A long-distance move is a different financial animal from a local one. Instead of paying by the hour, you are usually paying based on how much your belongings weigh and how far they travel, which means the final number can range from a few thousand dollars to well into five figures. This guide lays out current average prices, how long-haul pricing works, and where the money goes.
Every figure here is an estimate range based on current US pricing. Long-distance quotes vary a lot by route and shipment, so use these as a budgeting starting point and get personalized quotes before you commit.
Quick facts: long-distance moving costs
| Scenario | Typical cost range (estimate) |
|---|---|
| National average, long-distance move | Around $4,900 |
| Overall long-distance range | $1,000 to $14,000+ |
| 2 to 3 bedroom home, 500 to 1,000 miles | $3,060 to $5,280 |
| 1-bedroom, 1,000+ miles | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| 4-bedroom, 1,000+ miles | $5,000 to $7,000+ |
What counts as a long-distance move
In the moving industry, a long-distance move generally means anything over 100 miles, and it often crosses state lines. There is an important distinction here:
- Intrastate moves stay within one state and are regulated by state law.
- Interstate moves cross state lines and are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Interstate moves are almost always more expensive for an equivalent distance. If your move crosses a state border, our cost to move out of state guide covers the specific rules and paperwork involved.
How long-distance movers price the job
Long-haul pricing rests on two main numbers: the weight of your shipment and the mileage of the route. The more you ship and the farther it goes, the higher the cost. Fuel surcharges sit on top of that and have pushed prices up through 2026.
This is why a serious long-distance mover will want to survey your home, in person or by video, before giving a firm quote. A weight-based estimate is only as accurate as the inventory it is built on. For the difference between binding and non-binding estimates, your bill of lading, and other long-haul specifics, the out-of-state moving guide goes into detail.
Average long-distance cost by home size
As a rough guide for a 1,000-mile move:
- 1-bedroom: roughly $1,500 to $2,500
- 2 to 3 bedroom: roughly $3,060 to $5,280 for a 500 to 1,000 mile haul
- 4-bedroom and larger: $5,000 to $7,000 or more
Size drives both the weight of the shipment and the crew needed to load it, so it is the second biggest lever after distance. For a fuller size breakdown across local and long moves, see the cost to move by home size guide.
What is included, and what costs extra
A base long-distance quote typically covers loading, transport, and unloading. Common extras include:
- Packing and materials, billed separately. See moving packing costs.
- Specialty items such as pianos, covered in our cost to move a piano guide.
- Full-value protection, an upgrade over the basic 60-cents-per-pound coverage.
- Storage in transit, if your new place is not ready on delivery day.
- Shuttle or long-carry fees, if a large truck cannot reach your door.
Ways to lower a long-distance bill
Flexibility is your best tool on a long haul. Moving off-season, between October and April, and avoiding weekends can cut the rate. Sharing truck space with other shipments, sometimes called consolidated or shared-load moving, trades a fixed delivery date for a lower price. And the single most effective step is comparing at least three detailed quotes, since long-distance pricing varies widely between carriers.
If you are weighing a do-it-yourself approach instead, compare these numbers against the moving truck rental cost and full-service movers cost before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a long-distance move cost on average? The national average sits near $4,900, with a broad range of roughly $1,000 to $14,000 depending on home size and distance.
Why are long-distance moves priced by weight? Because the cost to a carrier scales with how heavy the load is and how far it travels, weight plus mileage is the fairest way to price a long haul, unlike local moves billed by the hour.
What is the cheapest way to move long distance? DIY truck rental or a moving container is usually cheaper than full-service movers, since you handle the packing and loading. The tradeoff is time and physical effort.
Are long-distance moving estimates binding? They can be either binding or non-binding. A binding estimate locks the price for the listed items, while a non-binding one can change. Always confirm which type you are getting in writing.
This guide is for general informational purposes only. All costs are estimate ranges based on current US market data and will vary by route, carrier, and shipment. Always get written quotes from licensed, insured long-distance movers before booking.
Related reading: How much does it cost to move? (full cost overview)
