How Much Should You Pay For Long Distance & Cross Country Movers?
- American National Movers
- Oct 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
There are many money questions about the cost of out-of-state moving. Consumers want to know whether $5,000 to $10,000 is enough for long distance or cross country movers, and whether there are any cheaper options available.
In the state to state moving industry, your long distance moving cost will vary greatly based on the mover you’re contacting. In some cases, your quote may be extremely overpriced — at other times, it may be too cheap and likely a scam. Please see the content below for more information on what a fair/reasonable price is for your long-distance shipment.
Budget Expectations On Out Of State & Long Distance Movers
Please see the chart below for information on how much to budget for long distance and cross country movers and how to spot when a company is overcharging you.
Based on the HTML chart displayed above, the average cost of transporting household goods long distances is $6,500 to $9,000 for a 10,000-pound shipment. Here are a few brief things you need to know when comparing pricing:
Major brands and reputable carriers charge higher rates than smaller moving companies with a limited online reputation and experience.
A select few reputable carriers, like American National Movers, offer the most affordable rates for most long distance and cross country shipments (based on season and availability).
How Do Out Of State Movers Determine Long Distance Moving Costs?
Aside from the obvious factor of mileage and size of your shipment a common factor many people overlook is if the mover has to drive their truck back to their previous state empty.
1) Mileage and Return Trip:
Moves over longer distances, i.e., cross-country moves, incur higher fees for fuel and travel time, especially if the movers have to drive the truck back empty (deadhead miles).
2) Volume/Weight:
Large homes generally take up more space in the truck or require larger or more trucks and more men, which can increase your out-of-state moving costs.
3) Seasonality:
Summer moves carry a premium markup for long distance and cross country movers because demand is at its peak.
4) Additional Services:
Multiple stops, packaging of fragile items, antiques, artwork, linen, dedicated trucks, and guaranteed delivery dates carry additional charges on top of the basic moving service.
Frequently Asked Budget Moving Questions & Concerns
Is $5,000-$10,000 enough to move long distance and cross country?
For Studio-2 Bedroom homes, $5,000 is enough for most cross country movers. However, if your shipment weighs 10,000 pounds or more, your long distance moving costs will range from $6,500 to $10,000. For the most competitive prices, avoid getting quotes from premium brands, as they charge much higher rates due to their business models.
How Much Does It Typically Cost To Move Out Of State in 2026?
In 2026, most reputable out of state movers charge an average of $4,000 for small moves and between $6,500 and $10,000+ for 3-4 bedroom homes. As tempting as it is to find the cheapest option, please be advised that online data shows brands with low prices have several complaints regarding hidden fees and reliability issues. Please shop responsibly and prioritize reliability over the lowest price when choosing a mover.
How Much Should I Expect To Pay For Cross Country Movers?
Cross Country moves are more expensive than standard long distance moves under 1500 miles, with an average cost of $5,000 on the low end and $14,000 on the high end. This is due to complex logistics and the high risk of relocating household goods across multiple states, including potential damage, delivery delays, and consumer complaints.
What's A Reasonable Price to Pay For Long Distance Movers?
$5,000 to $8,500 is considered a reasonable price for most long distance moves in the 3-4-bedroom range. You can potentially pay less ($4,000) if you have a small shipment and contact a long-distance small-load moving company like American National Movers. As mentioned in previous articles,, it is advised to avoid brands offering rates under $4,000.00, as these are usually paired with extremely unreliable and unethical long distance moving companies. Before hiring movers, check their online reviews to ensure you’re choosing the best company for your needs and budget.
How To Know If I'm Overpaying For Long Distance Movers?
If you are a budget-conscious long distance mover, please be advised that national well-known brands such as United Van Lines and Mayflower have been reported to be the most expensive moving companies. although they may provide a good service, there are many alternative companies that can provide the same relocation service at a rate that's $3,000 to $5,000 cheaper.
What Is The Least Expensive Way To Move Out Of State?
In 2026, the most cost-effective way to transport items between states is through shared load moving companies like American National Movers. This process involves agreeing to share a truck with other customers to keep your costs down. In some cases, shared load moving can even be cheaper than renting a truck.
Get A Quote: American National Movers
American National Movers is the best long distance moving company for out of state and cross-country services at a price thats affordable for the average consumer. Choose American National Movers and relocate your household goods for an average cost of $4,000 for small shipments and $6,500-$7,500 for shipments exceeding 10,000 pounds.
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