Long distance moving cost in 2026
Long distance and interstate movers price a move by the weight of your goods and the distance, not by the hour. Below are guide prices from 2026 US cost guides, plus what to check before you book.
Prices by home size and distance
One guide puts the average long distance move at about $4,500. Big households moving coast to coast can pay $8,000 to $15,000.
| Home | About 1,000 miles | 2,000+ miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $2,000 to $4,900 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| 2-bedroom | $2,600 to $5,800 | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| 3-bedroom | $3,600 to $7,500 | $4,700 to $9,500 |
| 4-bedroom | $4,200 to $10,000 | $6,500 to $14,000 |
What makes a long distance move more expensive
- More weight: a rough guide is 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per room
- Packing, crating and extra stops
- A tight delivery window, or a delivery date that must be guaranteed
- Storage in transit if your new home is not ready
- Moving in summer, at the end of the month or around holidays
Check an interstate mover before you book
- Interstate movers must have a USDOT number: look it up on the FMCSA website
- Ask whether the estimate is binding, non-binding or binding not-to-exceed
- Basic released value protection only pays 60 cents per pound per item; full value protection costs extra
- The mover must give you the booklet 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move'
- Be careful with a very low quote and a large deposit: these are common signs of a moving scam
Cheaper options
- A portable container (often $2,000 to $5,500 long distance) with moving labor to load it
- Rent a truck and hire loading help at both ends
- Ship only what you need and sell large, cheap furniture
- Get quotes from several interstate movers and compare the same inventory
Questions about long distance moving costs
How much does it cost to move across the country?
A cross country move of a 2 to 3-bedroom home often costs about $3,500 to $9,500. A large home can cost $8,000 to $15,000.
How do long distance movers calculate the price?
Mostly by the weight of your goods and the distance, plus packing, special items and any storage. Ask for an in-home or video survey so the estimate is based on what you really have.
What is a binding estimate?
With a binding estimate, the price for the listed goods and services is fixed. A non-binding estimate can go up when the real weight is higher. A binding not-to-exceed estimate can go down but not up.
Average prices including sales tax, from several price guides. Checked in November 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
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