How Much Does it Cost to Move Across Country?

By: Connor Appleton Dec 10, 2024

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What’s the average cost of moving cross country?

Paying for a long-distance move isn’t an everyday expense for most households. When planning a cross-country move, the average cost of $20,000 or more for full-service movers can cause financial stress.

Is it possible to move for less? Absolutely. By picking a DIY option that requires a little elbow grease, you can find a budget-friendly solution for moves across the country. With a self-moving service like U-Pack®, you can expect to spend 2-3 times less than with a full-service company.

Let’s look at some quote comparisons to show what we mean about better prices.

Cross-country moving costs

To help you understand the price range for DIY moving services, we compared quotes to move a 3-bedroom home from Olympia, WA, to Bangor, ME, in February 2025 using each company’s recommended equipment.

These quotes for this 3,300-mile example move were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary based on the timing and details.

U-Pack

17 Linear Feet of Space in the Moving Trailer	$8,223
Delivery and Transportation	included
Taxes and Fees	included
Fuel	included
Total	$8,223 (or finance starting at $399/month with Affirm.)

Budget®

26-ft Moving Truck (11 days, unlimited miles)	$8,461
Protection Coverage	$747.89
Taxes and Fees	$976.92
Estimated Fuel	$1,504.50*
Total	$11,288.22

*Based on AAA’s average diesel price of $3.54 at the time of posting for the 26-ft truck’s estimated 8 MPG according to Budget’s website.

Penske®

26-ft Moving Truck (11 days, unlimited miles)	$9,999
Environmental Fee	$15
Value Damage Coverage	$1,191.80
Estimated Taxes	$1,028,82
Estimated Fuel	$925.85*
Total	$13,160.47

*Based on AAA’s average diesel price of $3.54 at the time of posting for the 26-ft truck’s estimated 13 MPG, according to Penske’s website.

U-Haul®

26-ft Moving Truck (10 days, up to 3,861 miles)	$7,225
Environmental Fee	$5
SafeMove® Damage Coverage/SafeTrip®	$206
Taxes	$708.54
Estimated Fuel	$1,033.60*
Total	$8,469.60

*Based on AAA’s average gas price of $3.04 at the time of posting for the 26-ft truck’s estimated 10 MPG, according to U-Haul’s website.

Need to tow a car with the rental truck? If so, expect to spend an average of $600 more on towing equipment, damage coverage and extra fuel costs.

As you can see, U-Pack’s rate was the cheapest for the example move. We also offer affordable prices for moves from the East to the West Coast and cheap cross-country apartment moves.

Figure your cost to move cross country

It’s easy to find out your moving price with U-Pack — just call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or get a free instant quote online.

If you have questions about U-Pack prices, please let us know in the comments. We’re available to help!

Suggested reading: Setting an out-of-state moving budget.

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Budget® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.