Cross-country moving costs in 2026 at a glance
Short answer: In 2026, most cross-country moves for a one- to three-bedroom home run roughly $2,000 to $8,500 when you hire a licensed carrier. Studio loads start lower. Four-bedroom homes and full-service packing push toward the upper range.
Cross-country means interstate transport, often 1,500 to 3,000 miles. Pricing reflects shipment size, distance, season, and how much labor you buy.
International Van Lines coordinates cross-country and long-distance moves from our Coral Springs headquarters. We serve pickup addresses nationwide through our carrier network and relocation team.
In this guide
- 2026 price ranges by home size
- What affects the cost of a cross-country move
- Self-pack vs full-service packing
- Hidden fees to watch for
- Best time of year to save money
- How to get an accurate quote
- Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: Shipment weight or volume and total mileage drive most cross-country quotes.
2026 price ranges by home size
These ranges reflect typical 2026 rates from licensed interstate carriers on popular lanes such as New York to Florida, California to Texas, and Midwest to Southeast routes. Your quote may fall outside these bands based on access and timing.
| Home size | Self-pack (owner packed boxes) | Full-service pack |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / small one-bedroom | $1,800 to $2,800 | $2,200 to $3,400 |
| One-bedroom | $2,200 to $3,500 | $2,800 to $4,200 |
| Two-bedroom | $3,200 to $5,000 | $3,800 to $5,800 |
| Three-bedroom | $4,500 to $6,800 | $5,200 to $7,800 |
| Four-bedroom | $6,000 to $8,500 | $6,800 to $9,500 |
Add-ons such as piano moving, custom crating, storage, and car shipping sit outside these ranges.
For budgeting tools, try our moving cost calculator. For overseas legs combined with a U.S. exit move, use the international moving cost calculator.
Caption: Binding estimates should follow a visual or video survey, not a phone guess.
What affects the cost of a cross-country move
Short answer: Volume, distance, pickup and delivery access, packing level, and season explain most price differences between quotes.
Shipment size
Carriers price by weight or cubic feet. More furniture and boxes mean a higher linehaul charge. Decluttering before your survey is the fastest way to lower cost.
Distance and lane
A 900-mile move costs less than a 2,800-mile move, but per-mile rates are not linear. Popular lanes with steady truck traffic sometimes price more competitively than rural routes.
Access at both ends
Third-floor walk-ups, long driveways, parking permits, and shuttle truck requirements add labor. Mention these during the survey.
Service type
Binding estimates, guaranteed delivery windows, and full unpacking cost more than basic load and delivery.
Season and capacity
May through August is peak season. Trucks book weeks ahead and base rates run higher. Winter moves often have more flexibility.
Caption: Compare quotes line by line. The lowest total may exclude packing or shuttle fees.
Self-pack vs full-service packing costs
| Approach | Typical savings | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Owner packed cartons | 10 to 20 percent vs full pack | More labor for you, limited damage coverage on packed-by-owner boxes |
| Partial pack (fragile only) | 5 to 15 percent | Good balance for kitchens and electronics |
| Full professional pack | Highest upfront cost | Faster move day, better protection, stronger claims support |
Read is self-packing for a move worth it if you are weighing DIY packing against professional help.
Hidden fees to watch for
Ask whether these appear in your written estimate:
- Long carry (distance from truck to door)
- Shuttle service when a large trailer cannot reach your street
- Stair or elevator fees
- Bulky item surcharges (safes, kayaks, large appliances)
- Storage or detention if delivery is delayed
- Fuel surcharge adjustments on non-binding estimates
A quote far below competitors often excludes these line items. Review our guide on understanding your moving estimate before you sign.
Best time of year to save money
Short answer: October through April usually offers lower cross-country rates and more pickup flexibility than summer peak season.
School calendars and lease cycles drive summer demand. If your dates flex, mid-month and mid-week pickup windows sometimes reduce cost. Avoid the last week of each month when leases turn over nationwide.
How to get an accurate quote
- Verify the company USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER.
- Schedule an in-home or video survey.
- Collect at least two written estimates with the same service level.
- Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding.
- Confirm who performs the transport (carrier vs broker handoff).
See how to verify a mover DOT license and our list of best cross-country moving companies for research starting points.
Get your 2026 cross-country moving quote
Ready to price your route? Request a free quote from International Van Lines. We will schedule your survey, explain transit timing for your lane, and provide a written estimate with clear line items.
Browse long-distance movers and international moving services if your relocation continues beyond the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from California to Texas in 2026?
A two-bedroom self-pack move on that lane often falls between $3,500 and $5,500 in 2026. Larger homes and full packing push higher. Access in Bay Area cities can add shuttle fees.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck and move myself?
DIY truck rental saves labor cost but adds fuel, tolls, hotel nights, and your time. For studio and one-bedroom moves with few stairs, DIY can win. For multi-bedroom homes, professional moves often compare closely once you value labor and risk.
How long does a cross-country move take?
Door-to-door transit typically runs 4 to 14 days after pickup depending on shipment size and truck routing. Smaller loads on consolidated trucks may wait for additional freight.
Do moving companies charge by weight or volume?
Interstate carriers use weight-based or cubic feet pricing depending on tariff structure. The survey converts your inventory into a billable weight or volume figure.
What is the average deposit for a cross-country move?
Reputable carriers often request a modest deposit or none until closer to pickup. Be cautious of large upfront cash demands.
Can I deduct moving expenses on my taxes?
Most W-2 employees cannot deduct job-related moving costs under current federal rules. Active-duty military members may qualify under specific conditions. Consult a tax professional.
Does IVL move cross-country if I am not in Florida?
Yes. We coordinate pickup nationwide from Coral Springs. We do not maintain branch offices in other states, but we handle interstate moves across the U.S. regularly.
