Long distance moving costs vary widely — from under $1,500 for a small studio to over $10,000 for a large home. The range is wide enough that "average cost" articles are mostly useless.
Here's how pricing actually works, what drives it up or down, and how to get a number that means something for your specific move.
The Two Things That Drive Price
Almost every long distance moving quote comes down to two variables:
- Volume — how much stuff you have, measured in cubic feet
- Distance — how far it needs to go
Some movers still price by weight, but cubic footage is increasingly standard and more predictable. The rate per cubic foot scales with distance — a short haul of 400 miles might run $1.50/cf, while a cross-country move might run $3.50/cf.
Typical Price Ranges by Home Size
| Home Size | Est. Cu Ft | 500 miles | 1,200 miles | 2,500+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 150–250 cf | $900–$1,400 | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,500–$2,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | 250–400 cf | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,400 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 400–600 cf | $1,800–$2,600 | $2,400–$3,400 | $2,800–$4,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | 700–1,000 cf | $2,600–$3,800 | $3,400–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| 4–5 Bedroom | 1,100–1,500 cf | $4,000–$5,500 | $5,000–$7,500 | $6,000–$10,000 |
These are general ranges. Your actual price depends on exactly what you're moving and exactly how far.
What's Usually Included in the Base Price
A legitimate binding quote should cover:
- Loading and unloading at both locations
- Fuel surcharge (often 8–12% of the base rate)
- Standard cargo protection on your belongings
- Furniture pads and blanket wrapping for large items
- All tolls and standard driving costs
What Can Add to the Price
These are legitimate additional costs — but they should be disclosed upfront, not revealed at delivery:
- Packing service — professional packers with all materials typically run $1.00–$1.50 per cubic foot
- Long carry — if the truck can't park close to your door, some movers charge extra
- Stairs — some movers charge per flight; others include it
- Shuttle service — if a large truck can't access your street, a smaller vehicle is needed
- Storage in transit — if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates
- Peak season — summer (June–August) and weekends typically cost more
Peak Season vs Off-Season
Moving in summer costs more. The industry's busiest period runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and prices can be 15–30% higher than off-peak. If you have flexibility, moving in fall or winter — especially on a weekday — will save money.
The Most Accurate Way to Get Your Price
The only way to get a price that actually means something is to submit a real inventory — not a guess at your home size. "2 bedroom" covers everything from a near-empty apartment to a fully furnished home with a garage full of equipment.
Our live inventory calculator lets you select every item you're moving and get an instant binding price based on your actual cubic footage and distance.