How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State? (Price Guide)

Moving out of state costs more than moving across town because the bill depends on how far your belongings travel and how much you own. Distance, the weight of your things, the way you move, and the season all feed into the final number. Most of the price differences you see between quotes trace back to those four factors.

The estimates below are averages from published guides, not quotes. They use different methods, so they should not be added together or treated as one price list. Each table names its source: This Old House for the survey-based distance averages, HireAHelper for home-size estimates, and others for containers and rental trucks. Figures carry a check date of Oct 14, 2026. Real quotes vary with your inventory, dates, and route, so get written estimates before you commit.

The first set of numbers comes from a survey of customers who hired full-service movers. It shows how the average bill rises as the trip gets longer.

The average rises from one distance band to the next. Part of any bill covers loading, unloading, and the truck, so mileage is not the only driver.

Home size matters because more belongings mean more weight, more labor, and sometimes a larger truck. This table shows full-service estimates for a 1,200-mile move, from one apartment size to a four-bedroom home.

Full service means the movers pack the truck, drive it, and unload it. It is the most convenient option and the most expensive.

You can lower the bill by doing part of the work yourself. One estimate for a 3-bedroom apartment or 2-bedroom house on the same 1,200-mile trip puts labor plus a rental truck at $2,132.48. You rent the truck and drive it yourself, and hired labor handles loading and unloading. That is far below the full-service estimate for the same home size.

Moving containers

A container service drops off a container, you or a crew load it, and the company transports it. A guide lists estimates by distance for a 1,500 square foot home.

A second source lists container averages by home size.

Renting a truck and driving yourself

Do-it-yourself is the cheapest option on paper. A guide lists rental truck cost by distance.

The truck rental figures exclude fuel and extras, so your real cost will run higher. Add fuel, tolls, lodging on the road, and time off work before you decide.

You will find different totals for the same move depending on the source. Several reasons may explain it:

• Scope: a survey of full-service customers is not the same as a calculator for a specific trip and home size.
• Distance bands: a guide may quote a single mileage, such as 1,200 miles, while another averages a range.
• Service type: full service, labor plus a truck, containers, and self-moves are different products.
• Home size: estimates for a one-bedroom apartment and a larger house are not comparable.
• Timing: summer is a busy moving season, which may raise prices.

Use the tables to see the range, then match your own distance, home size, and service type to the closest row.

• Distance: a longer route generally costs more.
• Weight and volume of your belongings.
• Service level: full service, partial service, or self-move.
• Date: peak season and month-end dates can be pricier.
• Access: stairs, long carries, and tight parking can add labor time.
• Extras: packing materials, storage, and insurance coverage.

Ask for an in-home or video survey so the mover can see your inventory. Request a written estimate that states whether it is binding or not, and ask what fees apply for stairs, long carries, or storage. Get several quotes for the same date and service level so the numbers can be compared. Check the company's registration and read how it handles damage claims before you sign. For questions about insurance on your belongings, talk to a licensed insurance agent.