Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Nov, 26 2025
Quick Answer
For a local move: The average cost of interstate haulers is $30 to $45 per hour for two men and a truck.
For long-distance moves: The cost of long-distance interstate haulers is $1,300 to $8,400 (under 2500 miles).
As you’re planning for your impending relocation, one of the first questions that are likely going to come to mind is: What is the average cost of moving interstate? We understand your reason for wondering. After all, moving can be a major expense, and keeping hauling charges low is often a priority for many people.
While there are a number of factors that go into the cost of shifting, experts suggest that the average charges of hauling a household State-to-state(or long distance) is roughly $4,300. This estimation is based on a move that occurs over an average distance of 1,225 miles and with the household items weighing in at about 7,400 pounds. Of course, the actual interstate moving price will vary considerably based on the distance and the weight of your goods.
So, what is the average cost of moving state-to-state? Continue reading for the answer.
What is the average cost of Hiring a Full-Service Moving Company?
If you’ve decided to go with the most convenient option possible – hiring full-service movers – you’re likely going to spend the most money. For hauls that occur from one state to another (interstate), the cost of your relocation will be determined based on the total weight of your stuff to be moved and the distance between the origin location and your final destination.
Though the average charges of moving State-to-state is also impacted by additional services that you may have selected from your haulers. For example, if you’ve chosen to have your items packed and unpacked by professionals, you can expect to spend more on this additional service. Examine the table below for a brief overview of the average cost of hiring a full-service relocating company for an interstate move:
| Basic relocation (with no additional services) | Between $2,000 and $7,000 on average |
| Packing services | Between $500 and $4,000 on average |
In addition to packing services, your full-service moving company will likely offer a number of other extra services that you may desire and may incur an additional cost:
- Temporary storage until your new home is ready to be moved in.
- Disassembly and re-assembly of some of your furniture items.
- Custom crating or hoisting for heavy or fragile specialty items.
When requesting quotes from your professional movers, ensure you receive an accurate price estimate that includes all the additional services you are paying for.
What Is the Average Charge of Hauling Interstate?
For interstate moves, long-distance shifts, or cross-country hauls, the state-to-state hauling charges are calculated a bit differently than for local moves. Instead of being charged by the hour, there are numerous factors that go into the average cost of moving interstate. The following three factors are the most important ones to consider:
- Weight of your belongings: As you might expect, the more household goods that you have to move to your new home, the more your shipment is going to weigh and, thus, the more you’re going to pay for your move. As one of the major determining factors in the cost of hauling state-to-state, reducing the number of belongings you have to hauls can actually end up saving you thousands of dollars.
- Distance: The longer the distance between your current residence and your new home, the higher the charges to move interstate will be. Unfortunately, this price factor is one that you cannot control.
- Additional services: The moving estimates that you receive from reputable state-to-state movers should include all the basic hauls considerations and any extra services you’ve selected. This includes packing, unpacking, specialty item handling, and furniture disassembly and re-assembly. Expect to pay more for accessorial services that you request or need for your shift to be completed effectively.
Long-distance Moves Prices Estimates
It’s important to keep in mind that the following interstate hauling price estimates are just that-estimates. They should only serve to provide a general view of what a cross-country relocation will cost you. It’s impossible to give you exact values, as each move is unique. For this reason, at Three Movers, we calculate and customize all of our moving quotes on a case-by-case basis.
Though, in order to give you a general idea for convenience and budgeting purposes, let’s assume that you’re relocating to a city that is 1,000 miles away from your current home. With this in mind, you can expect the following average cost of moving Long-distance:
| Home Size | Average Cost |
| Studio apartment (1,800 to 2,000 pounds) | $1,500 |
| One-bedroom apartment (2,500 to 3,500 pounds) | $1,800 to $2,500 |
| Two-bedroom home (5,000 to 6,000 pounds) | $3,500 to $4,200 |
These estimates do not include any additional services and again, they will vary based on the actual distance of your hauls and the weight of your belongings.
Best Ways to Reduce the Average charges of Moving Long-distance
If you’re trying to find out the average cost of hauling interstate, you probably want to know how you can save money on your upcoming move. Here are some of the best ways that you can lower the cost of your cross-country move:
1. Only take what you need.
Depending on your specific situation, it is possible to move far below the average cost of moving interstate. To do this, simply don’t take as much stuff with you. Go through your home, take inventory of your belongings, declutter, and only take what you absolutely need. The items that you decide to part with can be donated, sold for extra hauling cash, or gifted to a friend or family member.
After all, a few items to pack and load into the moving truck means a cheaper overall hauls and more space in your new home!
2. Handle the packing yourself.
Fortunately, you can significantly reduce the cost of your interstate move by simply packing your stuff yourself. So long as you have enough time, energy, supplies, and possibly extra volunteers, you should have no problem safely packing up your belongings for the long haul. Though, you may want to leave any of your ultra-fragile or heavy items to the experts.
3. Negotiate with your shifting firm.
The quotes that you receive from movers are negotiable. There are a number of negotiation tactics you can try, with the most popular being inquiring about discounts, ongoing promotions, or special offers. Odds are that qualify for at least one! You can also try telling them that you received a better deal from another company and ask if they’re willing to match or possibly beat the competitor’s price.
4. Choose your relocating date wisely.
The specific day that you move plays a crucial, underestimated role, in the average cost of moving. When it comes to saving money, the best deals usually come during off-peak season. So, try to aim for a moving day that is not in the summer, on a weekend, on a national holiday, or during the first or last days of a month.
5. Hire low-cost movers.
Of course, some professional moving companies are more affordable than others, and the only way to find the best deal is to compare quotes. Though, keep in mind that the lowest bid may not always be the best. The goal is to hire a long-distance shifting company that is both reasonably priced and reputable.
Tips to Cut Charges for Move
Do it Yourself
Pack and unpack all your stuff safely yourself and use free packing materials. You can find free packing material from those who have recently moved n your locality. This may save thousands of dollars you spent on packing materials.
Get insurance
When moving, it's wise only to insure valuable and expensive items. This way, if any of these items are damaged during the hauls, the relocating company will be responsible for compensating you. By taking this approach, you can save on insurance costs while still protecting your most valuable belongings.
Request multiple quotes
List quotes from several companies to find the best moving company for your requirements. Then, compare the costs, benefits, and services offered by each company to determine which one is the most budget-friendly while still providing the services you need. Ensure that you hire a hauling company that is both affordable and equipped to handle your move efficiently.
Research
To keep moving costs low, it's essential to research and explore alternative options that will have a minimal impact on the budget. Moving by ship, bus, freight, USPS, FedEx, and UPS are all viable options.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an excellent, affordable interstate moving company for your upcoming move, look no further than Three Movers for the job. Contact us today and we’ll answer all your questions, address any concerns you may have, provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate, and get your Long-distance relocation started off on the right foot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Interstate moving costs are based primarily on weight, mileage, and the required level of service. Most state-to-state moves fall between $2,200 and $7,500 for typical household sizes. Factors that raise or lower the price include packing, stairs/elevator access, long-carry distance, seasonal demand, and whether your move needs special handling for items like pianos or safes. Because all interstate moves fall under FMCSA rules, carriers must calculate charges using approved tariffs. A detailed quote from an interstate moving service helps prevent surprise costs.
The national average for state-to-state moves is generally $2,000 to $7,000, with larger homes (3–5 bedrooms) reaching $8,000 to $11,000+ when packing and specialty items are included. Research trends from consumer moving data and recent market reports show labor shortages, rising fuel charges, and longer delivery corridors influencing pricing in 2023–2025. Travel routes, weather patterns, and delivery timing also shift costs, especially during summer peak season.
Most interstate moves arrive within 3–14 days, depending on distance, traffic patterns, and weather conditions across regions. Carriers typically provide a delivery spread rather than an exact day due to federal safety-regulated driving hours. Larger shipments may take longer if multiple stops are scheduled along the route. Fragile-item packing or limited building access at either location can also adjust loading and delivery timelines.
Many interstate carriers request a small scheduling deposit, typically 5–20 percent of the estimated cost, to reserve the truck and crew. Deposits help secure your load date, coordinate routing, and confirm equipment availability. FMCSA guidance encourages customers to review the Bill of Lading carefully before paying. Final charges depend on the confirmed shipment weight, access conditions, and any add-on services such as packing or storage.
The lowest-cost interstate moves often rely on a DIY truck rental, moving container, or partial-service loading rather than full-service movers. Costs are lowest when you pack independently, avoid peak-season dates, reduce shipment weight, and minimize bulky items. Using a container option or truck-plus-labor setup can help control expenses. Reviewing alternatives such as moving and storage can also cut costs if you time delivery efficiently.
The most accurate estimates come from virtual or in-home surveys, where movers verify inventory, stairs, elevator schedules, parking distance, and special-care items. Providing photos, exact box counts, and access notes (tight hallways, HOA rules, loading windows) helps tighten cost accuracy. For quick planning, the company’s moving cost estimator can provide a baseline before the carrier performs a full assessment.
