Moving across state lines costs more than a local move and comes with rules a local move never touches. Interstate relocations are priced on weight and distance, regulated at the federal level, and packaged with paperwork designed to protect you. This guide covers what an out-of-state move costs in 2026 and what makes interstate pricing different.
All numbers below are estimate ranges based on current US data. Cross-country pricing varies widely by route and shipment size, so treat these as planning figures and gather your own quotes.
Quick facts: out-of-state moving costs
| Move profile | Typical cost range (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Average interstate move | $4,000 to $5,000+ |
| Overall out-of-state range | $1,500 to $10,000+ |
| Cross-country (1,000+ miles), 2 to 3 bedroom | $4,000 to $7,000+ |
| Regulated by | FMCSA (federal) |
| Pricing model | Weight + distance |
How out-of-state moves are priced
An interstate move is billed on the combined weight of your belongings and the distance between your old and new home, plus fuel. This is the same model used for any long-distance move, but crossing a state line adds federal oversight that intrastate moves do not have.
Because the price depends on weight, the size of your household is a major cost driver. A one-bedroom apartment shipped across the country costs far less than a four-bedroom house on the same route. See the cost to move by home size for size-by-size figures.
Interstate moves are federally regulated
Any mover taking your belongings across a state line operates under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. That regulation gives you some specific protections worth understanding:
- Bill of lading. For interstate moves, the mover must give you a bill of lading, which acts as both your contract and your receipt.
- Binding vs. non-binding estimates. A binding estimate locks the price for the listed items so you do not pay more than quoted at delivery. A non-binding estimate is an approximation that can change. Movers must disclose which one you are getting.
- Rights and responsibilities pamphlet. Interstate movers are required to provide a booklet explaining your rights.
- USDOT number. Legitimate interstate carriers have a USDOT number you can verify through the FMCSA.
These protections are a good reason to confirm a long-distance mover is properly licensed before you sign anything.
What out-of-state moves typically cost
The average interstate move lands somewhere around $4,000 to $5,000, but the real-world range is wide. A small apartment on a shorter interstate hop might cost $1,500 to $2,500, while a larger home moving coast to coast can run well past $7,000 once weight, distance, and add-ons stack up.
For a true cross-country move, plan toward the higher end. Distance compounds every other cost, from fuel to crew time to potential overnight stops.
Extra costs on an interstate move
Beyond the base weight-and-distance quote, budget for:
- Packing services and supplies, a separate charge covered in our packing cost guide.
- Specialty handling for items like pianos. See cost to move a piano.
- Full-value protection, an upgrade from the standard 60-cents-per-pound coverage.
- Storage in transit, common when closing dates do not line up.
- Shuttle fees, if a full-size moving truck cannot reach your new street.
Saving on an out-of-state move
The biggest savings levers on a long interstate move are timing and flexibility. Off-season and mid-week dates lower rates. A shared-load or consolidated move can cut the price if you can be flexible on delivery timing. Doing your own packing removes the largest add-on. And comparing several itemized quotes is essential, since interstate pricing differs sharply between carriers.
If you are considering driving your belongings yourself, weigh these figures against the moving truck rental cost and the full-service movers cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move out of state? Most interstate moves run between $4,000 and $5,000 on average, with a full range of roughly $1,500 to $10,000 depending on home size and distance.
Are out-of-state movers regulated? Yes. Interstate movers operate under the FMCSA and must provide a bill of lading, disclose binding or non-binding estimates, and carry a verifiable USDOT number.
Is an interstate move more expensive than an in-state long-distance move? Generally yes. For an equivalent distance, interstate moves tend to cost more than moves that stay within a single state.
How can I tell if an out-of-state mover is legitimate? Verify the company’s USDOT number through the FMCSA, confirm the estimate type in writing, and read your bill of lading carefully before signing.
