Moving Cost Estimation: How to Calculate Your Interstate Move Budget in 2026
Planning a move across states but unsure how much it will really cost? Moving expenses can range from $2,000 for a small DIY job to $15,000+ for a full household cross-country, depending on distance, furniture volume, and services. This guide breaks down the key factors to estimate your costs accurately, so you can budget smart before hiring movers or renting a truck.
Main Factors That Drive Moving Costs
Moving prices hinge on four big variables. Get these right, and your estimate stays close to reality.
- Distance: Local moves (under 100 miles) cost $100-200/hour. Interstate jumps to $2-5 per mile or flat rates.
- Home size/volume: Studio = 1-2 rooms (cheap). 3-bedroom house = 7-10 rooms (double or triple the price).
- Service level: DIY truck rental vs full-service movers (packing, loading, transport, unpacking).
- Timing/season: Peak summer weekends add 20-50% premiums.
Distance: The Biggest Price Driver
Short hops cost by the hour; long hauls by the mile or weight.
| Distance Type | Typical Cost Range | Per Mile Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local (<100 miles) | $800-$2,500 | $100-150/hr |
| Regional (500 mi) | $2,000-$5,000 | $3-4/mile |
| Cross-country (2,000 mi) | $5,000-$12,000 | $2-5/mile |
Cross-country from California to Texas? Expect $7,000+ for a 2-bedroom. Add $1,000 for every extra 1,000 miles.
Furniture and Household Volume
Movers charge by weight or space: 1,000 lbs ≈ studio apartment. Use cubic feet for DIY planning.
| Home Size | Est. Weight (lbs) | Truck Size | Avg. Full-Service (1k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | 2,000-4,000 | 10-15 ft | $2,500-$4,500 |
| 2BR | 5,000-7,000 | 20 ft | $5,000-$8,000 |
| 3BR House | 10,000-15,000 | 26 ft | $8,000-$12,000 |
| 4+BR | 15,000+ | Two trucks | $12,000+ |
Heavy items like pianos ($500+ special handling) or pool tables spike costs fast.
Service Options and Add-Ons
- DIY (cheapest): Rent U-Haul/PODS ($500-3,000 + gas/time).
- Hybrid: You pack, they move ($1,500-6,000).
- Full-service: Everything handled ($4,000-15,000+).
Extra fees stack up:
- Packing supplies: $300-800.
- Stair fees: $50-100 per flight.
- Appliance disconnect/reconnect: $100-300.
- Storage: $100-300/month.
Step-by-Step Moving Cost Calculation
- Measure volume: Count rooms, list big furniture. Use online cube estimators.
- Pick distance: Google Maps for exact miles.
- Choose service: DIY, hybrid, or full.
- Add 20% buffer: For fuel hikes, delays, tips ($200-500 for crew).
- Get 3 quotes: Always compare licensed interstate movers (check USDOT#).
Formula: Base Rate × (Weight/1,000 lbs + Distance/500 mi) + Add-ons.
Real Examples for 2026 Moves
Example 1: 1BR from NYC to Austin (1,700 miles)
Weight: 3,500 lbs. Hybrid service. Base: $4,200. Packing: $400. Gas/flights: $500.
Total: $5,100
Example 2: 3BR from LA to Nashville (1,800 miles)
Weight: 12,000 lbs. Full-service. Base: $9,500. Stairs/packing: $1,200. Storage 1 month: $250.
Total: $10,950
Example 3: Budget DIY Studio, Chicago to Denver (1,000 miles)
U-Haul 15ft + gas: $1,200. Friend help + pizza: $200.
Total: $1,400
Hidden Costs That Trip People Up
- Fuel surcharges (10-20% in summer).
- Travel days for movers (minimum 3-day charge).
- Insurance: $100-500 for full value protection.
- Cleaning old place: $200-400.
- Temporary housing: $1,000+.
Skip these, and "cheap" moves turn expensive.
2026 Trends to Watch
- Higher diesel prices push rates up 5-10%.
- Labor shortages mean book 2-3 months early.
- Eco-friendly movers charge 10% premium.
How a Moving Cost Calculator Helps
Tools like the one above let you input your specifics for instant estimates.
You'll enter:
- Move distance (miles).
- Home size and big items.
- Service type (DIY/hybrid/full).
You'll get:
- Total range ($ low-high).
- Breakdown by category.
- DIY vs pro comparisons.
Data Sources & Methodology
We prioritize accuracy by using reputable 2026 industry data. Key sources include:
- Moving.com / Forbes Advisor: Base pricing ranges for local and cross-country moves.
- AMSA (American Moving & Storage Assoc.): Weight estimation standards per room.
- U-Haul / Penske: Truck rental pricing baselines.
- FMCSA & IIHS: Fuel surcharge trends and safety regulations.