How Much Does it Cost to Move to Another Country?

International moving costs overview and averages

The average cost of an international move ranges from $1,500 to $18,000, though costs can easily exceed that amount. Pricing varies significantly depending on your starting location and final destination. For example, moving to Canada from Montana is cheaper, shorter and simpler than moving to Japan from New York.

An international move is significantly more than a domestic move, according to Allied Van Lines. The average cost of a domestic move ranges from $1,400 for a local move to $4,500 for a long-distance move. The cost of moving internationally is much higher due to the number of additional factors to consider.

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International moving costs by coast

Where you decide to live matters just as much as where you are moving from.

Below are sample international moving costs for popular destinations, comparing average ranges from the West Coast and East Coast.

International considerations by country

Certain countries have specific considerations that are important to factor into your international move. Here's what to expect for the most common destinations:

• Canada: Due to its proximity to the U.S., moving costs to Canada average $2,000 to $5,000 for a typical two-bedroom household.
• Mexico: Like Canada, Mexico offers some of the lowest international costs due to the shorter cross-border timeframe.
• United Kingdom and Western Europe: Prices typically average $5,000 to $10,000. The cost depends not just on the size of your move but also on the port of entry that your belongings pass through. Prepare for administrative requirements that often incur additional costs.
• East and Southeast Asia: East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea average $6,000 to $13,000 for sea freight. Expect to pay much more if you opt for air freight. 
• Middle East: These moves can also be extremely pricey, ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 for the average household.
• Australia and New Zealand: Given their remote locations, these countries typically face higher costs that range from $8,000 to $14,000 for the average household. Stringent biosecurity requirements add another layer of complexity.

Despite these figures, several other factors can impact pricing, including your shipment size.

International moving costs by shipment type

After location, shipment size is the biggest factor that determines the cost of your move. Most moving companies provide volume-based moving quotes using cubic feet or cubic meters.

There are a few ways to ship your belongings internationally, depending on the size of your shipment:

• Air freight: This is significantly faster than sea freight, but it comes at a higher cost.
• Sea freight: Sea freight is the more common type of move for moving internationally. 

Additionally, there are two types of moving containers you can typically choose from:

• Full container (FCL): This gives you an entire storage container for your belongings alone.
• Half container (LCL): To lower moving costs, you can share a container with other shipments, which can be ideal for smaller moves.

Of course, you may have limited options, depending on which country you are moving to. Ask your moving company about the shipping options that fit your specific needs.

International moving costs by load size

The size of your home can significantly impact international moving costs. For example, it costs more to move a two-bedroom home than a two-bedroom condo. See average price ranges by destination and number of bedrooms below.

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International moving cost factors and fees

Several factors can impact the price you pay.

When calculating mover costs, Allied Van Lines advises you to consider the following:

• Size: To determine the complexity of the move, movers rely on home size. This is typically measured in cubic feet to determine total volume, but your mover may also charge by weight or the number of shipping containers required. A one-bedroom apartment is typically 300 to 400 cubic feet, while a large home may be 1,500 or more. 
• Distance: You can estimate average moving costs from your area to your new country, but the total mileage will ultimately determine the final price. Also important is whether you opt for door-to-door delivery or port-to-port delivery.
• Shipping: International moves typically use air or sea freight, with sea freight being the more affordable — but slower — option.
• Time: The duration of your move can also play a role, with the moving company factoring the total number of days into your quote. Weekends and the summer season are typically the most expensive times to move, while September through April is generally more affordable. Booking your move in advance can help.
• Pets: If you are moving with pets, it typically costs $2,000 to $6,000, depending on breed, destination and crate size. 
• Vehicles: In addition to your belongings, you may need to move your vehicle. Typical moving costs to ship a car internationally run anywhere from $1,200 to $5,500, depending on the vehicle and destination.
• Services: Depending on the type of moving company, additional services may be available, such as packing and loading services. You may also need to add special packing materials, such as custom crates for fragile items.
• Storage: Many movers also offer storage services to assist with your move. Total costs depend on whether you add short-term or long-term storage before, during or after your move.
• International requirements: You will likely need to submit forms and obtain passports and visas, which can cost $3,000 or more. You may also have to pay duties and special taxes, which can add up to 2% of total costs, depending on your destination.
• Other expenses: Don’t forget to account for your travel expenses, such as transportation, meals and lodging.

Also, current economic factors can impact how much you pay to move to another country. Oil prices, carrier availability and port traffic each typically impact the cost of an international move.

Moving insurance

Most of the best international moving companies allow you to insure your items with additional protection.

Also called transit protection, moving insurance provides extended coverage beyond the standard limited coverage. It will cost more, but it could save you from future financial losses should anything become lost or damaged during the move.

The cost of moving insurance depends on the value and weight of your shipment, as well as the length and distance of your move. With typical costs around 1% of the shipment value, this could easily add a few thousand dollars to the final cost of your international moving quote. 

International moving quotes and cost-saving tips

Many movers, such as Roadway Moving and National Van Lines, offer online quote calculators to estimate moving costs.

The typical cost quote of an international move includes the following:

• Packing 
• Furniture disassembly
• Loading
• International transportation
• International customs clearance
• Delivery to international location

Before you sign, review your contract carefully and familiarize yourself with these common terms and policies:

Common contract terms for international moves

Consignor/Consignee: The consignor signs off on the paperwork permitting the moving company to take possession of your items. The consignee is the person who accepts and takes receipt of those items at their final destination. 

Full container load (FCL): This means you have a container exclusively for yourself. FCL typically refers to a 20- or 40-foot container.

Less than container load (LCL): LCL refers to a shared container between you and other customers. 

Door-to-door service (D2D or DtD): D2D/DtD means your belongings are shipped directly to your new international address rather than being delivered to a port.

Storage-in-transit (SIT): SIT signifies temporary storage of your belongings between your moving date and your delivery date.

Customs duty: Each country imposes a customs tax on both imported and exported goods.

Duty-free: Certain items are exempt from customs duty tax, depending on the country.  

Carrier's liability for loss or damage: This term details the moving company’s liability for any items that are damaged, lost or destroyed during the move.

Valuation: This is the declared value of your belongings. Valuation typically includes your moving company’s coverage limit for damaged or lost items during the move. 

Bill of lading: This confirms receipt of your belongings by your moving company. Bill of lading includes your contract terms.

How to lower international moving costs

If your quote is higher than you expect, these moving tips may help you lower the cost:

• Downsize where possible. The less you take, the less you’ll pay in moving costs. Therefore, it is well worth the time to sort through your belongings to see what you can sell or donate to save yourself the extra weight.
• Get moving. If you pack your containers yourself, you will save on the moving quote. 
• Choose your containers wisely. Instead of a full container load (FCL), consider a shared container (LCL). Don’t pay for space you don’t need.
• Go to the port. Skip door-to-door delivery and opt for port-to-port or hybrid shipping instead.
• Consider your timing. It is important to remember that pricing can fluctuate depending on the time of year, so talk to your mover about alternate dates — especially if your moving timeline is flexible.
• Check multiple movers. To choose the right mover, request multiple quotes from several moving companies and check consumer reviews to ensure your mover is legitimate and trustworthy.

To make your move to another country as smooth as possible, use the following checklist to help you plan.

If there is room in your moving budget, consider working with a consumer law group that can review the terms of your moving contract and assist with customs, visas and port regulations.

FAQ

Bottom line

International moving costs can vary widely depending on factors such as destination, home size and chosen services. To save money and minimize stress, compare quotes from several reputable movers, ask about hidden fees and understand the terms of your contract. Proper planning and research can help you avoid surprises and create a smooth transition to your new home abroad.