10 Cheapest Ways to Move Out of State in 2026
Quick answer: The cheapest way to move out of state is to rent a moving truck and do the work yourself, which costs $700 - $2,000 based on moveBuddha pricing data. Moving containers cost $900 - $4,500, and full-service movers cost $1,941 - $4,224 for a 1,000-mile move of a 2 - 3 bedroom home. Below, we compare 10 cheap options by cost and who they fit, starting with the best rental trucks.
Not sure which option fits your move? Our moving cost calculator weighs your distance, home size, and move date to price rental trucks, containers, and full-service movers side by side.
Jump to the cheap moving info you’re looking for:
- Rent a moving truck ($700 - $2,000)
- Rent a moving container ($900 - $4,500)
- Rent a freight trailer ($1,500 - $3,000)
- Hire full-service movers ($1,941 - $4,224)
- Use an online marketplace
- Hire moving labor ($1,175 - $3,090)
- Rent a cargo van ($800 - $3,000)
- Tow a cargo trailer
- Move by car
- Ship LTL freight ($1,021 - $1,708)
- How to lower your cost
- What affects your cost
- How real customers saved
- Which option is right for you
- FAQs
Why moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of state?
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move a full home out of state, and moving by car is the cheapest way to move a dorm room. Preparing for a cross-country move costs more than a local move, so each option below lists its typical cost and who it fits best.
The table below compares each option’s typical cost with how much of the work you’ll handle yourself, so you can weigh savings against effort.
| Option | Typical cost | What you handle |
|---|---|---|
| Rental truck | $700 - $2,000 | Pack, load & drive |
| Moving container | $900 - $4,500 | Pack & load |
| Freight trailer | $1,500 - $3,000 | Pack & load |
| Full-service mover | $1,941 - $4,224 | Little to nothing |
| Online marketplace | Varies by mover | Little to nothing |
| Moving labor | $1,175 - $3,090 | Pack & drive |
| Cargo van | $800 - $3,000 | Pack, load & drive |
| Tow-behind trailer | Varies | Pack, load & tow |
| Car | Gas, food & lodging | Pack & drive |
| LTL freight | $1,021 - $1,708 | Pack & prep for pickup |
1. Rent a moving truck: Best for budget-friendly large moves
Renting a moving truck costs $700 - $2,000 for an out-of-state move, making it the cheapest way to move a full household. You rent a moving rental truck for a set number of days based on your distance and handle all the driving and heavy lifting yourself.
Budget for fuel, hotels, and meals on top of the rental rate. Our moving truck size calculator matches your home size to a truck, so you don’t pay for a bigger truck than you need.
Quick tips:
- Compare quotes. Rates for the same truck size and dates can vary widely between Budget, Penske, and U-Haul, so get a quote from each before you book.
- Factor in fuel costs. Larger Penske and Budget trucks run on diesel, which often costs more per gallon than regular gas. Ask which fuel your truck takes before you set your budget.
- Request the newest truck. Ask for the newest available truck in the size you need to lower the chance of maintenance issues on the road.
- Confirm your reservation. Call the day before your move to confirm, and have a backup plan ready in case the truck isn’t available.
Rental truck pros & cons
- Lowest cost for a full home
- Firmest delivery date
- Nationwide pickup & drop-off
- You drive & do all the lifting
- Fuel, hotels & meals add up
2. Rent a moving container: Best for storage
Moving containers cost $900 - $4,500 for an out-of-state move and run about 30% less than full-service movers on average.
“U-Pack gave me the most stress-free move I could have asked for. I had to pinch myself, because U-Pack was the cheapest of the four quotes I got and I was nervous precisely because it was so affordable.”
—Gillian J., Better Moves Project
The container company drops off a container, you pack and load it, and the company ships it to your new home or holds it in storage. PODS containers come in 8-, 12-, and 16-foot sizes.
Quick tips:
- Compare container types. PODS and U-Pack offer different container sizes and service levels, so check which one fits your load.
- Find the best rates near you. The cheapest moving container rates for out-of-state moves usually come from companies with locations close to both your origin and destination.
- Plan for storage costs. Moving container companies work well for short-term storage, but monthly fees can exceed the cost of a standard storage unit over longer periods.
Moving container pros & cons
- Storage built in
- No long-distance driving
- About 30% less than full-service
- You pack & load
- Storage fees add up over time
3. Rent a freight trailer: Best for larger moves
A freight trailer costs $1,500 - $3,000 for an out-of-state move, and a professional driver handles the transportation. Freight moving companies like U-Pack drop off a 28-foot trailer and give you three business days to load and three business days to unload.
U-Pack bases trailer rates on the linear feet you use, not weight, so you pay only for the space your belongings take up. Depending on the size of your move, you may need extra help with loading and unloading.
Quick tips:
- Line up loading help. This option doesn’t include movers, so plan for extra help if you have a large load.
- Check your parking. Freight trailers work well for rural moves and large homes, but limited street parking can make them tricky in cities.
- Use the bulkhead. U-Pack includes a locking bulkhead with every trailer move, so load tightly against it to keep items from shifting.
- Pack fragile items carefully. Use extra padding around anything breakable, since your belongings travel hundreds or thousands of miles by tractor-trailer.
Freight trailer pros & cons
- Pay only for space used
- Driver included
- Three days to load & unload
- No loading help
- Hard to park in cities
rating
5 / 5
4. Hire a full-service mover: Best for convenience
Full-service movers cost $1,941 - $4,224 for a 1,000-mile move of a 2 - 3 bedroom home, according to moveBuddha pricing data. Interstate moving companies like Safeway Moving and Mayzlin Relocation handle the loading, driving, and unloading, and most can pack your boxes too.
Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover adds $1,000 in coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
Quick tips:
- Weigh the higher cost. Moving containers and rental trucks run about 30% less than full-service movers on average, so weigh convenience against your budget.
- Compare multiple quotes. Quotes can vary by thousands of dollars, so get at least three before you commit. You can explore movers in your area here.
- Verify licensing. Always confirm an interstate mover has an active USDOT number with the FMCSA before you book.
- Skip big deposits. The FMCSA lists a demand for cash or a large deposit as a red flag, so walk away from any mover that asks for one.
Full-service mover pros & cons
- Movers do the heavy lifting
- Packing available
- $1,000 added coverage with Certified movers
- Highest cost
- Widest delivery window
rating
4.23 / 5
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
5. Use an online marketplace: Best for getting a deal
The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace is a concierge-style booking service that matches you with vetted movers and collects competing quotes on your behalf. Movers compete for your move, so prices run about 30% lower on average than shopping for individual quotes. Here’s how it works:
- Submit your move once. Enter your pickup and destination details one time instead of calling movers one by one. The process takes about five minutes, and you’re under no obligation to book.
- Get competing quotes. Receive up to five no-obligation quotes from one request, matched to movers’ real-time schedule availability.
- Book in one place. Request quotes, book, and schedule your move through moveBuddha with no pressure and no haggling.
- Get added protection. Every move booked through the marketplace carries $1,000 in added move protection on top of what your mover already provides.
Comparing several real quotes side by side also protects you from lowball bids that climb after you book. As one mover owner put it:
“Low quotes are sometimes used just to secure the job, knowing that the price will increase later. At that point, you’re stuck. That’s how bait and switch happens.”
—Anthony DiSorbo, Owner, American Van Lines
Online marketplace pros & cons
- Up to five quotes per request
- $1,000 added move protection
- No obligation to book
- Full-service pricing, not DIY rates
- Your mover, not moveBuddha, performs the move
6. Hire moving labor: Best for DIY hybrid moves
A hybrid move with hired labor costs $1,175 - $3,090, because you pay for the heavy lifting but handle the transportation yourself. HireAHelper matches you with local crews who load and unload your truck or container at an hourly rate, and its Service Guarantee covers up to $1,000.
Quick tips:
- Let the platform vet crews. HireAHelper checks movers’ licensing, insurance, and reviews before listing them.
- Arrange your own transportation. Moving labor can help with packing, loading, and unloading, but you’ll need to arrange your own truck, container, or trailer.
- Book crews for both locations. You’ll need separate crews at your origin and destination, so book both before you lock in your dates.
Moving labor pros & cons
- Cheaper than full-service
- Vetted, hourly crews
- Saves your back
- Crews needed at both ends
- Transportation not included
rating
4.5 / 5
7. Rent a cargo van: Best for studio apartments
A cargo van costs $800 - $3,000 for an out-of-state move and holds about one room of belongings. Cargo vans are easier to park and get better gas mileage than a full-size moving truck, but one-way rentals are hard to find.
Penske’s cargo van is available for round-trip rentals only, and U-Haul rents its cargo vans for local moves only. Confirm one-way availability with car and truck rental companies before you plan your move around a van.
Quick tips:
- Plan to load it yourself. You’re responsible for all the lifting and loading, so plan ahead if you have heavy furniture.
- Save on packing supplies. Buy your own packing materials or find free moving boxes to keep costs down.
- Check your space needs. Penske’s cargo van holds up to 404 cubic feet, which fits a studio or dorm. A moving truck is the better fit for one-bedroom homes and larger.
Cargo van pros & cons
- Easy to park & drive
- Better gas mileage than a box truck
- Few one-way rentals
- Fits about one room
8. Use a tow-behind trailer: Best for shorter-distance moves
A tow-behind trailer lets you move your car and belongings in one trip if your vehicle has enough towing capacity. U-Haul rents enclosed cargo trailers in several sizes for one-way and local moves, and they work best for studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Quick tips:
- Put safety first. Trailers can be dangerous if you’ve never hitched or towed one. Research trailer safety before move day, and never exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.
- Budget for packing supplies. Factor in the cost of bubble wrap, moving blankets, and packing tape.
- Drive cautiously. Go slowly, take wide turns, and leave extra stopping distance, since a loaded trailer adds significantly to your braking time.
Tow-behind trailer pros & cons
- Car & belongings move together
- No second vehicle to drive
- Towing takes practice
- Limited cargo space
9. Move by car: Best for dorm rooms & other small moves
Moving by car is the cheapest way to move a dorm room or small studio out of state, because you pay only for gas, food, and lodging. If you’re moving out of a dorm, you can often fit everything in your car and move your car and belongings at the same time.
Quick tips:
- Pack only what you need. Bring only what you’ll use right away, and pack it tightly to make the most of your space.
- Keep your view clear. Don’t block your rearview mirror or blind spots, or you could create safety and legal issues on the road.
- Park securely overnight. If the drive takes more than a day, park in well-lit, secure areas at night.
Moving by car pros & cons
- Cheapest option overall
- No rental fees
- Very limited space
- Furniture won’t fit
10. Ship via LTL freight carrier: Best for flexible small moves
LTL freight costs $1,021 - $1,708 for an out-of-state move. LTL stands for less-than-truckload, which means the carrier combines your shipment with others and charges only for the space you use. Delivery usually takes longer than other methods, but LTL works well if you’re not sure exactly how much you’ll move.
Quick tips:
- Ask how overages are billed. Your final cost adjusts after the move based on the actual space used, so get an upfront quote and ask how overages are billed.
- Pack tight. Load boxes as efficiently as possible to reduce how much space you take up in the truck.
- Protect against damage. Multiple crews handle freight in transit, which raises the chance of damage. Use extra padding and consider buying added coverage.
- Check pallet rules. Some LTL carriers require items on pallets, so package efficiently to avoid paying for extra pallets.
- Ask for a ShipSmart discount. Mention moveBuddha when you book with ShipSmart to get 10% off your shipment.
LTL freight pros & cons
- Pay only for space used
- Flexible for small loads
- Slower delivery
- Higher damage risk
- May require pallets
How can you lower the cost of an out-of-state move?
Beyond choosing the right moving service, these habits can stretch your moving budget further:
- Declutter before you move. Sell or donate things you no longer need before you declutter for your move. Downsizing enough to rent a smaller truck or container directly lowers your total cost.
- Move during the off-season. Weekdays between September and April come with lower rates and more flexible delivery windows. Peak season runs May through August, when demand and prices are highest.
- Find free moving boxes. Look for free moving boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood Facebook groups, and Craigslist.
- Ask friends and family for help. An extra set of hands on both ends of the move can take a significant amount of labor off your plate.
- Check your insurance first. Ask whether your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers belongings in transit before you buy extra coverage.
- Ask about moving discounts. Look for moving discounts for seniors, military service members, and students. Many movers also offer seasonal discounts.
- Negotiate a relocation package. If you’re moving for a new job, ask your employer for a relocation package to cover some or all of your moving costs.
- Ship small loads by parcel. If you’re only moving a few boxes, shipping them through USPS can cost less than renting space on a truck.
Moving containers and rental trucks cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data.
What affects the cost of an out-of-state move?
How much you move, how much work you do yourself, and when you move drive your out-of-state moving price more than anything else. Keep these in mind as you compare quotes:
- How much you move: Fewer belongings mean lower costs across the board. Downsizing before your move can cut hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your total.
- How much you do yourself: Handling packing, loading, and driving is almost always the cheapest route. Hybrid moves, where you hire labor-only help for the heavy lifting, keep costs down while saving your back.
- Your moving date: Peak season, weekends, and month-ends are the busiest and most expensive times to move. See our breakdown of peak moving season to find cheaper booking windows.
What hidden costs should you budget for?
Extra fees can turn a cheap quote into an expensive move, so add these to your budget before you compare options:
- Fuel surcharges: Full-service movers add 8% - 15% to transportation charges on long-distance moves. If you drive a rental truck yourself, budget for fuel at every stop.
- Access fees: Stair carries, long carries, and shuttle service add $75 - $500 or more when the truck can’t load directly at your home.
- Bulky items: Safes, oversized sectionals, and large appliances can add $150 - $400 per item for extra labor and equipment.
- Storage-in-transit: Long-distance movers typically charge $0.50 per cubic foot per month, or about $257 a month for a one-bedroom home.
- Professional packing: Having movers pack for you adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound on average.
Most of these fees apply to full-service moves, so ask every mover to list them in writing before you book.
Pro tip: Ask for a binding estimate so your price can’t climb on moving day. Learn how they work in our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates.
How did real customers save on their out-of-state moves?
We interviewed real customers through our Better Moves Project about how they kept their out-of-state moves on budget. Gillian compared four quotes and moved a one-bedroom apartment from Charlotte, North Carolina, to New Orleans for $1,146:
Here’s what other participants learned:
- Get an accurate estimate. Laurel paid $11,900 against a $5,975 phone estimate on her California to Texas move, so she recommends an in-person or video survey instead.
- Move off-peak. Jana paid $2,900 for her January Connecticut to Ohio move, just $100 over her quote, and credits off-peak timing for the attentive service she got.
- Know where to spend more. Jana says she’d pay for professional packing next time, since the crew had to repack her boxes on moving day.
Which cheap moving option is right for you?
The right option depends on how much you’re moving and how much work you can take on. Find your situation below:
- You’re moving a dorm or small studio. Drive everything in your own car, and ship a few larger items by LTL freight if they don’t fit.
- You’re moving a one-bedroom apartment. Tow a cargo trailer or rent a small moving container to avoid paying for a full-size truck.
- You’re moving a 2 - 3 bedroom home. Rent a moving truck for $700 - $2,000, the cheapest option at this size.
- You’re moving four bedrooms or more. Book a freight trailer or pair a rental truck with hired labor to stay well below full-service prices.
- You don’t want to drive a truck cross-country. Choose a moving container or freight trailer, since the company handles the driving.
- You need storage between homes. Choose a moving container, which can stay in the company’s storage facility until your new place is ready.
- You can’t lift heavy furniture. Hire labor-only movers for the loading, or get full-service quotes through an online marketplace.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, price your move below. Our calculator runs on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, so you get a real benchmark to hold every quote against.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
Renting a moving truck and doing the work yourself is the cheapest way to move a full home out of state, at $700 - $2,000. A dorm-sized move costs even less if everything fits in your car. Compare options in our list of the best rental trucks.
How much does it cost to move to another state?
A 1,000-mile move of a 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $768 - $1,524 with a rental truck, $1,690 - $3,298 with a moving container, and $1,941 - $4,224 with full-service movers, according to moveBuddha pricing data. Distance, home size, and timing drive your final price. Get your own estimate with our moving cost calculator.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or use a moving container?
A rental truck is usually cheaper, at $700 - $2,000 compared to $900 - $4,500 for a moving container. A container saves you the long drive and includes storage. Compare providers in our list of the best moving container companies.
What is the cheapest month to move out of state?
January is typically the cheapest month to move out of state. Rates stay lower from September through April, while May through August is peak season. Book a weekday to save even more.
What is the easiest way to move from one state to another?
Hiring a full-service mover is the easiest way to move from one state to another. The crew packs, loads, drives, and unloads your belongings. Compare vetted options in our list of the best interstate moving companies.
Our research & review process
- We’re not a broker. We never sell or share your information.
- We mystery shop movers to get firsthand data.
- We interview moving customers through the Better Moves Project.
- We review movers’ licensing, insurance, and service history through moveBuddha Certified.
- We compare quotes and track market trends to provide accurate pricing guidance.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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