How Much Does Moving Out of State Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $7,000
Moving out of state costs $3,000 on average or between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the size and distance of the move.
Moving out of state costs an average of $3,000, with costs typically ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 or more. A fresh start is on the horizon—so, how much does it cost to move out of state? Coordinating with a local moving company will help ensure a smooth transition to your soon-to-be home state. Let’s take a look at the expenses involved with moving out of state.
- Average
- $3,000
- Low end
- $600
- high end
- $16,000
Moving Out of State Cost Factors
These are the main factors that will play into your total moving cost.
Distance
On average, moving out of state costs anywhere from $6 to $16 per mile. The cost of a cross-country move averages at about $4,600. Many moving companies charge by the mile, which means the distance of your move is a key factor in determining overall costs. Consider these average costs for moves of up to 1,000 miles.
| Distance in Miles | Average Moving Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $600–$1,600 |
| 200 | $1,200–$3,200 |
| 300 | $1,800–$4,800 |
| 400 | $2,400–$6,400 |
| 500 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 600 | $3,600–$9,600 |
| 700 | $4,200–$1,200 |
| 800 | $4,200–$11,200 |
| 900 | $5,400–$14,400 |
| 1,000 | $6,000–$16,000 |
Home Size
The size of your home plays a major role in determining the cost to move out of state. Depending on the size of your home, you could pay anywhere from $700 for a small one-bedroom apartment to upward of $10,000 or more for a home with three or more bedrooms.
| Number of Bedrooms | Average Moving Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio/1 | $700–$3,000 |
| 2 | $1,000–$7,000 |
| 3 | $1,400–$8,000 |
| 4 | $1,800–$10,000 |
| 5 | $3,000–$12,000 |
Labor
The typical cost to hire movers ranges from $25 to $50 per hour per mover. However, hiring three movers can increase the cost to $75 to $150 per hour, while four movers may cost between $100 and $200 per hour.
| Number of Movers | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | $25–$50 |
| 3 | $75–$150 |
| 4 | $100–$200 |
Load and Unload vs. Full-Service Moves
Hiring professionals to pack and unpack your belongings costs an additional $1,000 on average, but costs will vary based on the weight and volume of the belongings to pack. Any specialty services for sensitive or fragile items will also cost more. When planning out your move, you can hire packers for moving or add packing and unpacking services from your moving company.
Packing Supplies
If you’re DIY packing your belongings, packing materials will add to your moving cost. It’s a good idea to buy more than you think you’ll need and return anything you don’t use. Here are some common costs for the moving supplies you’ll need:
Small moving boxes: $1–$2 per box
Large moving boxes: $2–$3 per box
Storage bins and crates: $5–$30 each
Bubble wrap: $20–$40 per roll
Moving blankets: $10–$20 each
Packing tape: $2–$4 per roll
Plastic wrap for furniture: $10–$20 per roll
TV boxes: $10 per box
Weight
On average, movers charge between $0.50 and $0.80 per pound. The weight of your belongings is a significant factor in determining the total cost of your long-distance move—in fact, it’s the second-most influential factor after distance. While some moving companies may estimate the cost based on the size of your home, most require a detailed inventory of all items, including boxes, to provide an accurate quote.
Timing
One of the most cost-savvy tips for planning your move date is to move during the off-season when there’s less demand and rental moving truck and labor rates are lower. Opting for a winter move instead of spring or summer can be more cost-effective, as it's the less-busy season. Along with that, planning your move on a weekday rather than a weekend can lead to extra savings.
Tipping
If you’re wondering how much to tip movers, plan to provide between 10% to 20% of the total cost of the move. While not mandatory, tipping is a great way to show your movers your appreciation. Consult the moving company ahead of your move to determine their preferred method and timing of tipping.
Ongoing Expenses When Moving Out of State
These are other general expenses to consider when moving to a new state.
Cost of Living
Research the cost of living in your new state, including the price of housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials. This additional information about your new location will help you better understand how to adjust your budget.
Taxes
Different states have varying tax structures, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, and other local taxes. As you plan your new lifestyle and budget, be sure to account for how these changes will impact your financial situation.
Housing Costs
Beyond the initial cost of buying or renting a home, consider ongoing expenses like property taxes, homeowners association (HOA) fees, maintenance, and repairs. If possible, research these costs during the home search process to avoid any unexpected fees.
Utilities
To calculate your monthly budget in your new state, factor in the average cost of utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and internet. These expenses can vary significantly depending on location and usage, but it’s helpful to know whether your location trends high for utility costs.
DIY Moving Out of State vs. Hiring a Pro
When you're planning to move out of state, you have the option to handle the move yourself or hire professional movers. If you choose the DIY option, you'll need to rent a truck, pack, load, drive, unload, and unpack everything by yourself. While the cost for a DIY move is significantly less, it requires a lot of time, effort, planning, and physical labor. Be sure to consider factors like driving long distances, navigating unfamiliar roads, and the potential risks of damage or injury during loading and unloading.
On the other hand, hiring a local moving company can provide you with convenience, expertise, and efficiency. They can take care of everything related to the move, from packing fragile items to transporting heavy furniture, reducing your stress and making the transition smoother. Hiring a professional moving company is ideal for individuals or families with larger households, valuable items, or limited time and physical ability to handle the move themselves. While it may cost more than a DIY move, the convenience, reliability, and reduced stress outweigh the added expense.
Cost of Common Move Add-Ons
Here are the most common add-on services for long-distance moves to consider with your project’s total cost:
Furniture assembly and disassembly cost: $35–$90 per piece
Piano moving costs: $2.50–$10.00 per mile
Moving a shed costs: Up to $2 per mile
Cost to ship a car: $700–$1,200
Antique or fine art moving costs: $150–$2,500 per piece
Move-out cleaning costs: $120–$420
Moving a mobile home costs: $1,000–$20,000
Moving insurance: ~$0.06 per pound
Tips to Reduce Costs When Moving to a New State
Moving out of state can get pricey, but you can follow these moving tips to reduce your costs:
Declutter your belongings to reduce the weight and space requirements, saving on moving costs.
Consider reselling furniture, clothing, and other items beforehand to reduce your load and get extra cash for your moving budget.
Donate unwanted items to lighten your load and potentially benefit from tax deductions.
Secure multiple moving quotes to compare prices and services from different moving services.
Schedule your move during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower rates and potential discounts.
Pack your items yourself to save on packing services and materials.
Use recycled boxes and packing supplies from local stores or friends to cut costs.
Negotiate services and rates with movers, especially if you have flexibility in your moving date.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's always advisable to secure your moving company well in advance, ideally at least two months ahead or even earlier. This timing is especially wise if your move falls within the busy summer season when demand for moving services is highest—the last thing you want is to scramble for a reservation at the last minute. Planning ahead helps avoid unforeseen costs and the stress (and fees) of last-minute arrangements, which can be more difficult to secure during peak moving season.
Saving up a good slush fund is one of the most important steps for how to move out of state. It’s a good idea to save for at least three months of expenses, although six months or more is the most ideal, especially if you don’t have a job lined up for when you get there. You can calculate your estimated moving costs ahead of time based on the distance, weight, and number of bedrooms to help with your budgeting.