Is PODS Expensive? Find Out Now.

American National Movers
Oct 8
3 min read

For small long distance moves, PODS Moving and Storage is a good option for transportation with an average cost of about $3,000. Larger loads are more expensive, with an average cost of $5,000 to $9,000. Compared to major national van lines, PODS is affordable; however, when comparing their prices with those of mid-sized carriers, their rates can be considered expensive. The key is making sure your household goods can fit, their

Expenses To Consider With PODS.

As mentioned above, PODS is not expensive compared to major brands, but there are expenses to consider to see if PODS aligns with your budget:

Labor: If you have a lot of items, consider hiring labor, which will cost approximately $500 to $700 for pickup and delivery.
Packing materials: For small long distance loads, packing materials costs are inexpensive; however, larger shipments will incur approximately $300 in packing materials costs.
Storage months & extra transport legs: If you need storage, you pay per container, per month—and every drop-off, pickup, and final re-delivery is an additional move billed. Two containers for two months is four container‑months, plus multiple transport legs. That's why longer timelines (or the need for a second container) can push totals into full-service pricing territory.

Quick take: PODS is inexpensive when one 16′ container fits, storage is minimal, and access is straightforward. Add a second container or 1–2 months of storage, and your total can quickly land in the $6,000–$12,000 range—often similar to a fair quote from an affordable full‑service mover. Always price both so you're not surprised later.

Comparing PODS Expenses Vs Movers.

Woman with pink hair looks confused, pointing both ways. Background split: teal on left, orange on right. Question marks above her head. — PODS is inexpensive compared to many moving companies, but there are some brands with similar prices, plus the benefit of full-service moving.

In a "PODS vs. Hiring a Moving Company" post, we discussed how PODS is a cost-effective option; however, moving companies have also lowered their rates to comparable levels to those charged by PODS. However, some consumers may prefer to hire PODS to have more control over their household goods, so when considering PODS, you have to ask yourself:

Am I considering PODS because I'm moving on a budget?
Am I considering PODS because I prefer it over working with a less expensive long-distance moving company?
Am I considering PODS because I need storage and prefer my items stored nearby?

If Your Choosing PODS For Budget Purposes:

If you're considering PODS for budget reasons, you may still find PODS expensive if your load is not considered small. In many cases, larger loads require more than one storage container, which puts PODS costs at approximately $6,000 to $7,000. This does not include the costs for labor (if you're hiring help) and packing materials. Before deciding to go with PODS, I recommend obtaining quotes from affordable long distance movers on Google and comparing pricing and ratings. The costs of PODS versus an affordable full-service mover are similar.

If Your Choosing PODS Because You're Having Issues Finding A Reliable Cheaper Mover.

Finding a reliable and affordable long distance moving company can be challenging. After checking reviews online of long distance movers with lower costs, you may find a lot of complaints online. The same holds for PODS; they also have numerous online complaints regarding service issues and pricing disputes. This comes with the territory when hiring the cheapest long distance moving option, and you have to be willing to take the risk if you want a cheaper option.

If You Want Nearby Storage.

When it comes to convenient nearby storage and affordable long distance moving, PODS is one of the best options, especially if you want it stored in your driveway. Other moving options, such as American National Movers, offer free storage; however, it will not be stored in a container in your driveway. So, if you are looking for an option with convenient storage and transportation, PODS is the best option at an affordable rate.

Conclusion: Is PODS Expensive?

Sometimes. For small, simple long distance moves, PODS can be a good value—especially when one 16′ container covers your inventory and you don't need storage. However, if you have a larger home, need two containers, or plan to store for more than a month, PODS costs often match or exceed those of a value-focused full-service mover.

If you want a hands‑off move at a competitive price, American National Movers can be comparable to (and sometimes cheaper than) multi‑container PODS. Use our long distance moving cost tools or call for a side‑by‑side comparison, and pick the option that fits your budget, timeline, and effort level.