Cost to Move Across the Country

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Home Services

Moving cross-country can be costly, with expenses depending on distance, home size, and services. Here's a breakdown to help you budget.


Average Cross-Country Moving Costs

  • Range: $1,200–$15,000
  • Small Apartment (Studio/1 BR): $700–$3,000
  • Larger Homes (4–6 BR): $3,000–$15,000
  • Coast-to-Coast Moves: $4,600–$10,300

Cost Factors

1. Distance and Location

  • East Coast to West Coast: $4,600–$10,300
  • Within Same Coast (e.g., Northeast to Southeast): $3,000–$8,000
  • Urban areas or remote locations may increase costs due to logistics and accessibility.

2. Home Size and Belongings

  • Studio/1 Bedroom: $700–$3,000
  • 2 Bedrooms: $1,000–$7,000
  • 6 Bedrooms: $4,000–$15,000
  • Movers charge $0.50–$0.80 per pound, with larger homes weighing 10,000+ pounds.

3. Transportation Type

  • Rental Truck: $1,200–$2,100
  • Moving Container: $700–$3,200
  • Full-Service Movers: $1,400–$9,700

4. Packing Supplies

  • Boxes: $1–$3 each
  • Bubble Wrap: $20–$40
  • Packing Tape: $2–$4 per roll
  • Moving Blankets: $10–$20 each

5. Add-On Services

| Service | Cost |
|----------------------------|---------------------------|
| Packing/Unpacking | $0.50 per pound |
| Insurance | $600 for 10,000 lbs |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $120–$420 |
| Storage | $100–$450 per month |


DIY vs. Professional Movers

| Option | DIY | Professional |
|---------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Cost | $1,200–$2,100 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Effort | Heavy lifting and driving | Stress-free convenience |
| Time | Longer process | Faster, organized move |


Ways to Save Money

  • DIY Packing and Unpacking: Skip professional packing fees.
  • Declutter Before Moving: Donate or sell unused items to reduce weight.
  • Use Free or Recycled Packing Supplies: Source boxes from local stores.
  • Move Midweek or Off-Season: Winter and weekday moves are cheaper.
  • Review Insurance Policies: Check if your homeowner's insurance covers moving.
  • Compare Moving Estimates: Get at least 3 quotes for the best deal.
  • Ask for Discounts: Inquire about promotions for seniors, veterans, or bulk moves.
  • Avoid Hidden Fees: Read contracts carefully for surprise charges.

Pro Tip

Planning early and choosing the right moving company can save you money and stress during your cross-country move!


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