How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to move out of state is around $4,300, with full-service moves ranging from $2,300 to $9,000 and DIY moves from $600 to $5,300. The cost depends on various factors, including the distance, the volume of your belongings, and the type of moving service you choose.
See how much your move will cost by state:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
A cross-country move with a full-service long-distance moving company will be more expensive than renting a truck or moving container. We’ve vetted dozens of interstate moving companies and broken down each of their rates to provide you with a guide to out-of-state moving costs.
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Cost to move out of state with full-service moving companies
A full-service moving company can pack, unpack, load, unload, and transport your items. They’ll even provide the moving equipment, packing materials, and supplies. As such, they’re usually the most expensive way to move out of state.
Here are some estimated costs of hiring a full-service mover for an out-of-state move, based on quotes we’ve received and what our Better Moves participants paid for their moves:
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
| <50 miles | $300 – $700 | $500 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $2,900 |
| 250 miles | $700 – $1,900 | $1,600 – $2,900 | $2,100 – $3,950 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,100 – $2,700 | $1,900 – $4,500 | $4,100 – $7,800 |
| 2,500 miles | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,900 – $6,500 | $7,900 – $13,700 |
*These price ranges are rough estimates. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, time of year, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
Cost to move out of state with a moving container
Moving containers are portable storage units that can be filled with your belongings and delivered to your new home. PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT are the most popular container companies.
Containers are a convenient hybrid option that allows you to save money on your out-of-state move by doing some of the work. Here are some moving container estimates for a move out of state:
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 250 miles | $450 – $800 | $750 – $1,900 | $900 – $2,100 |
| Cross country | $2,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $4,900 | $5,500 – $7,600 |
Again, these figures are just averages. Check out this post to see how the top moving container companies compare.
Cost to move out of state with a rental truck
One of the cheapest ways to move out of state is to rent a truck from U-Haul or Penske. Both offer nationwide coverage and multiple vehicle sizes. Truck rentals in the 16 to 26-foot range generally cost between $600 and $4,900 for long-distance moves.
For this post, we got quotes for the following two moves in October:
Sample costs for out-of-state movers
Each moving company has their own pricing model, so the mover you choose can seriously impact the cost. Here are some sample rates from the top interstate moving companies based on quotes our Better Moves participants reported paying for their moves.
| Company | <750 miles | 750–1,500 miles | >1,500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway | $5,923 | $7,196 | $9,870 |
| Mayzlin | $4,697 | $5,746 | $6,581 |
| American Van Lines | $4,263 | $4,853 | $6,218 |
| PODS | $3,501 | $4,608 | $5,801 |
Compared to full-service movers, PODS offers lower average final costs, but the trade-off is convenience. With a container, you’re responsible for more of the moving process.
Calculate your out-of-state moving cost
The best way to find the most affordable mover is to compare quotes from multiple movers. Use our free moving cost calculator below for instant moving quotes from full-service, moving container, freight, and rental truck companies, no personal details required.
How Much do Movers Cost?
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What factors affect the cost to move out of state?
The cost of your move will mainly depend on how you choose to move, where you’re going, and how much you’re moving. Here are a few of the main cost factors to consider:
- Weight: The weight or volume of the items you’re moving is one of the biggest cost factors. If heavy lifting is involved for things like pianos and pool tables, costs will increase.
- Distance: The distance between your old and new residences has a major impact on the cost.
- Timing: Moving during the peak summer season is more expensive than during the fall and winter, and weekend moves can be pricier.
- Type of mover: Some types of movers cost more. A full-service long-distance moving company will be more expensive than a truck or moving container.
- Additional services: Optional services like packing and unpacking, appliance disconnects/reconnects, and storage can increase your cost.
- Insurance: Which moving insurance option you choose will affect your overall moving cost.
- Cost of fuel: The U.S. Energy Information Administration publishes the national average price for diesel fuel. Interstate movers base fuel surcharges on this data.
How much money should you save to move to another state?
There’s no hard and fast rule, but we recommend you save a few months of living expenses in addition to the cost of your move before moving to another state.
This is especially true if you’re not moving for work and don’t have a new job lined up. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to move on a small budget. You can also use our cheapest ways to move out of state guide to brainstorm and prepare.
Additional costs to consider when moving out of state
Expect last-minute moving expenses when moving from state to state. Here are a few additional expenses to add to your moving cost checklist:
- Cost of living increases for moves to more expensive areas
- Closing costs for home buyers
- Deposits and first month’s rent for renters
- Automobile licensing and registration fees
- Utility set-up costs
- New school fees
- Restocking non-movable items like cleaning products and perishable food
- Replacing/repairing items that were lost or damaged during your move (moving insurance rarely covers everything)
- Long carries and shuttles if the truck can’t get close to either residence.
The process for moving out of state
Preparing for a long-distance move can be tedious, but you can break down the process into the following manageable steps:
- Find a new place to live
- Find a new job if you’re not moving for work
- Determine your moving budget or negotiate relocation assistance with your employer
- Choose a service line (rental truck, moving container, freight trailer, or full-service mover)
- Vet potential service providers and get quotes
- Prepare a detailed moving checklist to ensure that nothing gets overlooked
- Discard, donate, and downsize items you can’t move or no longer use
- Start early if you’re doing the packing yourself (and make sure you have the required packing supplies)
How to choose a reputable out-of-state mover
Before hiring a moving company for your out-of-state move, it’s essential to do your homework. Here’s how to ensure you’re choosing a trustworthy mover:
- Check for complaints and reviews: Research the company on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google. Be cautious of movers with consistent negative feedback or unresolved complaints.
- Verify licensing and insurance: Reputable interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Look up their USDOT number on the FMCSA site.
- Watch for red flags: Be wary of companies that demand large deposits upfront, give vague or lowball estimates, or avoid in-home or virtual inspections.
- Evaluate professionalism and communication: Trustworthy movers are transparent, responsive, and willing to answer all your questions. They’ll provide written estimates and detailed contracts.
- Confirm experience and track record: Choose companies with a strong history of interstate moves and verified customer success stories that can handle complex logistics with ease.
How to lower the cost of moving to another state
Here are a few helpful tips for saving money on your long-distance move:
- Declutter: Get rid of as much stuff as you can before moving.
- Pack yourself: Do the packing yourself (or have professional movers pack the breakables only).
- Lock in quotes: Hire a reputable moving company and insist on a not-to-exceed or binding estimate.
- Don’t speed: If you’re renting a moving van, drive at or below the speed limit to increase fuel economy.
- Time it right: Move during the fall or winter when rates are lower.
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