How Much Does It Cost To Move 500 Miles?

Moving 500 miles costs approximately $2,400 with U-Haul, $3,500 with American National Movers, and $7,000 or more with a major van line. While rates vary, most movers treat 500-mile hauls as a full out-of-state move—so even though it’s shorter than a cross-country relocation, prices can still surprise you.

The cheapest moving option for moving within 500 miles is renting a truck or hiring a affordable long distance moving company like American National Movers.

If you search Google for “long-distance movers for a 500-mile move,” you’ll find that larger corporations quote high rates, even for lighter shipments. At American National Movers, we specialize in short-range long-distance moves within 500 miles, keeping your costs affordable without cutting corners on service.

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Why 500-Mile Movers May Still Be Expensive.

Each brand may charge a different rate based on operational expenses, truck capacity, and service area coverage.

Here is a breakdown:

Operational Expenses.

Major van lines moving companies charge more for their services because of their overhead. By choosing a major van line, you can easily pay about 40% more than if you were to hire a smaller, local long distance moving company.

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Truck Capacity.

Moving companies with fewer trucks might prefer to avoid 500-mile moves because the rate consumers are willing to pay is similar to what they would make on a shorter-distance move.

A 500-mile move is likely to take a full day for driving alone, plus the time needed for loading and unloading, which ties up their truck and crew for longer—making it less profitable unless they charge more.

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Service Area Coverage.

Movers also have to consider the fuel and labor costs of driving their truck back empty after completing a 500-mile move. This is an issue that most movers face who are only based in a limited number of states. This “deadhead” return trip incurs additional fuel, labor, and time costs without generating revenue, so these companies typically charge more upfront to offset these expenses.

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Renting A Truck For a 500 Mile Move.

Instead of hiring movers, renting a U-Haul or Penske truck is another option, with an average price range of about $2,200. Costs for fuel, packing materials, and labor (if needed) are not included.

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Renting a truck can be a good option and save you some money if:

• You’re comfortable driving 8–10 hours in a large truck.

• You have friends or hired labor to help with loading and unloading.

• You’re not moving extremely heavy or fragile items.

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Important Note:

The price difference between renting a truck and hiring movers is about $800-$1,200. Additionally, you have to do all the work yourself; it may be best to hire a mover instead if you can afford to pay a little more.

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Final Take: Moving 500 Miles Costs Vary.

Based on the moving option you choose, the price for moving a short distance of 500 miles varies greatly. Get a quote from a reputable moving company that's not too big for a cheaper price on a 500-mile haul, or consider renting a truck for the best possible experience.

At American National Movers, our 500-mile moving services are designed to be budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability. Contact us today to receive a quote tailored to your specific route and shipment size.