Understanding the average cost to move out of state is crucial for long-distance relocation. Costs vary widely, ranging from $1,400 to over $8,000. This depends on how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have, and the type of moving service you choose. Full-service moves, where the company does almost everything for you, tend to cost more than if you rent a truck and do it yourself.
Long-distance moves are any move over 400 miles. They require careful money planning. During peak seasons, from May to September, prices go up because more people are moving. Costs can quickly increase with packing supplies, labor, extra services, and unexpected fees like for packing, storage, or long carry services. Knowing these costs beforehand helps in planning and budgeting for the cost of moving to another state. This makes moving smoother and the expenses more predictable.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Moving Out of State
When you think about moving to a different state, many things affect the cost. The length of the move is a big deal. It makes a difference if you’re moving 50 miles or across the whole country.
The amount and weight of your stuff also matter a lot. Moving a 1-bedroom apartment long distance can cost between $950 to $3,800. But moving a 4-bedroom house can cost from $1,800 to over $8,400, depending on how far you go.
The time of year impacts moving costs too. Moving during the busy season, from May to September, can be 20% to 30% more expensive. Moving during the slower months is cheaper. Local moves cost between $300 and $1,250, depending on how many hours it takes.
Choosing full-service or doing it yourself is another choice. Full-service moves, offering packing and unpacking, cost more but are less stressful. A DIY move can save money but requires more effort on your part.
Extra services like packing special items or insurance for valuables also add to the cost. For example, insuring high-value items raises the price but gives you peace of mind.
Let’s look at some specific moving costs:
Move Type | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
---|---|---|
Local Move (Studio) | $300 | $800 |
Local Move (1 Bedroom) | $300 | $800 |
Long-Distance Move (1 Bedroom, 1,000 miles) | $950 | $2,900 |
Long-Distance Move (4 Bedrooms, 2,500 miles) | $8,400 | Varies |
Interstate Move (Chicago to Los Angeles, 1 Bedroom) | $2,625 | Varies |
Typical Price Ranges for Moving Out of State
Moving out of state can really affect your budget. It’s key to know the usual costs to plan well. The average cost is around $4,300, but it can change a lot based on different things.
Service Type | Cost Range | Description |
---|---|---|
Full-Service Move | $2,300 – $9,000 | Includes packing, transport, and unpacking |
DIY Move | $600 – $5,300 | Involves renting a truck and handling everything yourself |
Moving Containers | $450 – $7,600 | For shorter and cross-country distances |
For short moves under 50 miles, full-service costs go like this:
- 1 bedroom: $300 – $700
- 2-3 bedrooms: $500 – $1,100
- 4-5 bedrooms: $1,000 – $2,900
For longer trips, like 1,000 miles, it costs more:
- 1 bedroom: $1,100 – $2,700
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,900 – $4,500
- 4-5 bedrooms: $4,100 – $7,800

Another choice is moving containers for shorter trips under 250 miles:
- 1 bedroom: $450 – $800
- 2-3 bedrooms: $750 – $1,900
- 4-5 bedrooms: $900 – $2,100
For cross-country moves, using containers usually costs more:
- 1 bedroom: $2,000 – $4,000
- 2-3 bedrooms: $3,000 – $4,900
- 4-5 bedrooms: $5,500 – $7,600
Rental trucks are less expensive for long moves, costing $600 to $4,900. Prices depend on truck size and the company. For example, a 16-foot Penske truck was $439 in October. A 26-foot U-Haul truck was $2,128.
To figure out your moving cost, look at distance, house size, and extra services like packing. Moving in summer usually costs more. Planning your move for off-peak times can save you money.
Budgeting for Your Out-of-State Move
How much does it cost to move to another state: Moving to another state takes careful planning to dodge unexpected costs. Setting up a budget for an out-of-state move means looking at direct moving costs and other expenses. These include packing materials, storage costs, and insurance. We’ll look into these important aspects to help you make a thorough budget.
First, knowing average costs sets realistic expectations. Interstate movers may charge between $2,700 and $7,000. Renting a moving truck might cost from $50 to $2,000, based on how far and long you need it. For moves over 400 miles, a shipping container could cost between $700 to $5,000.
The cost changes depending on your household size and specific needs. Below is a table to help you understand moving costs better:
Expense | Average Cost |
---|---|
Interstate Movers | $2,700–$7,000 |
Shipping Container Rental | $1,750 (plus delivery fees) |
Moving Truck Rental | $525 |
Boxes | $500 |
Packing Supplies | $100–$200 |
Storage | Variable; consider monthly rental fees |
Insurance | Variable; based on value of items |
Remember, moving costs can change with the season. Moving in the off-season, from October to March, or on weekdays can save money. Summer moves, especially around lease times, can get pricey because that’s when most people move.
Selling items you no longer need can also save money. It lightens your load and may cut transportation costs. Paying with cash, not credit, can also keep expenses in check and avoid debt.
Watch out for hidden fees, like extra charges for moving big items or long-distance fees. Planning ahead for these will make your budget more accurate and complete.
Average Cost to Move Out of State
Figuring out the average moving expenses out of state involves many things. You might spend between $2,000 to $9,500. But on average, it’s about $4,300. How far you’re moving, the size of your move, and the kind of service you choose play big roles in the cost.

Distance | 1-Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4+ Bedrooms |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
How much does it cost to move out of state: Moving average cost to move out of state companies might charge around $6 to $16 for every mile. Also, what you pay can vary a lot depending on the state. For example:
- In Georgia, moving costs about $101 an hour, usually adding up to between $400 and $3,400.
- In Maryland, it’s around $104 an hour and total costs range from $420 to $3,500.
Renting a truck yourself can cost as little as $600. But, expect to pay a lot more if you need full-service movers for a big house or a long move. That’s why it’s wise to get quotes from at least three moving companies. This helps you get the best deal and make a well-informed choice.
Comparing Full-Service and DIY Moving Options
Choosing between full-service and DIY moving depends on costs and services. Let’s look at the differences in a clear way.
Full-service moving means experts take care of your move from start to finish. This is great for those who don’t want the stress and hard work of moving. The cost of full-service moving changes with the size of your home, how far you’re moving, and extra services.
For short moves under 100 miles, professional movers usually charge $80 to $100 an hour. Moving a small apartment could cost $200-$500. A larger home might cost around $2,000 because of more stuff to move.
Average cost to move out of state: DIY moving means you rent a truck and do everything yourself. Costs include truck rental fees from $20 to $160 for bigger trucks. You also pay for miles driven and might need $150 for a deposit. Long trips can cost $500 to $1,700, not counting fuel.
DIY moving saves money but takes a lot of work and planning. Even though it’s cheaper, many people find it too hard to do again. About 80% of people who try it once don’t want to do it again.
Average cost of moving out of state: Think about hybrid moving options too. You pack, but hire pros to drive. This can save money and lessen stress. The right choice depends on your money, ability, and what you prefer.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning a move out of state, it’s crucial to know about unexpected costs. These extra expenses can include various factors that add up quickly. Proper planning and budgeting can make these costs more manageable, making the move smoother.
One big cost is long carry fees, charged if the moving truck can’t park close to our new home. Also, shuttle services may be needed for places hard to reach with a big truck. This can increase the cost.
Don’t forget about moving insurance. Basic coverage might not protect all our treasures. We might need to buy extra insurance to fully protect our stuff.
Costs of packing supplies are also important to consider. These costs depend on how big our move is and how much stuff we have. Since we’re moving out-of-state, we need more packing to keep things safe during the trip.
Costs for hotels and travel can add up fast. Based on the distance, we might need hotel stays and money for food and gas. Average cost to move out of state: Or even airfare if driving isn’t an option. These should be added to our moving budget.
To help understand better, we’ve put together a table of some extra moving costs:
Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Long Carry Fees | $200 – $500 |
Shuttle Services | $300 – $500 |
Additional Insurance | $100 – $500 |
Packing Supplies | $50 – $200 |
Temporary Lodging | $100 – $300 per night |
Travel Expenses (Gas/Food) | $100 – $400 |
While these extra moving costs might seem overwhelming, careful planning and getting several quotes can help. How much does it cost to move states: Understanding and preparing for these costs ensures we stay on budget. It helps us avoid surprises during the move.
How to Save on Out-of-State Moving Costs
Moving to another state can seem expensive. But, you can lower these costs with some smart steps. Let’s look at how to make moving cheaper and easier.
Start by decluttering. Moving fewer items can significantly drop the price. Sell or give away things you don’t need anymore. This lightens the load and might add to your wallet.
It’s smart to get quotes from different movers to find the best price. Online marketplaces can quickly show you various options. Look for deals from companies like Penske, U-Haul, and Budget who may price match.
Choosing when to move can also save money. Moving in winter or on weekdays is cheaper. That’s when moving companies are less busy and offer lower rates.
Get packing supplies for less or even free. Look on community boards or in stores for boxes being given away. This is another way to cut costs.
Do some tasks yourself and hire pros for the rest. Packing your things and renting a moving truck is cheaper than full-service movers. It’s a mix of DIY and hired help.
Here is a table showing different moving options and their costs:
Moving Option | Average Cost |
---|---|
Full-Service Movers | $1,941 to $4,224 |
Moving Truck Rental | $700 to $2,000 |
Moving Container Rental | $900 to $4,500 |
Freight Trailer Rental | $1,500 to $3,000 |
DIY Moving | $1,000 to $4,000 |
Hybrid Moves | $2,000 to $7,000 |
Following these strategies can make your move cost less. Always plan well and compare prices to spend less on moving.
Choosing the Right Moving Company
When you’re moving out of state, picking the right movers is key. You need a smooth, stress-free move. Look for movers known for their great service and trustworthiness. Check their customer reviews, how long they’ve been in business, and their overall image.
Consider companies like United Van Lines, who are highly rated with 4.43 out of 5 stars. They have over 90 years working in the field and 500 spots all over the USA. Choosing them means your stuff is in good hands, and you avoid scams and surprise fees.
Before deciding, get quotes from three different movers. This lets you compare costs and what they offer. Also, make sure they’re properly approved and insured by the FMCSA for interstate moves. This protects you and makes your mover choice a sure one.