How Much Does PODS Cost?
Quick answer: PODS container costs range from $220 for a local move with an 8-ft container to $7,448 for a long-distance move with a 16-ft container. If you need a PODS storage unit after moving, prices start at $149 per month, with average delivery and pickup fees of $75.
What determines PODS costs:
- Container size: Larger containers usually have higher rental fees than smaller ones.
- Storage time: The longer you need to rent a PODS container, the more it will cost.
- Location: Costs vary by location, and storing PODS on your property can be cheaper than a facility.
- Distance: PODS costs fluctuate based on the distance of the move and how complex it is.
- Time of year: Renting PODS in the summer can be more expensive due to higher demand.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
| Distance | 8-foot container | 12-foot container | 16-foot container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (~50 miles) | $220-$426 | $294-$637 | $323-$813 |
| Long-distance move (up to 250 miles) | $450-$828 | Local moves only | $911-$2,107 |
| Cross-country move | $2,068-$4,028 | Local moves only | $5,439-$7,448 |
We’ve gathered quotes from PODS, collected firsthand reviews from customers, and analyzed PODS’ services, sizes, pricing, and availability. Read on to see why it tops our list of the best moving container companies.
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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
How much does PODS cost?
PODS storage costs start at $150 per month. Based on our research, moving with PODS costs anywhere from $220 to $7,448. The best way to determine the cost of PODS moving and storage services is to get a quote.
A free quote from PODS includes one month of storage, pickup and delivery fees, and transportation costs. You can also pay extra for packing supplies and labor. For a more customized estimate from PODS and other moving container companies, use our pods moving cost calculator below.
Real PODS move costs: Our reader Alex paid $2,836 to move a 3-bedroom home from Minnesota to Washington. Bethany spent $4,540 for her cross-country move from California to Virginia. Kyle paid $3,252 for a 2-bedroom move from Arizona to Washington.
Jump to their full stories ↓ to hear more about their firsthand experiences.
PODS cost by container size
PODS offers three container sizes, with lengths of 8, 12, and 16 feet. Containers cost different amounts based on the size. Here’s the pricing breakdown based on a quote we got for a local Atlanta move with storage:
| Fees | 8-foot | 12-foot | 16-foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery & pickup fees | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| First-month rental fee | $151.89 | $191.09 | $205.79 |
PODS cost by distance
Local moves are much cheaper than long-distance moves when using the same size container because of the lower transportation costs. Here are some average PODS moving costs based on distance.
| Distance | Average cost range |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | $768-$2,401 |
| 500 miles | $2,401-$3,842 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,881-$4,802 |
PODS local moving cost
For local moves, you can get a free instant PODS quote online. Here’s the price breakdown for a quote for a local move with storage costs that we got for the Atlanta, GA area:
| Description | 8-foot container | 12-foot container | 16-foot container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container delivery | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| 1st-month rental fee | $151.89 | $191.09 | $205.79 |
| Additional month’s rental fee | $186.19/mo. | $186.19/mo. | $186.19/mo. |
| Move container to new location | $93.09 | $93.09 | $93.09 |
| Final Pickup | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| Insurance | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. |
| Padlock | $34.30 | $34.30 | $34.30 |
PODS long-distance moving cost
PODS pricing can vary widely for long-distance or interstate moves. Unfortunately, you’ll need to make a phone call to get an exact quote, since PODS’ website doesn’t provide instant online quotes for long-distance moves. Here are some general cost ranges based on our research:
| Distance | < 250 miles | Cross country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $450 – $828 | $2,302 – $3,889 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $750 – $1,842 | $3,003 – $4,649 |
| 4-5 Bedrooms | $931 – $2,137 | $4,152 – $6,849 |
PODS cost by state
Your state also influences the cost of using PODS due to regulatory policies, taxes, and the average cost of living. The table below breaks down the average cost to use a moving container company in each state, which aligns with the average cost of PODS.
| State | Average Container Move | 8-Foot Average | 16-Foot Average | Local Average | Long-Distance Average |
| AK | $3,886 | $429 | $571 | $814 | $2,047 |
| AL | $3,866 | $436 | $577 | $819 | $2,075 |
| AR | $3,820 | $427 | $579 | $817 | $2,066 |
| AZ | $3,825 | $426 | $570 | $806 | $2,078 |
| CA | $3,820 | $424 | $575 | $813 | $2,037 |
| CO | $3,824 | $435 | $576 | $820 | $2,074 |
| CT | $3,789 | $429 | $576 | $815 | $2,070 |
| DE | $3,865 | $434 | $576 | $819 | $2,081 |
| FL | $3,797 | $431 | $571 | $823 | $2,059 |
| GA | $3,823 | $431 | $577 | $824 | $2,043 |
| HI | $3,865 | $431 | $576 | $806 | $2,048 |
| IA | $3,819 | $425 | $579 | $820 | $2,085 |
| ID | $3,869 | $432 | $579 | $806 | $2,075 |
| IL | $3,881 | $427 | $571 | $827 | $2,078 |
| IN | $3,782 | $436 | $576 | $806 | $2,067 |
| KS | $3,862 | $429 | $565 | $807 | $2,032 |
| KY | $3,884 | $433 | $579 | $812 | $2,058 |
| LA | $3,793 | $435 | $571 | $810 | $2,038 |
| MA | $3,881 | $425 | $578 | $814 | $2,063 |
| MD | $3,877 | $434 | $572 | $823 | $2,045 |
| ME | $3,864 | $433 | $578 | $814 | $2,078 |
| MI | $3,845 | $425 | $577 | $822 | $2,042 |
| MN | $3,782 | $426 | $573 | $813 | $2,046 |
| MO | $3,778 | $429 | $570 | $814 | $2,065 |
| MS | $3,803 | $426 | $575 | $822 | $2,070 |
| MT | $3,876 | $435 | $574 | $803 | $2,063 |
| NC | $3,831 | $436 | $569 | $815 | $2,030 |
| ND | $3,810 | $427 | $578 | $803 | $2,043 |
| NE | $3,844 | $433 | $572 | $804 | $2,034 |
| NH | $3,872 | $424 | $575 | $810 | $2,082 |
| NJ | $3,782 | $426 | $568 | $813 | $2,059 |
| NM | $3,857 | $433 | $571 | $812 | $2,042 |
| NV | $3,800 | $431 | $577 | $806 | $2,029 |
| NY | $3,879 | $434 | $574 | $818 | $2,051 |
| OH | $3,804 | $435 | $567 | $814 | $2,091 |
| OK | $3,849 | $430 | $571 | $811 | $2,035 |
| OR | $3,873 | $432 | $566 | $811 | $2,039 |
| PA | $3,889 | $426 | $572 | $806 | $2,070 |
| RI | $3,828 | $432 | $569 | $827 | $2,050 |
| SC | $3,862 | $425 | $577 | $812 | $2,045 |
| SD | $3,829 | $432 | $575 | $805 | $2,058 |
| TN | $3,836 | $436 | $574 | $808 | $2,087 |
| TX | $3,815 | $430 | $571 | $817 | $2,046 |
| UT | $3,857 | $428 | $573 | $803 | $2,040 |
| VA | $3,837 | $433 | $571 | $814 | $2,046 |
| VT | $3,868 | $432 | $572 | $821 | $2,062 |
| WA | $3,890 | $429 | $576 | $825 | $2,087 |
| WI | $3,793 | $434 | $566 | $803 | $2,064 |
| WV | $3,853 | $432 | $572 | $811 | $2,062 |
| WY | $3,839 | $424 | $575 | $824 | $2,052 |
PODS storage cost
PODS isn’t just a moving solution. Many people use it for short- or long-term storage during home projects, renovations, or in-between leases. Here’s how PODS’ storage-only pricing works:
- Monthly rates: $150–$359 per container (depends on region and size)
- Delivery/pickup: Usually $75–$150 per trip
- Storage options: At your home (on-site) or at a secure PODS facility
- Minimum rental: One month
PODS costs more than traditional self-storage on a monthly basis, but you get door-to-door delivery, with no need for a rental truck and flexible timing. For short-term or high-convenience storage, PODS is often worth the premium.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
What factors affect PODS cost?
Moving container companies look at a number of factors when they’re preparing a quote for your move. Here are a few that can change the cost of your move.
- Timing: Spring and summer are peak moving times, which means they’re often more expensive. And since more people want to move on the weekends, prices may go up to reflect more limited availability on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Starting and ending locations: How far the company needs to travel to deliver or pick up your PODS moving containers and local conditions and availability also come into play.
- Move size: If you have more stuff, you’ll need more or bigger moving containers, which will be pricier than a smaller move that requires fewer containers.
- Add-on services: PODS offers add-on services like packing materials. PODS can also recommend moving companies that ship cars in your area. Be sure to check out our guide to car shipping services for more details on pricing and options.
- Delivery and pickup fees: These fees vary depending on your location and the timing of your move. The more flexible you are with your move dates, the more you can save.
- Storage facility fees: You can store your PODS container on your property or at a PODS storage facility for a fee. You’ll pay for storage on a monthly basis.
While this service increases costs, it’s a great option if you need a little more time during the move, want added security, or you’re concerned about weather during storage.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
PODS hidden costs
PODS pricing seems simple. It’s container + monthly rent, but sneaky extras can add up fast. You should double-check these cost traps:
- Access and handling: Locks, moving supplies, and help for loading/unloading cost extra. Labor rates can increase for stairs, elevators, or long-carry situations.
- Date changes and cancellations: If you reschedule within the cutoff window, you might pay a change fee. If you have a last-minute cancellations, you could lose part of your payment.
- Fuel and zone surcharges: Expect extra fees in some markets, especially rural or high-demand ZIP codes.
- Insurance and contents protection: Coverage for damage or theft is optional but recommended. Check your homeowners policy and confirm the deductible and in-transit exclusions.
- Monthly billing quirks: PODS bills by the month, not by the day. If your move crosses into a new billing cycle, you’ll likely pay for another full month.
- Parking and permits: HOAs, apartment complexes, and city streets may require placement permits. If PODS can’t deliver due to lack of clearance or permits, you may be charged an attempted delivery fee.
- Per-trip charges: PODS often charges separately for each leg: initial delivery, transport to your new city, re-delivery, and final pickup. Make sure all steps are itemized.
- Taxes and promo confusion: Sales tax applies in many areas. Promos may only discount one leg of the move. For example, you might get a deal on the initial delivery but not pickup.
Pro tip: Always request a written, line-item quote covering container rent, every transport leg, fuel/zone fees, permits, insurance, taxes, and any change or cancellation terms. That’s your best bet to avoid surprise costs.
PODS cost vs. other moving container companies
PODS isn’t the only option in the moving and portable storage container space. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how PODS’ costs compare to four of its biggest competitors:
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rating
4.8 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
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These moving container costs are just average prices, and may not reflect the quotes you actually receive from these moving and storage container companies. Every move is different, so you should get personalized quotes from every company you’re considering so you have a better idea of your storage container cost.
Compare cost for a local move
| Move size | PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | 1-800-Pack-Rat |
| 1 bedroom | $214 – $428 | $160 – $642 | Not Available | $203 – $256 | $160 – $535 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $321 – $695 | $321 – $749 | Not Available | $322 – $674 | $214 – $674 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $321 – $858 | $321 – $856 | Not Available | $374 – $802 | $363 – $845 |
A few things to keep in mind for this chart:
- U-Pack doesn’t offer local moves.
- The 12-foot PODS container is only available for local moves.
Compare cost for a long-distance move
| Move size | PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat |
| 1 bedroom | $459 – $845 | $481 – $1,070 | $963 – $1,391 | $535 – $984 | $497 – $973 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $765 – $1,880 | $765 – $2,140 | $1,177 – $1,819 | $781 – $1,712 | $706 – $2,033 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $950 – $2,180 | $856 – $3,210 | $1,284 – $2,033 | $1,177 – $3,317 | $1,070 – $3,640 |
Compare cost for a cross-country move
| Move size | PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat |
| 1 bedroom | $2,349 – $3,968 | $1,284 – $3,745 | $1,605 – $2,675 | $1,926 – $4,173 | $1,284 – $4,066 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,064 – $4,744 | $2,675 – $4,817 | $2,568 – $4,173 | $2,996 – $4,817 | $2,568 – $4,922 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $4,237 – $6,989 | $4,280 – $7,490 | $3,745 – $7,062 | $5,5564 – $7,490 | $5,457 – $7,383 |
While PODS isn’t always the cheapest option for a local or long-distance move, it is definitely competitive on pricing in most categories. In fact, we picked PODS as one of the top companies for cheapest moving pods and container companies.
PODS cost vs. professional moving companies
Sometimes PODS costs more than professional moving companies depending on the shipping distance, time of the move, and services.
If the quote for your PODS moving containers is similar to the quote from professional movers, it might make sense to go with the pros. Professional movers will load, pack, move, and unload everything for you.
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rating
4.8 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
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Real stories: What it’s really like to move with PODS
We spoke with real moveBuddha readers who used PODS to handle their long-distance moves. From 2-bedroom relocations to cross-country hauls, here’s what they paid, what went well, and what they wish they knew before booking.
Alex: Moving a 3-bedroom home from Minnesota to Washington for $2,836
While he wished he’d had more guidance on parking permits, Alex was highly satisfied with his PODS move. His move included a 16-foot container, one month of storage, and professional pickup and delivery.
Bethany: Packed and loaded her 2-bedroom California home for $4,540
Bethany appreciated the hybrid moving option. Her quote matched the final cost, and she highlighted PODS’ flexibility and professionalism as major reasons for recommending them.
Michele: Paid $13,462 for a cross-country move from California to Colorado
Michele’s move was one of the most expensive among those we reviewed, but she felt the value matched the price. The delivery was on-time and damage-free, making the experience worth the cost.
Kyle: Moved from Arizona to Washington with PODS for $3,252
Despite one hiccup with customer service, Kyle would still recommend PODS based on their pricing and reliability. His move was completed without damage or delays.
Average real-world PODS move cost: Based on these reader stories, actual move costs ranged from $2,836 to $13,462, with most falling between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on distance, container size, and extra services.
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to compare your estimated cost with real quotes.
What services does PODS offer for moving and storage?
Whether you’re planning a move or simply looking for a convenient way to handle your storage needs, PODS’ portable storage services have a lot to offer.
- Local and long-distance moves: PODS offers eight- and 16-foot containers for both local and long-distance moves, while 12-foot containers are available for local moves only. You can move anywhere from across town to across the country.
- City moves: PODS also offers a customized City Service that factors in all the unique considerations of moving in a large urban area.
- Storage solutions: Rentals include 30 days of free storage, with options for ongoing storage either on your property or at a PODS facility. You can keep your POD as long as you like.
- Car shipping: PODS partners with Acertus and Mr. Car Shipper to help coordinate vehicle transport alongside container shipments. Costs vary based on the provider, vehicle type, and distance.
- International moves: PODS supports moves to/from Canada and operates within the UK and Australia but does not facilitate international moves within these countries.
PODS sizes
The larger the container, the more expensive your move will be. Here’s a look at PODS sizes:
- 8-foot containers: Comparable to a 10-foot moving truck, PODS’ 8–foot containers are well-suited for the contents of a one-bedroom or studio apartment. They’re a popular pick for college students, partial moves, and people trying to downsize.
- 12-foot containers: Similar in size to a 15-foot moving truck, they’re a good choice for one- to two-bedroom moves. However, because they’re only available for city-to-city moves of 50 miles or less, households doing long-distance pods moves will likely need to upgrade to a 16-foot container.
- 16-foot containers: Often used for homes with three- to four-bedrooms. They offer similar space to a 20-foot moving truck, though PODS also suggests imagining them as equivalent to a ‘parking space in 3D.
Pros and cons of moving with PODS
- Provides three container sizes (more than most)
- Offers combined moving and storage options
- Lets you make changes mid-move
- Extends a money-back cancellation policy
- Offers 30 days of free storage and other discounts
- Requires a call to book long-distance moves
- Not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
- No tracking while the container is in transit
How to lower your PODS moving cost
Here are a few ways to save money on your move with PODS.
- Downsize. Decluttering for a move will make relocating easier and cheaper. Depending on how much you can downsize, you may even be able to save by renting a smaller PODS container.
- Ask about deals and promotions. PODS regularly offers moving container discounts and promotions that can lower the total cost of your move. Be sure to check their website or ask a service representative about available deals before booking.
- Compare prices. Try to get a quote from at least two other moving container companies in your area to compare prices and availability. This will help you find the best deal for your move. You can get started using our moving cost calculator.
- Avoid peak times. Demand for moving containers tends to peak during the summer, which increases prices and makes it harder to book a container. When possible, try to book your move for the off-season or during the middle of the week or month, when fewer people schedule moves.
- Skip the add-ons. PODS offers additional services like third-party packing and loading assistance and boxes and moving supplies. Obtaining cheap or free moving boxes and taking care of the labor yourself can save you money. Just don’t skimp on moving insurance. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your belongings.
FAQs
What does PODS stand for?
PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage. You can learn more about their company in our full PODS Review.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or moving companies?
It is usually cheaper to use PODS instead of a moving company. Professional movers will typically cost much more than PODS due to the scope of the services they provide.
With a full-service moving company, the movers will load, transport, and unload your boxes and furniture. You can even use them for packing and unpacking. The cost of labor from the best moving companies can greatly increase your expenses in comparison to PODS and other moving container providers, where you pack, load, and unload everything yourself.
Is PODS cheaper than a storage unit?
PODS is usually not cheaper than a storage unit. However, it ultimately depends on how long you plan to store your belongings and the size of the unit (or moving container) you select.
Self-storage company pricing can vary within your area, so be sure to check out your available storage options before making a final decision.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving truck?
It is usually cheaper to use a moving truck rental than PODS. With PODS, you pay extra since professionals will be taking care of the driving. With a moving truck rental, you’re also responsible for driving the truck, which helps reduce your total costs.
That being said, fuel, lodging, and other expenses on a cross-country move can make a moving truck rental less cost-effective than it might initially seem to be.
What size PODS moving container do I need for a three-bedroom house?
You will need at least one 16-foot container for a three-bedroom house. According to the PODS website, the 16-foot container is best for two-bedroom homes, though they can often fit the contents of a three-bedroom home.
Depending on how much stuff you need to transport, renting a 16-foot container and an additional eight-foot container may be necessary.
Is Zippy Shell or PODS cheaper?
Generally speaking, Zippy Shell is cheaper than PODS, but there are several factors that influence the cost. Read our Zippy Shell vs PODS post for more details.
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 Verified.
- 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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