A long-distance move in the US typically runs $1,600–$4,500 for a one-bedroom home and $3,500–$11,600 for a three-bedroom, across routes of 500 to 3,000 miles. Local moves are priced by the hour instead, so they follow completely different maths. Below is the full breakdown by home size and distance, plus what actually moves the number.
Long-Distance Moving Costs by Home Size and Distance
Interstate moves are priced on shipment weight plus mileage. These are the same estimates our calculator produces, modelled from standard shipment weights and road distance:
| Home size | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | 3,000 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,300–$2,050 | $1,500–$2,350 | $1,900–$2,950 | $2,250–$3,550 |
| 1 bed | $1,600–$2,500 | $1,850–$2,900 | $2,350–$3,700 | $2,900–$4,500 |
| 2 beds | $2,550–$4,000 | $3,050–$4,800 | $4,100–$6,450 | $5,150–$8,050 |
| 3 beds | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,300–$6,700 | $5,850–$9,150 | $7,400–$11,600 |
| 4+ beds | $4,450–$7,000 | $5,500–$8,650 | $7,600–$11,900 | $9,700–$15,150 |
Ranges span roughly ±22% around the modelled midpoint. Your actual quote depends on your real inventory, access at both ends, packing, and dates. Under federal rules an interstate carrier must give you a written estimate based on an actual survey of your belongings.
Local Moves
Local moves are usually priced by the hour based on crew size, not by weight. A studio or one-bedroom typically needs a 2-person crew for a few hours, while a larger home needs a bigger crew and more time. Distance within the same metro matters far less than the volume of your belongings and how accessible both homes are — a third-floor walk-up can cost more than a larger house with driveway access.
Valuation Coverage Is Not Insurance
Every interstate move includes released-value protection at no extra charge, but it pays only about 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-pound laptop is covered for roughly $6 regardless of what it cost. Full-value protection costs extra and is worth pricing separately — ask for both numbers when you get your estimate.
What Affects Your Price
- Home size and total volume of belongings.
- Distance between the two locations.
- Packing services and materials.
- Stairs, long carries, and elevator access.
- Specialty items like pianos, safes, or fragile antiques.
- Time of year — summer and month-end are peak and cost more.
How to Save on Your Move
- Declutter first — you pay to move volume, so move less.
- Book early and, if possible, move mid-week and mid-month.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself to reduce labor.
- Get multiple quotes and compare what each one includes.
- Verify any interstate mover's USDOT and MC numbers before booking — the FMCSA lookup below is free.
The most accurate way to know your cost is a real quote. Send us your details and we'll get a free estimate back to you within 30 minutes.
Sources
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You MoveFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- 49 CFR Part 375 — Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate CommerceUS Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- Protect Your Move — carrier lookupFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- State-to-State Migration FlowsUS Census Bureau