How Much Does It Cost to Move Cross Country in 2025?

Planning a cross-country move is an exciting milestone, but one of the first questions everyone asks is: how much will it cost? Whether you are relocating from California to New York, Texas to Florida, or anywhere in between, understanding the true cost of a cross-country move helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises.

Average Cross-Country Moving Costs in 2025

Cross-country moves typically cover distances of 2,000 to 3,000+ miles, and costs vary significantly based on how much you are moving. Here are typical price ranges for 2025:

Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment (300-500 cubic feet)

$2,500 to $4,500

Smaller loads benefit from consolidated shipping options where your belongings share truck space with other customers.

2-Bedroom Home (600-1,000 cubic feet)

$4,000 to $7,500

This is the most common move size, with enough belongings to justify a dedicated portion of a moving truck.

3-Bedroom Home (1,000-1,500 cubic feet)

$6,500 to $12,000

Larger homes require more labor, more truck space, and often include heavier furniture pieces.

4+ Bedroom Home (1,500-2,500+ cubic feet)

$10,000 to $18,000+

Large family homes with extensive belongings, multiple heavy items, and specialty pieces can push costs even higher.

Key Factors That Affect Your Cross-Country Moving Cost

Understanding what drives cross-country moving costs helps you interpret quotes and find savings opportunities.

Volume in Cubic Feet

This is the biggest cost driver. Professional movers charge based on how much space your belongings occupy in the truck, measured in cubic feet. Accurate volume calculation is critical for getting reliable estimates.

Distance

While all cross-country moves are long, the exact mileage matters. A 2,000-mile move costs less than a 3,500-mile move, though the per-mile rate typically decreases for longer distances.

Origin and Destination

Moving costs vary by state due to labor costs, demand, and logistics. Moving out of high-cost states like California or New York is generally more expensive than moving from lower-demand regions. The direction also matters—moving from California to Texas may cost differently than Texas to California due to supply and demand in the moving industry.

Time of Year

Summer months (May through September) are peak moving season with prices 20-30% higher than winter months. If you have flexibility, moving in October through April can yield significant savings.

Additional Services

Packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage, and specialty item handling all add to your base cost. Most quotes cover loading, transport, and unloading only.

Cross-Country Moving Options Compared

You have several options for your cross-country move, each with different price points and trade-offs.

Full-Service Movers

$3,000-$15,000+ depending on home size

Professional movers handle everything from packing to delivery. This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient. You get insurance coverage, professional handling, and minimal physical effort.

Moving Containers (PODS, etc.)

$2,000-$8,000 for cross-country moves

A container is delivered to your home, you pack and load it yourself, and the company transports it cross-country. This hybrid option saves money on labor but requires you to do the heavy lifting.

Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske, Budget)

$1,500-$4,000 for a cross-country trip

The cheapest option for larger moves. However, you are responsible for driving thousands of miles, fuel costs, loading, and unloading. Factor in hotels, food, and the value of your time.

Freight Trailers

$1,000-$3,000

For smaller loads, you can rent space in a freight trailer. Costs are lower but delivery times are longer and less predictable.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Many people get surprised by additional charges that were not in their initial quote:

• Fuel surcharges: 5-15% of base cost, fluctuates with gas prices
• Stair and elevator fees: $50-$150 per flight of stairs
• Long carry fees: $50-$200+ if truck can't park within 75-100 feet of door
• Shuttle fees: $200-$600 if full-size truck can't access your location
• Storage fees: $50-$200+ per month if dates don't align
• Heavy/bulky item fees: $100-$500+ for pianos, safes, hot tubs
• Packing materials: $200-$500+ if movers pack for you

How to Get an Accurate Cross-Country Moving Estimate

Getting an accurate estimate is essential for budgeting your cross-country move:

Get Multiple Quotes

Request quotes from at least three licensed movers. Provide consistent information to each so you can compare apples to apples.

Ask About Binding Estimates

• Non-binding: Can increase if actual volume exceeds estimate
• Binding: Locks in price (as long as you don't add items)
• Binding not-to-exceed: Best option—price can't go up but can go down

Be Honest About Access Issues

Tell movers about stairs, narrow streets, long walks from parking, and any other challenges. Getting these costs in the quote prevents surprise charges on moving day.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Only use movers registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check their USDOT number and read reviews beyond their website.

Tips to Save Money on Your Cross-Country Move

Cross-country moves are expensive, but smart planning can reduce your costs significantly.

Declutter Before You Move

Every item you do not move saves money. Sell, donate, or discard things you no longer need. Reducing your cubic feet by even 10-15% can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Move During Off-Peak Season

If possible, schedule your move between October and April. Avoid end-of-month dates when demand peaks. Weekday moves are often cheaper than weekends.

Be Flexible With Dates

Some movers offer discounts if you can accept a delivery window of several days rather than a specific date. This lets them optimize truck routes and fill empty space.

Pack Yourself

Full-service packing adds $500-$2,000+ to your bill. If you have time and ability, pack your own boxes and let movers handle only loading and transport.

Consider Flat Rate Moving

For larger homes, flat rate moving eliminates uncertainty. With TopBudgetMove, you know your exact cost—$7,000 for a full 26-foot truck—regardless of weight calculations.

Timeline: When to Start Planning Your Cross-Country Move

Cross-country moves require more lead time than local moves:

• 8-12 weeks before: Research costs, get estimates, begin decluttering
• 6-8 weeks before: Request quotes, book mover or reserve truck
• 4-6 weeks before: Confirm booking, start packing non-essentials
• 2-4 weeks before: Continue packing, schedule utilities, update addresses
• 1 week before: Finish packing, prepare first-night box, confirm final details
• Moving day: Oversee loading, keep valuables with you, final walkthrough

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move cross country on average?

The average cross-country move costs between $4,000 and $8,000 for a typical 2-3 bedroom home moving 2,000-3,000 miles. Smaller apartments may cost $2,500-$4,500, while larger homes can exceed $12,000-$18,000.

What is the cheapest way to move cross country?

The cheapest option is typically renting a moving truck and driving it yourself ($1,500-$4,000 plus fuel and lodging). However, this requires significant time and physical effort. For the best value, declutter aggressively, move during off-peak months, and compare multiple options.

How long does a cross-country move take?

Transit time typically ranges from 7 to 21 days depending on distance, route, and whether you have a dedicated truck or shared shipment. Dedicated full-service moves are faster (7-14 days), while consolidated shipping may take 14-21 days.

Should I tip cross-country movers?

Tipping is customary but not required. Consider tipping $20-$50 per mover at each end (loading and unloading crews are often different). For exceptional service or difficult conditions, tip on the higher end.

How do I choose a reputable cross-country mover?

Verify the mover is licensed with the FMCSA by checking their USDOT number. Read reviews on multiple platforms. Get binding or binding not-to-exceed estimates in writing. Avoid movers who demand large upfront deposits or give quotes without seeing your belongings.

Conclusion

Moving cross country is a significant investment, with costs ranging from $2,500 for a small apartment to $18,000+ for a large family home. Understanding what drives these costs—volume, distance, timing, and services—helps you budget accurately and find savings opportunities.

For 3-4 bedroom homes, TopBudgetMove's flat rate of $7,000 often represents both savings and peace of mind—one transparent price with no weight calculations, no distance multipliers, and no surprise charges at delivery.