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Cost to Move Across the Country in 2026
Relocating across the country can feel overwhelming. Between packing up your entire home, managing costs, and selecting the right services, the financial and emotional weight can add up quickly.
Whether you're worried about unexpected fees, unsure whether to rent a truck or hire full-service movers, or simply trying to figure out how to ship your car affordably, these challenges are common and solvable. This article is here to help you move forward with less stress and fewer financial surprises.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer:
What is the average cost of moving cross-country in 2026, and what factors influence it?
How do full-service movers compare to rental trucks and moving containers in terms of cost and convenience?
What are the hidden fees and insurance considerations you should plan for in a long-distance move?
Overview
Average Price for a Cross-Country Move in 2026
The cost of a country move for a typical American household ranges from $2,389 to $6,869, with an average cost of $4,570. The total amount you owe is determined by the distance, the size of your home, and the degree of assistance you select.
What Drives The Price
Several core factors determine the final cost of your long-distance move:
Distance: Longer moves always cost more due to increased fuel, labor, and time.
Shipment Size/Weight: Movers charge based on the total volume or weight of your belongings. More stuff means a higher price.
Season: Moving during the peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is always more expensive than moving in the winter off-season.
Access: Difficult access points, like narrow streets or high-rise apartments, can add costs.
Service Type: A full-service mover vs. renting a truck cost breakdown reveals the biggest price difference. Full-service is more convenient but costs significantly more.
Add-Ons: Packing, unpacking, or specialized handling for pianos or antiques will incur additional costs.
Insurance: The standard minimum liability coverage is often included, but upgrading your protection comes at an additional cost.
Hidden Fees When Moving Cross Country (Avoid These)
These are common extra charges that you must know:
Long-Carry Fee: If movers have to carry items more than a specified distance (e.g., 75 feet) from the truck to your door, they charge an extra fee.
Elevator Fee: Using a service elevator, especially when a reservation is required, may incur a fee.
Fuel Surcharge: Most long-distance moves include a variable fuel surcharge that is added to the bill.
Shuttle Fee: This occurs if the large moving van cannot safely reach your home. Your belongings are transferred to a smaller truck (a "shuttle") at an extra cost.
Storage Fees: If you need temporary storage before your items can be delivered.
Rescheduling Penalties: Changing your move date too close to the scheduled time often results in a steep penalty.
Full-Service Movers vs. Renting a Truck vs. Moving Containers (Cost Breakdown)
The service you select is the single largest variable in your cross-country moving budget.
When Full-Service Movers Make Sense
Full-service movers handle everything, from loading and driving to unloading. This option is worth the price when you need maximum convenience, are moving a large house, or cannot handle the physical labor yourself. They are more likely to offer binding quotes.
When a Rental Truck Is Cheapest
Renting a truck is the most budget-friendly option. This requires you to handle all the labor and drive the truck across state lines yourself. This choice heavily favors the rental truck, but it comes at the cost of your time and effort.
When Containers Win on Flexibility
Moving containers offer a middle ground. You pack your items, and the company transports the container. This provides professional transit without the cost of professional loading/unloading.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country (2026)?
If you don't want to drive your car across the country, car shipping is a common part of the long-haul budget.
Shipping costs across the country can vary based on factors such as distance, vehicle size, transportation type, and the time of year (prices typically spike in the summer), all of which affect the final price.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport (Comparison Table)
How to Choose the Right Car Transport Company
Selecting the right auto shipper takes time and research. Start by comparing several companies online and consider the following tips to help you make the best choice:
Read Customer Reviews: Customer feedback is one of the most reliable ways to gauge a company’s professionalism. Reputable auto transporters proudly display reviews on their websites to showcase real customer experiences.
Look for an Easy-to-Navigate Website: A well-organized and user-friendly website often reflects the company’s attention to customer service and internal efficiency. It demonstrates that they value accessibility and a seamless experience for their clients.
Request a Free Quote: Trustworthy car shipping companies typically offer free quotes, allowing you to compare estimated costs across different providers before making a commitment.
Check Available Shipping Methods: A professional company should offer multiple transportation options, such as open or enclosed carriers, and door-to-door or terminal delivery, so you can select the option that best suits your vehicle and needs.
Consider Competitive Prices: The cheapest service is not always the best. Car shipping costs vary based on factors like carrier availability, distance, weather, and season. A fair, competitive rate often indicates a balance of value and quality service.
Moving Insurance: Is It Worth It for a Cross-Country Move?
All licensed movers must offer two basic insurance coverage options:
Released Value Protection: This is the most basic, free coverage. It pays out a maximum of $0.60 per pound per item. It is minimal and rarely covers the true cost of damage.
Full Value Protection: This is paid coverage where the mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged item. It is more expensive but provides true peace of mind.
When to Upgrade Coverage
If you have valuable, sentimental, or irreplaceable items, you should always opt for Full Value Protection. A cross-country trip exposes your goods to more risk, making robust coverage essential.
Cost of Driving vs. Flying When Moving Cross Country
Should you drive or fly to your new home? This cost is often overlooked in the budget. When comparing the cost of driving vs. flying, model the following:
Driving: Fuel costs, food on the road, hotel stays, potential vehicle maintenance, and wear-and-tear on your car.
Flying: Airfare for the entire family, airport transfers, and fees for any checked baggage.
Pairing Strategies
Fly + Container: Shipping your belongings and flying yourself is often the most time-efficient option.
Drive + Ship Car: You drive a rental truck, and a carrier ships your personal vehicle (if you have two cars).
Fly + Ship Both: You fly, and both your household goods and car are shipped by professionals. This is the most expensive but least stressful option.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Move Smart
Moving across the country doesn’t have to be a financial mystery. With clarity around pricing, hidden costs, and service types, you can make informed choices that protect your budget and peace of mind.
Ready To Simplify Your Cross-Country Move?
As you plan the details of your long-distance relocation, let AmeriFreight Auto Transport take the stress out of shipping your vehicle. With more than 20 years of experience coordinating car shipments nationwide, we connect you with a trusted and vetted network of licensed and insured carriers.
Get your free, no obligation quote now, and discover why many choose AmeriFreight for their cross-country move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average price for a cross-country move in 2026?
The average cost for a professional, full-service move ranges from $4,500 to $10,000, depending on distance and shipment size.
What are the hidden fees when moving cross-country?
Common hidden fees include long-carry, shuttle, elevator, and fuel surcharges. Always request a written breakdown of all potential charges.
Is it cheaper to use full-service movers or rent a truck?
Renting a truck is significantly cheaper, but you must do all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country in 2026?
The cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,800, depending on the distance, vehicle type, and whether open or enclosed transport is chosen.
What’s the cheapest way to move from California to New York?
The most cost-effective way is typically to use a moving container service or to rent a truck yourself.
Is moving insurance worth it for a cross-country move?
While basic liability is included, experts highly recommend upgrading to Full Value Protection to cover your items against damage during the long-haul move.
