International Moving Cost Calculator

International moving cost by size and continent

As mentioned above, international moving costs can vary dramatically based on the size of your home. Generally speaking, moving a smaller home abroad will cost less than a larger home. 

To get a better idea of your expenses, here are some of the average international moving costs by home size.

International moving cost by country

The cost of an international move from the U.S. can vary depending on your final destination. Keep in mind that these costs are averages, too. Expenses to move from the Pacific Northwest to British Columbia, for example, may be significantly less than an East Coast move to Australia. Take a closer look.

Why Use Our Moving Cost Calculator?

At Allied Van Lines, we know that budgeting is a major part of the moving process. Our moving cost calculator makes it easier to get an idea of how much your relocation may cost. 

By considering factors like the total distance moved, the size of your home, and whether you need to move a car or seek out storage solutions, our calculator can provide a ballpark estimate that lets you start planning faster. And when you’re ready to take the next steps, reach out to a local Allied Van Lines agent for a detailed quote — with no upfront contracts required. We’ll work with you to customize your moving plan, tailored with services that make sense for you and your family while ensuring a seamless, stress-free move.

How to Calculate International Moving Costs?

The easiest way to calculate international moving costs is to use a calculator. However, you can also use a spreadsheet or pen and paper to add up expenses like:

• The average cost of moving services for your home size: Find the average cost of moving a home your size and input it into your equation. For best results, you may consider using the midpoint of the range to allow for unexpected expenses.
• Additional services needed: Some international relocation companies, like Allied Van Lines, go beyond packing and loading to provide done-for-you international moving services, customs clearance management, custom crating, and more. 
• Short- or long-term storage requirements: Depending on your circumstances and preferences, you may decide to store some of your belongings for a period of time. Allied Van Lines offers secure solutions at home and abroad and will work with you to find a solution that works for your budget.
• Travel costs: Alongside budgeting for movers, you’ll also need to set aside funds for travel expenses for you, your family, and any pets.
• Visa, passports, and other immigration expenses: The cost for visas alone can range from as little as $100 to $3,000 or more depending on the country and any required processing fees. Passports and form submissions can drive up costs as well.

Finally, consider expenses like healthcare coverage, along with food and lodging until you’re able to move into your new home. Do some research to find the average costs for these items in your destination country. Then, add them all together to get a baseline for your all-in international moving costs. 

For a better idea of how much your move may cost, you can also contact a local Allied Van Lines representative today.

What Affects Your International Moving Costs?

Numerous factors can impact your international moving costs, including:

• The size and complexity of your move: Moving a larger home over a longer distance will typically cost less than moving a studio apartment just over the border.
• The distance moved: The total mileage of your move is one of the most impactful cost drivers, especially for international relocations.
• Packing materials and crating requirements: Reputable companies like Allied Van Lines use high-quality packing materials to keep your items safe during transit. We can even create custom crates for uniquely shaped or fragile items, though some custom options may require extra fees.
• Insurance coverage: Alongside basic protection, you may choose to opt into additional insurance coverage. This can help reduce the risk of a financial loss in the event of damage during transit, but may also be an added charge.
• Storage needs: As mentioned above, Allied Van Lines can help you find affordable, secure storage at home or abroad. Keep in mind that storage costs are typically an additional charge.
• Duty and tax costs: Depending on your destination country, you may have to pay duties or taxes on your international delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still learning about the costs of an international move? Check out these frequently asked questions for more information, or request a quote from our team — with no upfront contract required. 

How is the cost of international moving calculated?

In many cases, the cost of an international move is calculated based on the total volume, or cubic feet, of your items. Your costs may also be based on the size of the shipping container used to transport your belongings. Finally, your international movers will include any additional offerings, such as packing, loading, unloading, storage, and other moving services, in your total costs.

What factors affect international moving costs?

Some of the factors that affect international moving costs include: 

• The total weight and volume of your shipment: Potentially the most influential cost-driver, the total weight and volume of your shipment will impact expenses related to shipping (i.e., the size or number of shipping containers used) and practical services like packing and loading.
• The distance traveled: In most cases, longer moves cost more. For example, you’ll likely pay more for a move from the U.S. to Australia than a move from the U.S. to Canada, regardless of where you’re located in the U.S. 
• The shipping method used, such as air or sea freight: Sea freight is often less expensive than shipping your belongings by air. However, shipping via air freight is faster, which means you’ll have access to your items sooner and be able to settle into your new home.
• The services requested: DIYing most of your move, such as packing and loading, can reduce costs. On the other hand, investing in full-service international movers may increase expenses but reduce the stress and hassle often associated with long-distance relocations.
• In-transit, short- or long-term storage solutions: Shorter-term storage solutions will likely cost less than a long-term option, no matter if you require storage at home or abroad. 
• Additional post-move support, such as unloading and unpacking: Need help settling in? Professional international movers, like our crews at Allied Van Lines, can provide helpful post-move support, ranging from customs clearance management to unloading and unpacking. However, hiring teams may result in more expenses compared to coordinating your customs delivery, unloading, and unpacking yourself.

How can I estimate the cost of shipping my belongings overseas?

There are a few ways to estimate the cost of shipping your belongings overseas. The first is to use a moving calculator, which can give you a generic, ballpark estimate for international shipping costs. That said, an international moving cost calculator is based on averages and, while helpful in the early stages of planning, may not reflect an accurate final cost.

If you’re getting closer to moving and need to finalize your budget, the best way to get an estimate of international shipping costs is to contact a full-service, experienced international mover like Allied Van Lines. One of our expert international relocation coordinators will assess the size of your move, determine which services suit your relocation best, and provide you with a detailed quote for your big move.

What is the average cost of an international move?

The average cost of an international move — including expenses like shipping and moving services — can range from about $3,000 to $18,000 or more. However, smaller moves over shorter distances may cost less, while larger, longer-distance moves may cost more.

Are there other considerations in international moving cost estimates?

You may also need to account for additional expenses like travel, food, visas, and other costs. Luckily, when you turn to a trustworthy international relocation team like Allied, you can count on upfront, transparent pricing, making it easier for you to budget effectively for your move.