How Much Does It Cost To Move Across Country?

The average cost of moving cross country is $5292, based on the average price of the 20 most popular moving cross-country routes. Expect to pay anywhere between $3000-$10,000 for any of the best rated cross country movers, depending on how large your household is and how far you are moving.

In addition to hiring a moving service, you'll want to factor in the following expenses when planning your cross country moving budget.

• Moving Supplies & Equipment: To adequately pack your items for a long-distance haul, you'll need boxes, tape, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and moving blankets. Additionally, if you're tackling a DIY move, you might need to rent equipment like an appliance or furniture dolly, so you don't strain your back. These costs can quickly add up, so be sure to read our guide to the cheapest ways to move across the country.
• Cost of Gas & Car Tune-Ups: Before any long road trip, it's smart to take your car in for a tune-up. In addition to changing your oil, most auto shops will also check your wiper blades, tire pressure and alignment, the battery, and fluid levels. Factor in the cost of this once-over, as well as the price of gas for all the miles ahead.
• Lodging & Food: The most common cross country route, from New York City to Miami, FL, is 1278 miles, or an estimated 19+ hours of driving. To prevent fatigue on the road, you'll want to plan at least one overnight stop en route. Other routes, like New York to California, take even longer. Be sure to plan out stops, so you get adequate sleep on the trip. In addition to paying for hotels or lodging, also prepare for food costs. You might be able to supplement meals out with non-perishables from your pantry. Set these items aside in a particular place as you're packing up your kitchen.
• Security Deposits: If you're moving out of or into an apartment, consider the costs of a security deposit. Renters stand to lose hundreds or thousands of dollars on a security deposit if they fail to thoroughly clean the rental unit before handing over the keys to the property manager. You'll need this money to pay a 1-2-month deposit on your new apartment, so make sure you take the time to clean-up!
• Utility Deposits: In addition to a security deposit, you'll have to pay deposits to start utility services at your new home. Check with the local providers of gas, electricity, cable/internet, and water in your new city to see how much it will cost to start each service.
• Car Transport: If you have more than one family car or you'd rather not drive your vehicle yourself, you'll have to pay an auto transport company to ship it for you. Get a free quote on auto shipping through Great Guys!
• Alternative Transportation: If you ship your car and hire movers to handle the rest, you'll still need a way to get you and your family to your new home. While a plane is the fastest way to from your current city to the next one, you could arrange to take a bus or train as well! Make sure to research your options and include the cost of alternative transportation in your relocation budget.
• Storage: If you're moving at the last minute or haven't had time to figure out your living arrangements in your new hometown, you might need to place your things in storage for a while as you sort things out. Arrange for storage through your moving company to keep things simple!
• Temporary Housing: While you're searching for an apartment or house, you may need a temporary place to stay in the meantime. Factor in the cost of temporary housing when planning your move.
• Vehicle Registration: Finally, when moving to a new state, you'll need to pay to register your vehicle and obtain a new driver's license. In some states car registration is a low, flat rate, but in other states, the cost of registration depends on the value or weight of the vehicle. Check our in-depth moving guides to see the rules that apply to your state.