How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

• Studio / 1-bed (2,000–4,000 lbs): $1,400–$3,500 (~500 mi); $2,200–$4,500 (~1,000 mi); $2,500–$5,000 (1,500+ mi)
• 2 bedroom (5,000–6,000 lbs): $3,000–$5,000 (~500 mi); $4,000–$6,500 (~1,000 mi); $5,000–$8,000 (1,500+ mi)
• 3 bedroom (7,000–9,000 lbs): $4,000–$6,500 (~500 mi); $5,500–$8,500 (~1,000 mi); $7,000–$10,000 (1,500+ mi)
• 4+ bedroom (10,000+ lbs): $6,000–$10,000 (~500 mi); $7,500–$12,000 (~1,000 mi); $8,000–$14,000+ (1,500+ mi)

Typical 2026 full-service ranges. Your quote depends on exact weight, route, season, and services.

1. Weight (or volume) of your shipment. The single biggest factor. More belongings = more weight = higher price. Decluttering before you move is the fastest way to cut your moving costs.
2. Distance. Mileage drives fuel, labor hours, and truck time. Cross-country always costs more than regional.
3. Service level. Full-service (they pack, load, drive, unload) costs the most; you-pack/they-drive is cheaper; containers and rental trucks are cheapest.
4. Packing. Full packing typically adds $500–$2,000+, depending on home size; partial packing (kitchen and fragile items only) is a middle ground.
5. Season & timing. Summer and the month-end cost more. Off-season (fall/winter) and mid-week, mid-month moves are cheapest.
6. Specialty items. Pianos, fine art, antiques, pool tables, and gun safes add crating and handling fees.
7. Add-ons & access. Stairs, long carries, shuttle trucks for tight access, storage-in-transit, and expedited delivery all add cost.
8. Valuation/insurance. Full-value protection costs more than the free 60¢/lb default, but it’s the coverage that actually replaces damaged items. (See: Moving Insurance vs. Valuation Coverage →.)

Local and long-distance moves used different pricing models. We bill local moves hourly, with a four-hour minimum and actual time after that (here’s how we calculate moving costs →). Long-distance is priced on weight and distance instead:

• Weight-based (van lines): the truck is weighed empty and loaded, and you pay for the difference. Hard to game, so ask for this.
• Cubic-feet-based: you pay for the space used. Easier to inflate, so get the cubic-foot count in writing.

Estimate types matter as much as the number:

• Non-binding: A guess; the final price can rise with actual weight. Risk: High.
• Binding: A fixed price for the listed inventory. Risk: Medium.
• Binding not-to-exceed: The price can drop if the load is lighter, but it will never rise: Lowest (Ask for this).

• Packing materials and labor
• Long-carry / stair/elevator fees
• Shuttle fee (if a full-size truck can’t reach your door)
• Storage-in-transit if your dates don’t line up
• Specialty crating (art, piano, antiques)
• Expedited or guaranteed delivery date
• Tips (customary: $5–$10/mover/hour or 5–10% of the move)

• Dallas to Austin (~195 mi): $2,000–$4,500
• Dallas to Houston (~240 mi): $2,200–$4,800
• Dallas to Denver (~780 mi): $3,500–$6,500
• Dallas to Atlanta (~785 mi): $3,500–$6,500
• Dallas to Chicago (~925 mi): $4,000–$7,000
• Dallas to Phoenix (~1,065 mi): $4,500–$7,500
• Dallas to Los Angeles (~1,435 mi): $5,500–$9,000
• Dallas to New York (~1,550 mi): $6,000–$10,000