeles, CA$2,683 – $4,800$4,800 – $6,801$6,801 – $8,770$10,581 – $14,353
Miami, FL$2,104 – $3,679$3,679 – $5,137$5,137 – $6,602$7,966 – $10,795
Chicago, IL$1,950 – $3,383$3,383 – $4,699$4,699 – $6,031$7,279 – $9,863
Dallas, TX$2,225 – $3,914$3,914 – $5,485$5,485 – $7,055$8,511 – $11,537
Seattle, WA$2,680 – $4,794$4,794 – $6,791$6,791 – $8,757$10,565 – $14,331

*Updated in February 2026.

Los Angeles Long Distance Moving Costs

DestinationStudio1-bedroom2-bedrooms3-bedrooms
Seattle, WA$2,042 – $3,558$3,558 – $4,957$4,957 – $6,365$7,675 – $10,394
Las Vegas, NV$1,651 – $2,801$2,801 – $3,833$3,833 – $4,899$5,907 – $7,987
Chicago, IL$2,364 – $4,181$4,181 – $5,881$5,881 – $7,568$9,127 – $12,369
Portland, OR$1,967 – $3,413$3,413 – $4,742$4,742 – $6,084$7,337 – $9,934
Atlanta, GA$2,438 – $4,322$4,322 – $6,090$6,090 – $7,841$9,453 – $12,812

*Updated in February 2026

Chicago Long Distance Moving Costs

DestinationStudio1-bedroom2-bedrooms3-bedrooms
Denver, CO$2,014 – $3,504$3,504 – $4,877$4,877 – $6,260$7,548 – $10,221
Phoenix, AZ$2,231 – $3,923$3,923 – $5,497$5,497 – $7,067$8,520 – $11,542
Houston, TX$2,007 – $3,490$3,490 – $4,856$4,856 – $6,231$7,512 – $10,171
San Diego, CA$2,367 – $4,187$4,187 – $5,889$5,889 – $7,580$9,141 – $12,389
Washington, DC$1,839 – $3,165$3,165 – $4,374$4,374 – $5,605$6,758 – $9,148

*Updated in February 2026

What Affects the Cost of Long Distance Moving?

  • Distance
    • More miles = higher fuel, labor, and logistics costs.
  • Shipment Weight
    • Most long distance movers charge per pound.
  • Moving Date
    • Summer = peak pricing (May–September)
    • Weekends cost more than weekdays
  • Additional Services
    • Packing services
    • Furniture disassembly
    • Storage
    • Insurance upgrades
  • Access Challenges
    • Long carries
    • Stairs
    • Elevator reservations

Moving Services Cross Country: Full-Service vs DIY

When moving across the country, you can choose between a DIY move and using a moving company. DIY moves are generally cheaper but more difficult to execute.

TypeAverage CostBest For
Full-Service Movers$4,000–$14,000Hands-off convenience
Moving Container$2,000–$5,000Budget-conscious
Truck Rental$1,200–$3,000DIY movers

How to Get an Accurate Long Distance Moving Estimate

  1. Use a moving space calculator to estimate weight.
  2. Request at least 3 quotes from long-distance movers.
  3. Schedule a virtual or in-home survey.
  4. Ask for binding estimates (not non-binding).
  5. Review insurance coverage.
  6. Confirm pickup and delivery windows.

Cheapest Way to Move Across Country

Looking to reduce your moving costs? Follow the tips below:

  • Declutter your house before packing (reduce the weight of your move)
  • Move mid-week or mid-month
  • Book your move 6-8 weeks in advance
  • Compare long-distance moving companies
  • Pack items yourself instead of paying for packing services

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of long-distance moving?

How much does it cost to relocate a house cross-country?

Do long-distance moving companies charge by weight or volume?

How can I lower my moving costs?