Long-distance moving is a significant financial and logistical undertaking. Prices vary widely based on distance, home size, and the time of year, and the moving industry is unfortunately full of companies that quote low and charge high. This guide gives you real numbers and the knowledge to protect yourself.
How Long Distance Moving Costs Are Calculated
Unlike local moves (which charge by the hour), long-distance moves are priced on two primary factors:
1. Shipment weight, The total weight of everything on the truck, measured in pounds. A fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment typically weighs 2,500–4,000 lbs. A 3-bedroom house can weigh 8,000–15,000 lbs.
2. Distance, The total mileage from origin to destination.
These two numbers, multiplied by the carrier’s tariff rate, produce the base price. Additional services are layered on top.
What adds to your cost:
- Full packing service: $500–$3,000 depending on home size
- Specialty items (pianos, pool tables, artwork): $200–$1,000+
- Storage in transit: $50–$200/month
- Long carries (elevator, stairs, or distance from truck to door): $75–$500
- Shuttle service (when a full truck can’t access your address): $200–$800
Long Distance Moving Cost by Home Size and Distance
These are market-rate estimates for professional full-service moves in 2026:
Studio / 1 Bedroom:
- 500 miles: $1,800–$3,000
- 1,000 miles: $2,500–$4,000
- 2,000+ miles: $3,500–$5,500
2 Bedroom:
- 500 miles: $2,800–$4,500
- 1,000 miles: $3,500–$5,500
- 2,000+ miles: $5,000–$8,000
3 Bedroom:
- 500 miles: $4,000–$6,500
- 1,000 miles: $5,500–$8,000
- 2,000+ miles: $7,500–$11,000
4+ Bedroom:
- 500 miles: $6,000–$9,000
- 1,000 miles: $8,000–$12,000
- 2,000+ miles: $10,000–$15,000+
The Most Expensive Long-Distance Routes
Some routes consistently cost more due to high demand, fuel costs, or access challenges:
- New York → Los Angeles: $7,000–$12,000 (2-bedroom)
- Chicago → Miami: $4,500–$8,000 (2-bedroom)
- Los Angeles → Seattle: $3,000–$6,500 (2-bedroom)
- Texas → Northeast: $4,000–$8,000 (2-bedroom)
- Florida → California: $5,500–$10,000 (2-bedroom)
How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
The moving industry has a well-documented fraud problem. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Get binding quotes only. A non-binding estimate lets the mover charge you more on delivery. Only accept binding or “not-to-exceed” quotes.
Verify DOT and MC numbers. Every interstate mover must be registered with the FMCSA. Search their DOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to verify they’re legitimate.
Never pay more than 20% upfront. Reputable movers require full payment on delivery, not before. If a company demands 50%+ upfront, walk away.
Know who is actually hauling your goods. The real red flag isn’t whether a company is a carrier or a broker. It’s a company that won’t tell you which FMCSA-authorized carrier will show up on move day. Insist that the carrier hauling your goods is named on your paperwork before move day.
Get the inventory list in writing. The Bill of Lading is your contract. Review it before signing. Every item on the truck should be listed.
Why AmeriSafe Van Lines Uses Binding Estimate Quotes
We survey your home with a quick video call (you walk each room while we take notes) or from an itemized inventory list you send, then provide a written, itemized quote based on the truck space your belongings actually need. Binding estimates are available on most qualifying interstate moves. No in-home sales visit. No weight surprises. No day-of additions. No hostage-load tactics (where a mover holds your belongings until you pay extra).
A binding estimate is a fixed total for the inventory and services listed, locked in writing before the truck rolls. Every service, packing, crating, stairs, storage, is itemized and priced up front; the total cannot go up at delivery, and changes happen only through a signed addendum. Non-binding estimates, by contrast, ride on actual weight, and federal rules let a mover collect up to 110% of the estimate at delivery.
AmeriSafe Van Lines is FMCSA-licensed as both a motor carrier and a household-goods broker: USDOT 3341650, MC 1066696. And we practice what we preach: the FMCSA-authorized carrier hauling your goods, AmeriSafe or a vetted partner, is named on your paperwork before move day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a long distance move?
The average long-distance move costs between $3,500 and $8,500 for a 2-bedroom home. Distance and shipment weight are the two primary drivers. A 1,000-mile move for a 2-bedroom home averages around $3,500–$5,500, while a 2,000+ mile move for the same home can run $5,000–$8,500.
How do long distance movers calculate cost?
Most long-distance movers charge based on the weight of your shipment (in pounds) and the distance traveled (in miles). Additional services, packing, specialty items, storage, long carries, are added on top. AmeriSafe Van Lines prices differently: a quick video inventory or an itemized list you send determines the truck space (cubic feet) your move actually needs, and your price is set out in a written, itemized quote.
How can I reduce the cost of a long distance move?
Move during fall or winter (off-peak). Reduce shipment weight by selling or donating items before the move. Pack yourself instead of paying for full packing service. Get at least three binding quotes before deciding. Be flexible on your move date, mid-week and mid-month are often cheaper than weekends and month-end.
What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees your price will not change. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, your final cost can increase if your shipment weighs more than estimated. Always insist on a binding estimate from any mover you hire.