Cross Country Moving Cost by Route: 10 Popular US Routes (2026)
Route-specific pricing is one of the biggest gaps in moving cost information. Generic calculators cannot account for labor rate differences between cities, one-way demand imbalances, or route-specific fuel costs. Below are real estimated costs for 10 of the most searched routes, with notes on what drives pricing on each corridor.
All 10 Routes at a Glance (2-Bedroom Home)
| Route | Distance | Full-Service | Container | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City → Los Angeles | ~2,800 miles | $5,500-$9,000 | $3,300-$5,400 | $2,200-$4,000 |
| Los Angeles → Dallas / Houston | ~1,400-1,600 miles | $3,500-$5,500 | $2,100-$3,300 | $1,400-$2,200 |
| Chicago → Phoenix / Scottsdale | ~1,750 miles | $4,000-$6,500 | $2,400-$3,900 | $1,600-$2,600 |
| New York / New Jersey → Miami / Orlando | ~1,280-1,300 miles | $3,500-$5,500 | $2,100-$3,300 | $1,400-$2,200 |
| San Francisco / Bay Area → Seattle | ~810 miles | $3,000-$5,000 | $1,800-$3,000 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Boston → Austin / San Antonio | ~1,900 miles | $4,500-$7,000 | $2,700-$4,200 | $1,800-$2,800 |
| Washington DC → Atlanta | ~640 miles | $2,500-$4,000 | $1,500-$2,400 | $1,000-$1,600 |
| Denver → Nashville | ~1,200 miles | $3,500-$5,500 | $2,100-$3,300 | $1,400-$2,200 |
| Minneapolis → Phoenix | ~1,600 miles | $3,800-$6,000 | $2,300-$3,600 | $1,520-$2,400 |
| Philadelphia → Charlotte | ~600 miles | $2,200-$3,500 | $1,300-$2,100 | $880-$1,400 |
2-bedroom home, off-peak season. Add 25-40% for June-August moves.
Route-by-Route Breakdown
New York City to Los Angeles
One of the most expensive routes due to high NYC and LA labor rates ($40-$55/hr), sheer distance, and peak summer demand. NYC metro access can require shuttle service adding $300-$600. Book 8-12 weeks in advance for summer moves.
Los Angeles to Dallas / Houston
The California-to-Texas migration corridor. High carrier volume in this direction keeps pricing relatively competitive. Going the other direction (Texas to California) can cost 15-25% more due to demand imbalance.
Chicago to Phoenix / Scottsdale
A popular snowbird route with seasonal demand spikes in September-October (leaving) and March-April (returning). Chicago labor rates are moderate ($30-$40/hr). Phoenix loading rates are lower ($25-$35/hr).
New York / New Jersey to Miami / Orlando
One of the most heavily trafficked corridors. Good carrier availability year-round makes pricing competitive. I-95 is a major trucking route so fuel surcharges are typically lower than off-highway routes.
San Francisco / Bay Area to Seattle
Shorter distance but high labor costs at both ends -- Bay Area and Seattle both have rates of $40-$55/hr. The tech migration between these cities keeps the market competitive and carriers are plentiful.
Boston to Austin / San Antonio
An increasingly popular route as Boston tech workers relocate to Austin. Boston loading rates are among the highest in the US ($45-$60/hr). Austin is more affordable ($28-$40/hr). Midpoint in the Appalachians means fuel costs are higher than flat Midwest routes.
Washington DC to Atlanta
A relatively short interstate move (not truly cross-country). High carrier availability on the I-95 corridor keeps pricing competitive. DC metro area can add shuttle costs if in a dense urban area. Atlanta is truck-accessible with lower labor rates.
Denver to Nashville
An increasingly popular route as Nashville draws workers from across the Mountain West. Both cities have moderate labor rates ($28-$38/hr). The route crosses Kansas and Missouri with generally flat terrain and good truck access.
Minneapolis to Phoenix
A popular retirement and snowbird relocation route. Fall demand (September-November) can add 10-20% to standard pricing. Minneapolis has moderate labor rates ($30-$40/hr). Phoenix loading/unloading rates are among the most affordable in major metros ($22-$32/hr).
Philadelphia to Charlotte
A shorter but increasingly popular Northeast-to-Southeast relocation. Philadelphia metro can require shuttle vehicles in dense neighborhoods. Charlotte has excellent truck access and competitive unloading rates ($25-$35/hr).
How Route Demand Affects Your Price
High-Demand Direction
When most people are moving in the same direction (e.g., California to Texas), carriers have full trucks and less incentive to discount. You may pay standard or above-standard rates, especially during peak migration seasons.
Backhaul Direction (Cheaper)
Moving against the primary migration flow (e.g., Texas to California) means carriers often have partially empty return trucks. They offer discounts of 10-20% to fill those backhaul runs. If your destination is flexible, this can be a significant savings.
Urban vs Rural Access
Dense urban origins (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco) often require smaller shuttle vehicles to reach apartments in narrow streets, adding $300-$600. Rural destinations with long driveways or weight-restricted roads can also add fees. Always mention your exact address when getting quotes.