How Much Does Long Distance Moving Cost in 2025?
Complete breakdown of long distance moving costs by home size, distance, and season. Average prices, cost factors, and tips to save money on your interstate move.
One of the first questions people ask when planning a long distance move is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that it depends — but we can give you a very accurate range based on your specific situation.
The average cost of a long distance move in 2025 ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, with the national average sitting around $4,300 for a 2-bedroom home moving approximately 1,000 miles. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you budget your move.
Long Distance Moving Costs by Home Size
| Home Size | Approx. Weight | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | 1,000–2,000 lbs | $800–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 2,000–5,000 lbs | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 5,000–8,000 lbs | $2,500–$5,000 | $3,500–$7,500 | $5,500–$11,000 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 8,000–14,000 lbs | $4,000–$7,000 | $5,500–$10,000 | $7,500–$15,000 |
What Factors Affect Long Distance Moving Costs?
1. Distance
Distance is one of the primary cost drivers. Most long distance moves are priced per mile or as a flat rate for specific routes. Generally, you can expect to pay $0.50–$0.70 per pound per 1,000 miles, though this varies by carrier.
2. Weight of Your Shipment
Long distance moves are priced by weight (pounds) or volume (cubic feet). The heavier your shipment, the more you pay. This is why decluttering before your move is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs — every item you donate, sell, or discard is money saved.
3. Time of Year
Summer (May through September) is peak moving season. During this period, long distance moving costs can be 20-30% higher than off-peak rates. If you have flexibility, planning your move for October through April can result in significant savings. Mid-week and mid-month moves also tend to be cheaper than weekend or end-of-month moves.
4. Additional Services
Additional services can significantly impact your total cost:
- Full packing service: Add $300–$1,500 depending on home size
- Storage: Add $100–$400 per month
- Specialty items: Pianos ($150–$600), vehicles ($500–$1,500), art/antiques (varies)
- Stairs/elevator fees: $75–$150 per flight
- Long carry fees: When the truck can't park close to your door
5. Insurance/Valuation
Basic released value protection is included at no charge ($0.60/lb per item). Full value protection — which replaces or repairs damaged items at current market value — typically adds $100–$500 to your bill depending on the declared value of your shipment.
How to Save Money on a Long Distance Move
- Compare multiple quotes: Get at least 3-5 quotes. The price range between movers for the exact same move can be 40-60%.
- Move off-peak: October through April is typically 20-30% cheaper than summer.
- Declutter first: Every 1,000 lbs you don't move saves you roughly $300-500.
- Pack yourself: Self-packing saves $300-$1,500 vs. having movers pack.
- Be flexible on dates: Mid-week, mid-month moves get lower rates.
- Book early: Book 6-8 weeks in advance for best availability and pricing.
Why You Should Compare Moving Quotes
The single most effective thing you can do to save money on a long distance move is to compare quotes from multiple movers. Our customers who compare 5 quotes save an average of $1,200 compared to booking the first mover they call.
Use MyMovingQuotes to get up to 5 competing quotes from FMCSA-licensed movers in 60 seconds — completely free, no commitment required.
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