What the Average Corporate Relocation Package Looks Like
Quick answer: What is the average relocation package?
- Renters: $5,000–$15,000 (typical range)
- Homeowners: $15,000–$100,000+ (full-service relocation with home sale/purchase support)
- DIY/Hybrid moves: $2,000–$8,000
- Professional moves: $8,000–$60,000+ (varies by distance, home size, and benefits)
Key factors: Distance, homeownership, job level, household size, and company policy.
Moving for work? Here’s the real deal on average relocation packages
Moving for a new job is a big decision. On top of deadlines and starting fresh, there’s always the worry of surprise moving costs. If you’re considering an offer or prepping for a corporate transfer, you might be asking: What’s a fair relocation package? How do I make sure I get what I need?
We help thousands of people navigate moves like this every month. Below, you’ll find up-to-date numbers, negotiation tips, and real-life examples from our Better Moves Project to help you feel confident about your next step.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Average relocation package amounts: What’s typical in 2025?
Relocation packages can look very different depending on your situation. Here’s what current industry data shows for the average relocation package:
| Employee type | DIY/Hybrid package | Professional/Full-service package |
|---|---|---|
| Renter | $2,000–$7,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Homeowner | $5,000–$20,000 | $15,000–$100,000+ |
| Executive/C-suite | N/A | $25,000–$150,000+ |
Here are more details on how different types of moves influence your relocation package amount:
- Short-distance moves: Lower packages ($2,000–$8,000) are common for local or regional relocations. These often prioritize basic travel and a mover or container.
- Cross-country or international: Packages can top $50,000, especially for homeowners or executive-level roles. International moves can also include visas and cultural support.
- Source mix: Company HR surveys and industry groups (e.g., Worldwide ERC) commonly report ranges in this ballpark. Use these as a starting point and calibrate to your role and market.
|
|
|
|
rating
What’s included in a typical relocation package?
The average relocation package usually covers more than just the moving truck. Companies often offer a mix of support to help you settle in quickly and avoid out-of-pocket surprises. Here’s what might be covered:
- House-hunting trips: Travel, lodging, and meals so you can look for a new home. Many employers cover at least one pre-move visit.
- Moving expenses: Packing, loading, shipping, and delivery of household goods—sometimes vehicles or specialty items, too. Compare full-service movers vs. moving containers to see which fits your stipend.
- Moving insurance: Full-value protection is worth pricing out—and it’s different from basic valuation. Learn more in our moving insurance guide.
- New city services: School search, area tours, language classes, or cultural orientation (especially for international moves).
- Real estate assistance: Help selling your home, buying a new one, covering closing costs, or breaking a lease. These are major drivers of homeowner packages.
- Storage: Temporary storage (often 30–90 days) if your new home isn’t ready yet. You may also see container-based storage as a bridge solution.
- Temporary housing: Hotel or short-term rental until you’re settled. Our roundup of temporary housing options can help you compare costs.
- Travel costs: Flights, car rental, mileage reimbursement, and meals during your move. Some plans include per-diem allowances.
Some packages also include extra support for families and pets. This extra support includes:
- Childcare or school placement: Help identifying care providers and navigating enrollment timelines.
- Pet relocation: Logistics for vaccines, flights, and paperwork—particularly important for overseas moves.
- Special needs assistance: Personalized planning for elderly or disabled family members.
- Spousal job support: Dedicated assistance for your partner’s job search in the new market.
- Visa and immigration support: Document prep and fees for you and eligible dependents.
Real-world relocation package examples
Relocation benefits vary widely. Here are a few real-life scenarios pulled from our Better Moves Project:
“I received $5,000 directly deposited to cover my move from Oregon to South Carolina. I used U-Pack for $6,109, hired local movers, and paid $2,000 to ship my car. My employer didn’t cover the car, but the lump sum made things a lot easier.”
“My relocation package included $2,500 for moving expenses, but I ran into unexpected long-carry charges and delivery issues in Dallas. I’d recommend asking for a little cushion in your package for surprise fees.”
What drives the size of your relocation package?
No two relocation packages are the same. A handful of factors play a big role in how much support you’ll get:
- Company policy: Some employers use set caps, while others negotiate case by case.
- Distance: Local moves cost less, while cross-country or international relocations cost much more due to transport, insurance, and timing.
- Homeownership: Selling or buying a home adds thousands versus moving as a renter.
- Household size: More family members and belongings mean higher costs (more rooms, more boxes, larger shipment weight).
- Industry: High-demand sectors—like tech and finance—often offer better packages to win talent.
- Job level: Executives and managers get higher dollar amounts and more perks, including real estate assistance.
For example, Adam P. moved from Texas to Massachusetts with a tight timeline and a lot of antiques. His costs ballooned by several thousand dollars due to short-term storage and last-minute changes. Homeownership and unique circumstances can easily drive up what you need from your relocation package.
“I paid a few thousand dollars more than the quote because my things were put in short-term storage. I probably knew this was likely considering the timing of my move, and the potential storage charges were listed on the estimate.”
Relocation industry: Market size and trends
- Current trends:
- Lump sum packages: Increasingly popular because they give employees flexibility and reduce company paperwork.
- Remote/hybrid roles: More companies now offer relocation even when teams are not fully on-site.
- Shorter job tenures: More frequent moves, but smaller average packages for junior roles.
Types of relocation packages (and tax implications)
Relocation assistance usually comes in one of three forms. Each has pros, cons, and different tax implications.
Lump sum
Here’s the benefits and downsides of a lump sum package:
- What it is: One-time cash payment to cover your moving costs.
- Pros: Flexible, easy to use, and lets you choose how to spend it.
- Cons: May not cover all expenses; fully taxable as income unless grossed up.
Gross-up: If your employer “grosses up” the amount, they add extra money to offset the tax hit—so you keep more in your pocket.
Reimbursement
Learn more about a reimbursement package here:
- What it is: You pay up front, submit receipts, and get reimbursed.
- Pros: Often covers actual costs and reduces the risk of running out of money mid-move.
- Cons: Can mean out-of-pocket expenses and more paperwork; still taxable as income in most cases.
Direct bill
Here’s what you can expect with a direct bill package:
- What it is: The company pays movers and vendors directly.
- Pros: No cash outlay for you; less paperwork; lower tax risk.
- Cons: Less flexibility—your employer chooses the providers and controls the move details.
Caps and limits: How companies set boundaries on relocation benefits
Relocation packages are rarely blank checks. Employers almost always set caps or max reimbursement limits based on your position and details of your move.
- Company budget and industry standards: Each employer sets their own policy based on market norms.
- Employee level: Junior staff, managers, and executives all have different caps.
- Family size: Single, couple, or families with kids often see different allowances.
- Homeowner vs. renter status: Homeowners typically receive higher amounts due to real estate costs.
- Move distance: Local, interstate, and international moves have different limits.
Typical caps:
- $5,000–$10,000 for renters (lump sum or reimbursement).
- $15,000–$30,000 for homeowners (full-service with real estate support).
- $50,000+ for executives or international relocations.
If your move costs more than the cap, you’ll pay the difference out of pocket. Always ask about limits before accepting a relocation offer.
How to negotiate the best relocation package: Step-by-step
You don’t have to settle for the first offer. Use this framework to secure the relocation benefits you deserve. For a deep dive, see our guide to negotiating a relocation package.
- Research typical packages: Look up ranges for your role, industry, and location using the table above and recent comps.
- List your needs: Think through moving costs, storage, temporary housing, real estate help, spousal support, childcare, and pet relocation.
- Clarify caps and coverage: Confirm what’s included, what’s excluded, and how taxes are handled (is gross-up provided?).
- Compare moving quotes: Get estimates from several movers or container companies to strengthen your negotiation and budget planning.
- Ask for extras: Request help covering closing costs, childcare, pet relocation, or other must-haves for your situation.
- Get it in writing: Ensure all details are included in your offer letter or relocation agreement.
Then sanity-check the final offer before you sign:
- Comprehensive coverage: Does it include all major (and unexpected) expenses, like insurance, accessorials, and storage?
- Limits and caps: Are there spending limits, and what happens if you exceed them?
- Payment method: Is the process (lump sum, direct bill, reimbursement) right for your cash flow and comfort level?
- Tax impact: Will taxes reduce your take-home? Is there a gross-up?
“I’d recommend asking for a little cushion in your package for surprise fees. My move to Texas ended up costing nearly double the quote because I underestimated the amount of my belongings and didn’t get an in-person estimate.”
Why do companies offer relocation packages?
Relocation packages are about more than moving your belongings. A strong policy helps companies:
- Boost satisfaction: Ensure a smooth, productive start in a new location.
- Recruit top talent: Attract candidates from a wider geographic area.
- Retain employees: Support internal transfers and promotions with fewer disruptions.
- Stay competitive: Stand out in industries like tech and finance.
For you, a strong relocation package means fewer headaches and more time to focus on your new role—not worrying about moving bills or last-minute surprises.
Average relocation package: FAQs
What is a relocation gross-up?
A gross-up is an extra amount your employer adds to your relocation payment to offset taxes. Without it, a $10,000 lump sum could shrink by thousands after withholding. With a gross-up, your take-home is protected so you can use the full benefit for your move. Ask your HR contact how gross-up is calculated and whether it applies to all benefits or just the lump sum.
Are relocation benefits taxable?
In most cases, yes—since the 2018 tax law change, relocation benefits are treated as taxable income for non-military workers. That includes lump sums, reimbursements, and many allowances. Employers often mitigate this with a tax gross-up or by paying providers directly (which can reduce your taxable exposure). When in doubt, confirm with HR and your tax pro.
How do I maximize my relocation package?
Start by mapping real costs (movers, containers, storage, housing, travel) and then request benefits that match those needs. Build a simple spreadsheet with three quotes and line items for insurance, accessorial fees, and storage so nothing is missed. Negotiate for a gross-up, house-hunting trip, and temporary housing if you need them—and compare options like containers vs. movers to stretch your budget.
What if my costs exceed my relocation package?
You’ll typically cover the difference unless your employer approves an exception. Keep receipts and document why costs ran over (for example, extra flights, storage delays, or elevator fees). Many HR teams will consider a one-time adjustment for justified overages—especially if you requested pre-approval and communicated early.
Is a lump sum or direct bill package better?
It depends on your risk tolerance and time. Lump sums are flexible and fast but can create tax headaches and budgeting risk. Direct bill arrangements reduce cash outlay and paperwork and may limit your tax exposure, but you’ll have less control over vendors. If your situation is complex or you’re short on time, direct bill is often the safer choice.
Key takeaways: Make your relocation work for you
- The average relocation package ranges from $5,000–$15,000 for renters and $15,000–$100,000+ for homeowners, but amounts vary widely based on distance, role, and homeownership.
- Clarify what’s included, understand your tax liability, and negotiate for benefits you actually need—especially storage, temporary housing, and insurance.
- Relocation packages are a key tool for attracting talent and supporting your next big move—don’t leave money or support on the table.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
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.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
