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If you plan on moving states, budget might be top of mind. Between the cost of purchasing or renting a new place, hiring movers, and the trip itself, there are many considerations. Here are some key factors to include in your budget when assessing the total cost to move to a different state.
The first thing you must factor in is the cost of moving your belongings from one place to the next. According to Move.org’s cost calculator, distance is among the most critical factors in determining how much a move will cost. Most companies consider anything over 400 miles a long-distance move, which may increase prices or limit the companies you can rely on.
Estimates from Move.org’s 2024 survey found that a three-bedroom move within 400 miles costs $3,036, with costs steadily increasing with mileage up to $18,400.
Another factor to consider is space and item limits. Across many services, the more items you have and the heavier they are, the more the move costs. If you have little furniture, you may be able to move objects in a rented trailer or even your car.
You may also save money by boxing items yourself and having them ready to move. However, if you get a sudden job transfer, this isn’t always possible. Angi estimates that professional packing services cost an average of $1,000, ranging from $280 to $2,200.
If you’re planning to move to a different state with no money set aside for a moving company, it’s helpful to go in with a plan and the right supplies, including boxes, cushioning, labels, and a dolly or moving cart.
You’ll also have fees to set up utilities once you arrive at your new location. Most areas require a fee or deposit to start electricity, water, sewer and trash service. You’ll also need internet access unless the site you’re moving to provides it.
If you’re renting and own a pet, you may have to give the landlord a hefty deposit to cover any potential damages. Some sites also require a monthly fee per pet and limit you to two pets. Some landlords ask for an application fee to run a background check before leasing to you. If you’re buying your own home, account for any mortgage closing costs.
For your budget, you may want to set aside at least a month’s rent and/or a month’s utility fees. Depending on the state’s rules, you may have to pay a deposit and first and last month’s rent.
It’s common to have a transition period during a move. You might rent a short-term space to get you through the initial change before finding something more permanent. If you need to store items, it’s smart to budget for storage facility charges.
According to Cost Helper, the average cost for a 10-by-15-foot storage unit is between $75 and $140 per month, or $115-$150 for a climate-controlled space.
When moving to a different state, you probably aren’t going to drag your pantry and fridge contents with you. You’ll likely use up what you have and need to restock when you arrive.
Starting from scratch means you’ll need absolutely everything. Expect to spend quite a bit on your first few grocery store visits, especially if you’re moving to a higher-cost area. On average, as of September of 2026, U.S. households spend an estimated $668 on groceries each month, with some states facing higher costs than others. For example, Washington and Hawaii are among the five states with the highest grocery cost burden.
If you’re switching jobs, you may be without insurance for a short period until the new coverage kicks in. You’ll either need to extend your coverage from your former position or take out individual insurance.
You may set aside at least several hundred dollars a month for a policy. The cost can vary widely, though, depending on your income and the scope of coverage.
By April’s tax season, you may find you owe taxes in both states. Four tax categories may be impacted the most — income, property, sales and estate. You should also look into the tax rules in the new state you are moving into. For example, nine states do not tax wage and salary income.
Set aside enough money to cover anything you might owe at the end of the year. You don’t want to get hit with a surprise bill from the state and scramble to pay it.
Another smaller expense for your move is the cost to travel to your new home and eat along the way. If you’re driving, you’ll need fuel to get from Point A to Point B. Keep in mind that gas prices may vary dramatically from region to region, and the average price is much higher in 2026 than it was just the year prior.
You’ll also have the cost of at least two meals a day, snacks and beverages for everyone involved in the move. Whether you just want some on-the-road fast food or want to stop in to experience local gems in your new neighborhood, it’s worth budgeting for the cost of a few meals.
The following questions recap some of the most common concerns you may have when budgeting for an interstate move.
You should set aside costs for moving services, fees and utilities, taxes and medical coverage, transportation, and food. This may add up to a few thousand dollars, depending on where you are moving to and how far you are moving.
Distance is one of the biggest factors in determining moving costs. For moving services, a three-bedroom move within 400 miles can cost an average of $3,036, while moves over 2,000 miles may cost up to $18,400. Consider other costs, like gas and food, for longer distances as well.
You may be able to move your belongings yourself without hiring moving professionals. It helps to be prepared with essential checklists, boxes, labels and moving carts. If you can fit your belongings into a car or rented van, you may be able to save on some of these costs.
When budgeting how much money you should save to move to a different state, there’s a lot to factor in. Depending on distance, the extent of the move and how much you can take care of yourself, you may benefit from setting aside a good amount to cover some of these expenses. With proper planning, the cost to move to a different state doesn’t have to be a barrier to your next life step.
This article was originally published on September 27, 2021, and was revised on October 29, 2026, to reflect the most current information.
