A cross-country move, typically defined as 2,000 miles or more, is one of the biggest expenses in any relocation. Costs in 2026 range from under $2,000 for a DIY studio move to over $15,000 for a full-service four-bedroom relocation. The right approach depends on your budget, timeline, and how much physical work you are willing to do. This guide breaks down every option with real pricing so you can make the best decision for your situation.
For full-service movers handling a cross-country move of 2,500 miles, here are the 2026 averages by home size. A studio or one-bedroom costs $3,500 to $4,500. A two-bedroom apartment or small house runs $5,500 to $7,500. A three-bedroom house costs $8,000 to $9,500. A four-bedroom house costs $10,000 to $12,000, and five or more bedrooms can exceed $14,000. These prices include loading, transport, and unloading at the destination. Full-service packing adds $500 to $2,500 depending on home size. Weight is the primary pricing variable for cross-country moves: every 1,000 pounds adds roughly $600 to $900 to the total bill. Getting an accurate weight estimate through an in-home survey is essential to avoid surprises.
Three main service categories cover cross-country moves, each with different cost and effort profiles. Full-service movers handle everything from packing to delivery. They are the most expensive but require the least effort from you. Costs range from $3,500 for a small apartment to $15,000 for a large house. Portable container services like PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT deliver a container to your home, you load it, and they ship it. This saves 20 to 35 percent compared to full-service movers, with costs of $2,500 to $9,000 depending on size and distance. DIY truck rental from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget is the cheapest option at $1,500 to $4,500 for cross-country distances, but you handle all loading, driving, fuel, hotels, and meals. The drive alone takes 4 to 6 days for a coast-to-coast trip.
Some of the most common cross-country routes in 2026 and their average full-service costs for a two-bedroom move include: New York to Los Angeles at $5,800 to $7,200, Los Angeles to New York at $5,200 to $6,800 (westbound to eastbound is slightly cheaper due to demand imbalances), New York to Miami at $4,500 to $6,000, Chicago to Phoenix at $4,800 to $6,500, San Francisco to Austin at $5,000 to $6,800, and Seattle to Atlanta at $5,500 to $7,000. Pricing differs between directions because more people are currently moving to Sun Belt states than from them, creating a supply and demand imbalance. Moving against the trend, for example from Texas to New York, can sometimes be cheaper because trucks need to reposition.
Cross-country moves take significantly longer than local relocations. Full-service movers typically need 10 to 21 days from pickup to delivery, depending on route and season. During peak summer months, delivery windows stretch to 14 to 21 days. Off-season moves in winter often arrive in 10 to 14 days. Dedicated truck service with guaranteed delivery dates is available for an extra 20 to 40 percent, bringing your belongings in 7 to 10 days. If you are driving yourself, plan for 4 to 6 days of driving at 400 to 500 miles per day. Pack essentials like clothing, medications, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies in your car rather than the moving truck, since you may be without your belongings for 2 to 3 weeks. Consider shipping your car if you are flying to your destination: auto transport costs $900 to $1,500 for cross-country distances.
Timing is the single biggest savings lever. Moving between October and April saves 15 to 30 percent compared to peak summer rates. Flexible delivery dates, where you give the moving company a wider window, can reduce costs by 10 to 15 percent. Declutter ruthlessly: shipping heavy items you rarely use across the country makes no financial sense. Replace inexpensive heavy furniture at your destination. Get at least four quotes and negotiate, as cross-country moves have wide pricing variation between companies. If you have a small to medium load, consider consolidated shipping where your items share truck space with other shipments at a reduced rate. Check whether your employer offers relocation assistance, even partial reimbursement can offset thousands. Use our free moving calculator to compare all options side by side for your specific route.
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A cross-country move for a two-bedroom home costs $5,500 to $7,500 with full-service movers in 2026. Container services run $3,500 to $5,500, and a DIY truck rental costs $2,000 to $3,500 plus fuel and hotels. Adding professional packing increases the full-service price by $600 to $1,200.
Full-service movers take 10 to 21 days for cross-country delivery, with 14 to 21 days common during peak summer. Dedicated truck service offers 7 to 10 day delivery for an additional 20 to 40 percent. Driving a rental truck yourself takes 4 to 6 days at 400 to 500 miles per day.
In 2026, westbound moves (from east coast to west coast) tend to be slightly more expensive than eastbound moves due to higher demand for Sun Belt and Western destinations. Moving against the popular flow can save 5 to 15 percent because moving companies need to reposition empty trucks.
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest option at $1,500 to $4,500 for cross-country distances, but you handle all the work and driving. Portable containers are the next cheapest at $2,500 to $9,000. For very small loads, shipping boxes via freight or parcel service can be the most economical approach.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
