Whether you’re heading out for a new job opportunity, moving closer to family, or just ready for a change, cross-country moves are a big step. Between the planning, and leaving somewhere familiar, there’s a lot to think about, and let’s be honest, pricing is usually one of the first things on your mind.
So, how much do movers cost cross-country? Truth is, there’s no better way to get an exact number than reaching out for a quote. But if you’re just starting to plan, here’s what to know about how pricing typically works.
What Affects the Cost of a Cross-Country Move?
It would be great if there were a simple menu of prices for long-distance moves — something like Washington to Texas: $6,000, Washington to California: $3,000. But moving doesn’t work that way. No two moves are exactly alike, and the final price depends on more than just how far you’re going. A few key factors can make a big difference in what you’ll pay.
- Distance: It might sound obvious, but the farther you’re going, the more it’ll cost. More miles mean more fuel, more time on the road, and more coordination behind the scenes.
- Home Size: A small apartment doesn’t take the same effort as a four-bedroom house. More furniture, more boxes, and more square footage usually mean higher labor and transportation costs.
- Service Level: If you need help with packing, unpacking, or storage, those services will add to the cost. But for many, the extra support makes the move a lot less stressful.
- Specialty Items: Things like pianos, gym equipment, or oversized furniture usually cost more to move. They take extra care, special handling, and sometimes more crew — so it’s not unusual to see an extra fee for these.
- Time of Year: Summer is the busiest (and priciest) time to move. If you’re not tied to a specific date, moving in the fall or winter can sometimes mean lower prices and better availability.
What You Can Expect to Pay for a Cross-Country Move
Once you factor in the size of your home, how far you’re going, and the type of help you’ll need, the pricing picture starts to come together. Here’s a general sense of what cross-country moving costs tend to look like:
Starting Costs
If you’re moving a lighter load — like a studio or one-bedroom apartment — to a nearby state, prices usually start around $2,000 to $3,000, depending on how much help you need and how far you’re going.
Average Range
For most two- to three-bedroom homes, you’re likely looking at $4,000 to $7,000. This typically covers transportation and standard moving services.
Highest Costs
If you’re moving a larger home, going farther, or adding services like packing, storage, or handling specialty items, total costs can climb past $9,000 — and even go beyond $15,000.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Washington to Another State?
Thinking about leaving Washington for the sunny coasts of California, the open spaces of Texas, the charm of the Midwest, or the fast pace of the East Coast? Based on real moves from Washington, here’s a general idea of what pricing can look like depending on where you’re headed.
West Coast (California, Oregon, Nevada)
These are some of the more affordable long-distance moves since you’re staying on the same side of the country.
Smaller moves: around $2,200 to $4,500
Larger moves: up to $9,000 or more
Mountain States (Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona)
You’re heading a bit farther inland, which bumps up the cost, especially if you have a full home or need extra services.
Smaller moves: start around $3,000 to $5,000
Larger moves: around + $9,000 to $12,000+
Midwest (Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri)
Distance starts to really matter here — and so does the weight of your shipment.
Smaller moves: around 4,000 to $7,000
Larger moves: can range from $9,000 to $15,000+
South (Texas, Florida, Georgia)
Warm weather and long mileage add up. These moves can be more expensive depending on the destination and services.
Smaller moves: from $6,000 to $9,000
Larger moves: can push $10,000 to $17,000+
East Coast (New York, Pennsylvania, DC)
These are some of the longest routes — and also some of the priciest.
Smaller moves: around $6,000 to $10,000
Larger moves: from $14,000 to $18,000+
How to Get the Most Accurate Quote
Now that you’ve got a general idea of what cross-country moves from Washington can cost, the next step is getting numbers that actually match your situation. There’s no better way to do that than requesting a personalized quote — but a few smart prep steps can make all the difference.
Here’s how to make sure your quote is as accurate (and useful) as possible:
1. Be Clear on What You’re Moving
It’s easy to forget how much stuff you’ve accumulated. Walk through every room — including the garage, attic, or storage unit — and make a quick list. Knowing your inventory helps movers give you realistic pricing and avoid last-minute surprises.
2. Mention Any Special Items
Pianos, gym equipment, oversized furniture — anything that might need extra care (or muscle) should be called out early. It helps movers prep properly and price accordingly.
3. Know Your Timing
Are you moving next month or next season? Flexibility with your move date can sometimes mean better rates, especially if you’re avoiding peak summer weekends.
4. Ask About Extra Services
If you need packing help, temporary storage, or want a full-service move, mention it up front. Bundling these with your move can streamline everything and may even be more affordable than booking separately.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Not all quotes are built the same — so ask what’s included, what’s not, and if any additional fees might come up. A transparent mover will walk you through it.
Want a More Exact Number for Your Cross-Country Move?
Now that you’ve got a general idea, if you’re ready for a more exact quote, Eco Movers offers free estimates tailored to your move. We do our best to give you clear, accurate pricing, no guesswork involved.
Just fill out this quick form, or if it’s easier, give us a call at (206) 971-6895. We’ll be happy to walk you through it and help make your cross-country move a whole lot less stressful.
