Long Distance Moving Cost Calculator — 2026
The average long-distance move costs $4,500–$7,500 for a 2–3 bedroom home with professional movers. Distance, weight, and season are the three biggest cost drivers. Use the free calculator to build your exact budget.
Open Free Calculator →Long-Distance Moving Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Weight | Movers | DIY Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 2,000 lbs | $2,200 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | 3,500 lbs | $3,000 | $1,390 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | 5,500 lbs | $4,500 | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedroom House | 9,000 lbs | $7,000 | $1,520 |
DIY truck cost includes rental + estimated fuel for a 1,000-mile move. Movers include loading, transport, and unloading.
What Drives Long-Distance Moving Costs?
Distance
The #1 factor. A 500-mile move costs roughly half of a 1,000-mile move with the same shipment weight.
Shipment Weight
Long-distance movers price by weight. A 3-bedroom house (9,000 lbs) costs nearly double a 1-bedroom apartment (3,500 lbs).
Time of Year
Summer moves (June–August) cost 20–30% more than winter. End-of-month is also pricier than mid-month.
Services Needed
Full-service packing adds $600–$1,200. Specialty items (piano, hot tub) add $200–$800 each. Storage-in-transit costs $150–$300/month.
Popular Long-Distance Routes
| Route | Distance | Movers | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas to California | 1,435 mi | $5,200 | $1,800 |
| New York to Florida | 1,280 mi | $5,800 | $1,600 |
| Cross Country Move | 2,800 mi | $7,500 | $2,800 |
| California to Texas | 1,435 mi | $4,800 | $1,600 |
| Illinois to Texas | 920 mi | $4,200 | $1,200 |
| New York to North Carolina | 640 mi | $4,400 | $1,100 |
See all routes on the route comparison page.
Long-Distance Cost by State
Texas
Florida
Colorado
California
North Carolina
New York
See all 50 states on the state comparison page.
Long-Distance Moving FAQ
How much does a long-distance move cost?
The average long-distance move (1,000+ miles) costs $4,500–$7,500 for a 2–3 bedroom home with professional movers. The primary cost drivers are distance, shipment weight, and time of year.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck for a long-distance move?
Renting a truck (DIY) saves 40–60% compared to full-service movers. A cross-country truck rental costs $1,500–$3,000 vs. $4,500–$7,500 for movers. However, DIY requires driving, loading, and unloading yourself.
How far is considered a long-distance move?
Most moving companies define long-distance as 400+ miles or any move crossing state lines. Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA and require a licensed carrier.
How long does a long-distance move take?
Transit time depends on distance: 500–1,000 miles typically takes 3–5 days, 1,000–2,000 miles takes 5–10 days, and coast-to-coast moves take 10–14 days with professional movers.
What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
The cheapest options are: (1) renting a truck and driving yourself, (2) using a portable moving container like PODS, or (3) shipping boxes via freight. A DIY truck rental is typically the least expensive at $1,500–$3,000 for a cross-country move.
Do long-distance movers charge by weight or volume?
Most long-distance movers charge by weight. A 2-bedroom apartment weighs approximately 5,500 lbs and a 3-bedroom house approximately 9,000 lbs. The rate is typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound per 1,000 miles.
What hidden costs should I budget for in a long-distance move?
Common hidden costs include: fuel surcharges ($200–$500), stair/elevator fees ($75–$150 per flight), long carry fees ($75–$150), storage-in-transit ($150–$300/month), packing materials ($100–$300), and tipping movers ($100–$200 total).
When is the cheapest time to move long-distance?
The cheapest time is October through April. Moving during the off-season (winter) can save 20–30% compared to peak summer rates (June–August). Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper than month-end and weekend moves.
Calculate Your Long-Distance Moving Cost
These are averages. Your actual cost depends on your specific move — origin, destination, home size, and services. The free calculator builds a complete, itemized budget in minutes.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →