Long-Distance Moving Cost in 2026: Real Numbers by Distance and Size
Cost Guides · 2026-06-14 · 10 min read
Actual 2026 long-distance moving costs based on bids from licensed carriers. State-to-state, region-to-region, what drives price, and what to skip.
Long-distance moving in 2026 averages between $0.50 and $1.20 per pound, plus distance, fuel, and accessorial fees. For a typical 1- to 3-bedroom home, that translates to $2,500 – $11,000 depending on size and route.
The wide range isn't because of competition — it's because four variables dominate price, and most people only know about one of them.
The 4 Variables That Set the Price
- Weight or volume. Most interstate carriers price by weight (cents per pound). Some price by cubic feet. A typical 2-bedroom is 5,000–7,000 lbs or 600–900 cubic feet.
- Distance. 250 miles vs. 2,500 miles changes the fuel + driver hours dramatically.
- Access at both ends. Long-carry, stairs, shuttle service (if a semi can't fit), elevator reservations.
- Timing. Peak season (May–September), end-of-month, holiday weekends all add 15–30%.
Real 2026 Long-Distance Cost Ranges
| Move size | 500 miles | 1,500 miles | 2,500+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,800 – $4,800 | $3,800 – $6,500 |
| 1-bedroom | $2,400 – $4,200 | $3,800 – $6,500 | $5,000 – $8,500 |
| 2-bedroom | $3,200 – $5,500 | $5,000 – $8,500 | $6,800 – $11,000 |
| 3-bedroom+ | $4,500 – $7,500 | $6,800 – $11,000 | $9,000 – $15,000+ |
Why You See Quotes 2–3× Apart for the Same Move
This is the #1 thing customers don't understand about long-distance moving. There are three kinds of companies giving quotes:
- Brokers: They sell your job to a carrier, take a 15–25% cut, and have no truck. Their initial quote is often low; the carrier who shows up adjusts price on weight day.
- Asset-based carriers: They own the trucks. Quotes are typically higher but binding.
- Van lines (United, Allied, Mayflower, Atlas, North American, etc.): National brands operated through agents. Highest pricing but most consistent.
The cheapest quote in your inbox is almost always a broker. The most expensive is usually a van line. Real asset-based carriers sit in the middle.
How Scan To Move Pricing Compares
Bids on Scan To Move come from vetted carriers (USDOT/MC + insurance verified). Because every mover sees the same AI-measured inventory, bids are binding and don't get adjusted on move day. Typical long-distance bids on Scan To Move:
- 10–25% below national van line quotes for the same move
- Within 5–10% of asset-based regional carriers
- Higher than broker initial quotes, but binding — broker "low" quotes typically rise 30–60% on weight day
What to Skip
- "Guaranteed lowest price" online estimates. Always brokers.
- Quotes without an inventory. A real carrier can't quote without knowing what they're moving.
- Carriers that demand >25% deposit. Industry standard is 20–30%. Higher = scam risk.
- Anyone who can't show you their USDOT/MC. Check SAFER before sending money.
How to Get an Honest Long-Distance Quote
Three steps:
- Scan your home with your phone — produces an inventory licensed carriers can quote against.
- Receive multiple bids in a single thread.
- Accept the bid that fits your timing — the price is binding.
No phone-call spam. No surprise weight charges. No broker re-pricing on move day.