In a nutshell,The average cost of an international move from the U.S. can range from $3,500 to over $10,000, depending on where you're going and how much stuff you’re hauling with you.
Moving is like hitting the reset button on your life—but it comes with a price tag that can make your wallet scream.
And let's be real: international moving costs are no joke.
Whether you're chasing the dream in Europe, starting fresh in Asia, or living the beach life in Australia, moving to a new country isn't cheap.
But you're not just packing up a few boxes—you're moving across the globe!
Now, if you're wondering exactly what makes up overseas relocation costs, it’s not just about how far you're going.
From the international moving company rates to the volume of stuff you have, everything factors into the final bill.
And let's not even get started on the "hidden fees" that could pop up — customs duties, storage costs, shipping insurance...the list goes on.
It’s not as straightforward as packing a suitcase and hopping on a plane. But let’s break it all down for you, step by step, so you know exactly what you're getting into when it comes to international moving costs.
Why You Can Trust My Moving Journey
100+
Moving companies listed across the USA
1,000+
Customer Reviews to Guide Your Decision
50+
States served with reliable moving services
100%
Free moving quotes provided instantly
What Exactly Influences International Moving Costs?
The cost of moving internationally isn’t just about how far you're going; it's about what you’re bringing with you, how you’re moving it, and where you’re going.
Distance & Destination
Obviously, moving to a neighboring country is going to cost less than moving across an entire ocean. If you're moving from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico, you're looking at more affordable options. But if you're headed to Europe, Asia, or Australia? Yep, those prices can jump pretty quickly. Long-distance moves = long-distance costs!
The Amount of Stuff You're Bringing Along
The more stuff you have, the more it’s going to cost to ship it across the globe. So, if you’ve been hoarding all your furniture since college, this is where you may need to make some decisions. Think about downsizing. Do you really need that vintage couch?
More stuff = more shipping space = more $$$. The size of your move directly impacts overseas relocation costs.
Transportation
How you get your stuff across the globe can make a big difference in the price.
Do you want it fast and furious with air freight?
Or are you okay with a slower, cheaper option like sea freight?
- Air Freight: Fast, but you’ll pay a pretty penny. Expect to pay more for the speed, especially if you're moving a large amount of stuff.
- Sea Freight: This is your best bet if you've got a lot of things to ship and you're okay with a longer delivery time. It's the slow tortoise of moving but far more budget-friendly.
Packing and Additional Services
Here’s where things get interesting. Do you want to take the DIY approach and pack your own stuff? Or would you rather pay someone else to do it (and save your sanity)?
Professional packing services add a layer of comfort but also a layer of cost.
If you’re willing to handle the packing, you’ll save some dough.
But if you’re moving delicate items, like fine china or electronics, you might want to leave the packing to the pros to avoid any mishaps.
Insurance also falls into this category. Moving your belongings across the world is a big deal, and things can sometimes get damaged in transit.
Make sure to check into getting insurance — about 1% of your shipment’s value is a typical price for international moving insurance.
Still, feeling unsure about costs?Let us help you compare prices from the best movers across the U.S.!
Average Cost of an International Move
Let’s talk numbers. We know you're curious; this is where the rubber meets the road.
How much does an international move actually cost?
Well, this is not a one-size-fits-all deal. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to international relocations, and it’s hard to give one straight answer.
But let’s break it down for you.
The average cost of an international move typically ranges from $3,500 to $15,000 depending on a few key factors like the distance, the size of your household, the method of transportation, and the services you choose.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
| Household Size | Estimated Cost (Sea Freight) | Estimated Cost (Air Freight) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,500 to $5,500 | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,000 to $7,500 | $7,000 to $9,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,000 to $10,000 | $9,500 to $12,000 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $10,000 to $15,000 or more | $12,000 to $15,000 |
These costs are based on the sea freight option (which most people opt for).
But if you want to speed things up and use air freight, you're looking at a pretty penny. Air freight is much faster but tends to come with a price that’s about 40%-60% higher than sea freight.
What Else Should You Know?
There are a few other costs you need to keep in mind that could come out of nowhere if you’re not prepared.
Packing Services:
If you don’t want to lift a finger (except to swipe your credit card), you can hire professionals to pack up your stuff. That’s going to cost extra. Depending on how much stuff you have, professional packing services can cost between $300 and $2,000.
Storage Costs:
Storage fees generally run between $150 and $500 per month, depending on the size of your shipment and how long you need storage. So, plan accordingly!
Vehicle Shipping:
If you’re bringing your car along for the ride, add another $1,000 to $5,000 to your moving bill. It’s a pretty big price tag, but if you’ve got a car you can’t live without, it might be worth it.
Pet Relocation:
The cost of pet relocation can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
Customs & Taxes:
Don’t forget about customs duties when your belongings hit foreign soil. These can range from 1%-10% of the value of your goods.
If you have questions, we have answers! Here's all the information you need to make your move smooth and stress-free.
How Can You Lower Your International Moving Costs?
Now that we've examined the breakdown of costs let's discuss some ways to reduce those hefty bills.
Declutter: The fewer things you have to move, the cheaper it’s going to be. Seriously, start going through your stuff and get rid of anything you don’t absolutely need. Yard sale, anyone?
Compare Quotes: Don’t just settle for the first moving company you find. Get quotes from at least three different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Pack Yourself: If you’re up for it, pack your own stuff. You can still get professional packing services for fragile items, but packing everything else yourself can save a pretty penny.
Be Flexible on Dates: If you’re not in a rush, you can often get cheaper shipping rates by being flexible with your moving dates. This way, you can avoid peak moving season.
Ready to pack and go?Check out our tips for keeping your moving costs low without compromising on quality!
Recommended Resources
