Quick Answer: The cost to move across the country is between $2,300 to $8,500, with most people spending an average of $4,000. However, the coast-to-coast move will be more expensive than a shorter move, and the further you’re moving, the more it will cost.
Are you considering a move across the country? Whether you’re moving to join a new job, to be closer to family, or simply for a change of scenery, one of the vital aspects to consider is the cost.
The cost of moving across the country will vary depending on a number of factors, including the distance, the size of your household, and whether you’re hiring a full service-mover or renting a truck to do it yourself.
Moving costs will also be more expensive if you have a larger household. If you’re moving with a family of four, you can expect to pay around $5,000 to $10,000 for your move. But if you’re moving alone, you may be able to get by spending less than $2,000 on your move. Refer the below movers costs chart for more information.
The Average Cost to Move Cross Country [Chart]
| Cross Country Moving Options | 1 Bedroom or Studio Apartment | 2-3 Bedroom House |
| Cargo Trailer | Up to $1,000 | Up to $1,350 |
| Freight Trailer | $1,100 to $3,500 | $2,300 to $4,500 |
| Moving Company | $1,500 to $4,700 | $4,600 to $10,500 |
| Rent a Truck | $1,950 to $3,000 | $3,600 to $4,600 |
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The Cost of Hiring a Moving Company to Move Across the Country
The cost of hiring professional movers will depend on the size and distance of your move. On average, a cross-country move of 1,000 miles would cost approximately $4,500- $5,000 for a 2 to 3 bedroom house (or 7,600 pounds). The cost of hiring professional cross country movers will be more expensive if you have a larger household.
Movers Costs Chart
| Miles | Studio to 1 Bedroom House | 2-3 Bedroom House | 4-5 Bedroom House |
| 1,000 to 2,000 miles | $1,542 – $3,524 | $3,355- $5,978 | $6,478 – $10,502 |
| More than 2,000 miles | $1,820 – $4,482 | $4,496 – $8,748 | $10,500 – $15,000 |
Top-Rated Cross Country Movers of 2023
Below is the list of few popular and trusted cross country moving companies:
United Van Lines
United Van Lines is an excellent cross country moving company choice if you’re looking to move within the United States. Since its establishment in 1928, United Van Lines has maintained an extensive network of 500+ professional movers. This allows them to stretch their services across all 50 states, making it easy for customers to find an agent near them.
United Van Lines offers a variety of services to make your move as easy or hands-off as you’d like, including full-service, partial moving services, and packing services. If you want the convenience of full service while still taking care of some aspects yourself, United Van Lines is an excellent choice.
Reasons to Choose United Van Lines
- Large network of 500+ agents throughout the United States
- Variety of services for any budget and preference
- Comprehensive insurance available
- Experienced professionals from coast to coast
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has been in operation since 1928, making them one of the longest-standing moving companies in the United States. Their network of over 500 agents provides service to customers all across the country, making it easy to find an agent nearby.
Allied Van Lines offers various moving services, including packing, full-service moving, and storage services. They also provide various special packaging options for items that require extra care during transport. Whether you need full-service or just some extra help packing, Allied Van Lines has you covered.
Reasons to Choose Allied Van Lines
- Offers Competitive Pricing options
- Professional and Experienced Movers
- Free Quote and Estimate
Related: Allied Van Lines Review
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the United States of America. Its network of over 500 agents and its extensive fleet of trucks enables it to provide service all across the country.
The company offers a variety of services to make your cross country move as hassle-free as possible, including full-service packing and moving, storage services, and even logistics solutions for businesses. It also provides insurance coverage against any damage that may occur along the way.
Reasons to choose North American Van Lines
- Flexible Pricing
- Extensive fleet of moving trucks
- Variety of moving services
Related: North American Van Lines Review
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines is a fully licensed and bonded cross country moving company with an excellent reputation in the relocation industry. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is also ProMover Certified.
With this full-service mover, you will get tips and updates throughout every step of your move. In addition to having a video outlining the multiple steps in the process of moving, you can also have access to an Atlas Van Lines representative who will be there to notify you about updates and answer all queries along the way.
Reasons to choose Atlas Van Lines
- Excellent for Long-Distance Move
- Reputed National Moving Company
- One-stop shop for all Moving needs
Related: Atlas Van Lines Review
Mayflower Transit
Mayflower Transit has been providing moving services since 1927. It is one of the largest and most respected names in the industry and offers a wide range of services, including packing, local and long-distance moves, storage solutions, vehicle transport, and more.
The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been certified by the American Moving and Storage Association as a ProMover. Mayflower Transit also prides itself on providing consistently excellent customer service.
Reasons to choose Mayflower Transit
- Excellent Reputation in the Industry
- Rigorous Quality Assurance Program
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage is available
Related: Mayflower Transit Review
Average Cost of Renting a Truck for a Cross Country Relocation
| From | To | Mileage | Base Cost | Final Cost |
| Seattle, WA | Miami, FL | 3,296.9 | $5,700 | $7,640 |
| Boston, MA | San Diego, CA | 2,997.4 | $4,900 | $6,516 |
| New York City, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 2,798.9 | $4,370 | $5,860 |
| Minneapolis, MN | Phoenix, AZ | 1,642.0 | $3,500 | $3,940 |
If you’re considering renting a truck to move your belongings across the country, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Size of the Truck
First, you’ll need to decide how large of a truck you’ll need to rent. The size of the truck you’ll need will depend on the number of belongings you have to move. For example, a 10-foot truck can hold one to two bedrooms worth of furniture and belongings, while a 26-foot truck can hold four or more bedrooms worth of furniture and belongings.
Cost of Renting a Truck
Second, you’ll need to consider the cost of renting a truck. The overall price of renting a truck for a cross-country move depends on your household size. On average, it costs $2000 to rent a truck. However, you may have to spend around $3000 to $4000 if you have a larger family.
Cost of Gas
Third, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas. In 2022, some moving companies said their fuel surcharge was around 11%. However, it has significantly increased to 28% in 2023. The average cost of gas for a cross-country move is around 20% to 30% of your total moving charges. For example, if you are relocating from Seattle, Washington, to Miami, Florida, you need to pay around $7,000 to $7,500, including the 28% of fuel charges.
Additional Charges
Finally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of lodging. If you’re renting a truck to move across the country, you’ll need to find places to stay overnight during your trip. The cost of lodging will depend on the number of nights you’ll be on the road and the type of lodging you choose. The price varies based on what type of hotel you choose to stay in. For example, the cost of a hotel room for one night can range from $50 to $200.
Cost Of Moving With Container Services
The cost of moving with container services will depend on the distance and size of your move. The price will depend on your household size and how many belongings you need to move.
For example, to move a three-bedroom house 1,500 miles away, a storage container could cost around $4,500- $5,000. It is one of the popular alternative methods for relocating because it is often cheaper than renting a truck, and it can be more convenient.
How To Calculate Moving Cost?
Now that you know the overall cost of relocating across the country, you’re probably wondering how to calculate your moving costs. If you’re planning a move to another state, most of your moving costs will be based on how much stuff you have or how heavy it is— plus the distance of your relocation.
The simplest method to do this is to use a moving cost calculator. These online tools will ask you for basic information about your move, including the distance, household size, and whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck. Based on this information, the calculator will provide you with an estimate of your moving costs.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Moving Across The Country
Several factors can affect the cost of moving across the country:
The Distance Of Your Move
The further you’re moving, the more it will cost (refer movers cost chart above). Generally, a long-distance relocation will cost around $750 – $2,500. However, the price varies depending on the per kilometer price of charges imposed by the professional moving company. On average, most moving companies charge more than $0.75- $2.00 per mile.
The Size Of Your Household
The larger your household, the more it will cost to move. This is because you’ll need a bigger truck to move your belongings, and you’ll have to pay more for labor costs. Three-bedroom homes cost approximately $3,000 to $6,000 to move across the country.
Whether You’re Hiring Professional Movers Or Renting A Truck
Hiring professional movers will be more expensive than renting a truck. It will cost around $4,000 to $5,000 for a long-distance move if you hire professional movers. However, if you’re renting a truck, the cost will be around $2,000 to $3,000.
The Cost Of Gas
The cost of gas will be more expensive if you’re moving with a larger household. For example, if you’re moving from Seattle to Miami, you must pay between $7,000 to $7,500, including 25% to 28% of fuel charges.
The Cost Of Lodging
Lodging will be more expensive if you’re moving with a larger household. A hotel room for one night can range from $50 to $200.
The Time Of Year You Move
The cost of moving will be more expensive if you’re moving during the summer. This is because the demand for movers is higher during the summer months. Hence it is advisable to move during the off-peak season, which is typically from October to April.
Your Moving Date
The cost of moving will be more expensive if you move on a weekend or holiday. Since more people move during the weekends and holidays, demand for movers is higher, making it pricier. To avoid this cost, schedule your move during the weekdays.
Storage Costs
The cost of storing your belongings will increase if you’re moving with a lot of stuff. The storage price depends on your household size and the length of time you need to store your belongings.
The Cost Of Insurance
Furthermore, the insurance cost will be higher if you’re moving with a bigger household. The amount you pay for insurance depends on two factors: the value of your household items and the distance of your move.
The Cost Of Packing Supplies
The cost of packing supplies will also increase if you relocate many household items. The amount you spend on packing supplies depends on the number of boxes you need and the type of materials you use. Such as Bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, paper, dish crates, bankers’ boxes, moving blankets, plastic wrap, tie-down straps, and Styrofoam peanuts.
It is estimated that packing materials for a two-bedroom house will cost ($200 to $600), including the price of moving boxes. You can also rent reusable plastic packing bins for about $5 each or around $300 for a set that would be suitable for a two-bedroom home.
Additional Costs To Consider
There are a few additional costs to consider when calculating “how much does it cost to move across the country”.
- The cost of food: While relocating from one place to another, you will have to incur the cost of food. Eating out can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for this expense.
- Speciality Moving: If you have any specialty items that need to be moved, such as a piano or a pool table, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring professional movers. Generally, moving a piano costs around $2.70–$11.00 per mile.
- Auto Shipping: Along with your household stuff, if you are also relocating your car, then you need to add the auto shipping cost to your budget.
- Stair Carry Fees: Professional movers may charge a stair carry fee if you’re moving into an apartment or home with stairs.
- Long Carry Fees: Professional movers may charge an extra fee if your home is far from the truck.
- Fuel Surcharge: If you’re moving during summer, you may be charged a fuel surcharge.
- Elevator Fees: If you are relocating to an apartment or condo, you may be charged an elevator fee.
- Parking Fees and Unpacking Fees: If you’re moving into a city, professional movers may charge parking fees and unpacking fees if you request their services. Packing and unpacking services can range anywhere from $400 to $2,500.
- Shuttle Fee: You may be charged a shuttle fee if the professional mover needs to use a shuttle to transport your belongings.
- Extra Stops: If you request that the professional mover make additional stops, you may be charged an extra fee.
- Tolls: You may be charged a fee for using toll roads during your move.
- Permits: You may be required to obtain a permit for your move. The cost of the permit will vary depending on the city and state.
- Taxes: You may be required to pay taxes on your move. The amount of tax will vary based on the city and state.
- Expedited Delivery Services: If you need your belongings delivered as soon as possible, you’ll need to factor in the cost of expedited delivery services. If you want your items to be delivered quickly, it will cost more, but it may be worth it if you’re on a tight schedule.
- Deposits: Some moving companies may require a deposit for their services.
- Cancellation Fees: The moving company may charge a cancellation fee if you need to cancel your move.
- Hidden Fees: Be sure to ask the moving company about hidden fees before signing a contract.
Conclusion
Cross-country moving is an expensive affair. You need to be prepared for it both mentally and financially. Several things will affect how much it costs you to move across the country, like the number of people in your household, the distance of your relocation, and whether you opt for a full-service mover.
So be sure to get a few quotes from different moving companies before making your final decision. And if you are planning to rent a moving truck and do it yourself, then be sure to factor in the cost of gas, food, lodging, and other expenses. Be sure to budget for all the potential costs whichever way you choose to move. This way, you can avoid any sudden surprises in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move across the country?
The cost of moving across the country will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the distance, weight, time, and season of your move and whether you opt for a full-service mover. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,300 to $8,500 for a cross-country move.
How do I estimate the cost of my move?
To estimate the cost of your move, you need to consider the distance, your household size, and whether you want a full-service mover. You can use an online moving cost calculator to estimate more accurately.
What is the cheapest way to move across the country?
One of the cheapest alternatives to moving across the country is to do it yourself. However, this option is not for everyone. You can also choose to rent a moving truck but be sure to factor in the cost of gas, food, lodging, and other expenses.
Related: Cheapest Cross Country Movers in the U.S.
What are some tips for saving money on a cross-country move?
If you are on a tight budget or want to save money on your cross-country move, consider the following tips:
- Schedule your move during the off-season.
- Get quotes from multiple moving companies.
- Pack your own belongings.
- Rent a moving truck instead of hiring a full-service mover.
