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Moving

Long-Distance Moving Costs and Your Rights

See what a long-distance move costs, your rights under federal rules, and how to avoid moving scams.

Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated September 26, 2026

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The short answer

Long-distance moves usually cost $2,700 to $10,000 or more. Weight and distance matter most. Moves across state lines have federal rules that protect you.

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  • Real price ranges, with sourcesWe name where every number comes from and when it was published.
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Long-Distance Movers snapshot

Typical cost
$2,700 to $10,000 or more
Usually priced by
Weight and distance
Non-binding estimate
The mover cannot collect more than 110% of it at delivery
Basic included protection
60 cents per pound, which is very low

Sources: Angi, 2026, and federal moving rules.

Not a quote, offer or approval. Your price comes from the provider. Last updated September 2026.

What affects your long-distance moving price

Price range

Long-distance moves usually cost $2,700 to $10,000 or more. Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the mover. Source: Angi, 2026.

What moves the number

  • Weight of your things. Long-distance moves are often priced by weight.
  • Distance.
  • Time of year. Summer is the busiest and most expensive.
  • Packing and extras.
  • Access. Stairs, long carries and small streets can add fees.

Know your estimate type

  • Binding estimate: your price is locked in for the items listed.
  • Non-binding estimate: your final price can change. But at delivery, the mover can't make you pay more than 110% of the estimate. They have to bill you for the rest later, after at least 30 days.

What to ask before you choose

  • "What's your USDOT number?" Movers who cross state lines must have one. Look it up on FMCSA's website.
  • "Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?"
  • "Can you do an in-home or video survey?" Estimates made over the phone without seeing your stuff are a red flag.
  • "What protection do I get if something breaks?" See the catch below.
  • "Are you the mover, or a broker?" Brokers book your move with another company.

The catch: the free, default protection only pays 60 cents per pound per item. If a 10-pound TV worth $1,000 breaks, you'd get $6. "Full value protection" costs more, but the mover must repair, replace or pay for the item. Also, never pay a big deposit up front. That's a common sign of a scam.

Why AssistQuote is different

Most quote sites ask who you are first. Here you can look at long-distance movers costs and options first.

On some websites

They ask who you are first

Some forms want your name and phone number before they show you anything useful. You may not know which companies will get it, or how many will call.

Here, you choose

Answer a few questions without giving your name, email or phone number. See prices, what to ask, and providers to explore. You choose who to contact and what to share with them.

  1. 1

    Check local costs

    See typical price ranges for your area and what moves the price up or down.

  2. 2

    Tell us what you need

    Answer a few questions about the work, not about who you are.

  3. 3

    You decide what's next

    Save or email your options, or visit a provider when you're ready.

Cost information is not a live rate, quote or offer. A provider shown here is not an endorsement. Each provider sets its own prices, privacy and contact rules.

Questions people ask

Usually $2,700 to $10,000 or more, depending on weight, distance and time of year.

With a non-binding estimate, they can't make you pay more than 110% at delivery. The rest must be billed at least 30 days later.

No. You can see movers in your area with just your ZIP code. You only share your details if you choose to contact a company.

No. We aren't a moving company. We help you learn what to expect and compare. Then you choose which company to contact, and they set your price.

Ready to see long-distance movers options in your area?

Start with your ZIP code. You will see typical local costs and options to explore. No phone number, email or name needed to look.

You choose if, when and who to contact.