Moving to a new state is a big step financially, logistically and emotionally. And naturally, one of the first questions people ask is: How much is moving interstate going to cost me?
The short answer: it depends. Costs vary based on your location, the services you choose, the interstate removalist you hire, and even the time of year. Knowing how these affect the price can help you get the best value for your relocation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how much it costs to move interstate in 2026, what actually drives those prices, and practical tips to make your move smoother and more affordable.
For more general moving tips, check out our full guide on Moving House in 2026.
Average Cost to Move Interstate in 2026
Here’s a quick look at the average 2026 pricing for moves between major Australian cities.
These estimates are based on a typical, moderately furnished 2–3 bedroom home, so use them as a general guide only. Every move is different, but this will give you a rough idea of what to expect.
| Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Sydney | $4,300–$4,700 | $4,400–$4,900 | $5,200–$5,600 | $8,200–$8,600 | |
| To Melbourne | $4,300–$4,700 | $5,400–$5,900 | $4,400–$4,900 | $7,000–$7,500 | |
| To Brisbane | $4,400–$4,900 | $4,900–$5,300 | $5,800–$6,200 | $7,900–$8,400 | |
| To Adelaide | $4,900–$5,300 | $4,100–$4,400 | $5,700–$6,200 | $6,200–$6,600 | |
| To Perth | $8,200–$8,700 | $7,000–$7,500 | $8,000–$8,500 | $6,200–$6,600 | |
| Pricing are industry range estimates and subject to change. For any moving quote, always make sure to speak directly with a removalist expert before booking. | |||||
For more details on moving to or from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth, check out our interstate moving guides.
Interstate Moving Costs by Home Size
Your home size plays a big role in how much it costs to move interstate. Here’s a general guide to help you estimate your budget based on how many rooms you’re moving.
| Home size | Typical cost (Interstate) |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom / studio | $1,800 – $4,000 |
| 2 bedroom | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 3 bedroom | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| 4 bedroom | $8,000 – $12,000+ |
| Pricing are industry range estimates and subject to change. For any moving quote, always make sure to speak directly with a removalists expert before booking. | |
2025 vs 2026 Moving Interstate Costs
So, how do these 2026 prices compare to last year? In 2025, typical interstate moves ranged from $1,300–$3,000 for a 1–2 bedroom apartment, $4,000–$7,500. for a 3-bedroom home, and up to $4,000–$7,500+ for a 4–5 bedroom home.
Costs might be a little bit higher in 2026 because of rising labour and fuel costs. Of course, your exact cost will still depend on a few other factors. Take a look at what affects your moving costs below.
What Determines Interstate Moving Costs?
There are a few key factors that affect how much you’ll pay for an interstate move.
How Much You’re Moving
One of the biggest things that affects the price is simply how much belongings you’re taking with you. Removalists usually charge based on the cubic metres of goods, total weight, or the truck size needed.
For example, a lightly furnished 2-bedroom apartment might need a smaller truck and fewer movers, while a 3-bedroom house full of furniture and boxes could require a large truck or even two trips. The more you have, the higher the price.
The Distance of Your Move
Next up is distance. Moving from Sydney to Canberra is very different from moving from Brisbane to Perth. The further you’re travelling, the more you’ll pay. Longer routes mean more fuel, labour, and travel time costs, especially for moves that take multiple days or cross several borders.
How Accessible Your Property is
This is something you might not realise. Removalists tend to charge extra if they have to navigate:
- Multiple flights of stairs
- Narrow hallways or tight corners
- Long carries between the truck and your home
- Limited parking or no driveway access
A property with easy, straight access will be cheaper to move than one with tricky entry points that add time to the job.
The Timing
Peak months (December–January), end-of-month periods, and weekends are typically more expensive because of the demand. Booking during quieter times usually gets you a better rate.
The Level of Service
The moving services you choose has a direct impact on the total cost. A full-service move, where removalists handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unpacking, costs more, but saves you a lot of time and effort.
If you’re on a budget, you can opt for self-packing or even a backloading service. Backloading means you share truck space with other customers heading in the same direction.
Additional Costs
On top the main moving costs, there are a few optional extras that make your relocation more convenient.
- Packing materials: Boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other supplies.
- Storage: If you need to keep some items temporarily before your new home is ready.
- Insurance: Worth considering for valuable or fragile items so you have peace of mind during transit.
- Travel costs: Fuel, flights, or accommodation for you and your family.
- Other services: Utility connections, rubbish removal, professional cleaning, and pet relocation.
Each of these add-ons will affect the final cost of your interstate move.
How to Save on Interstate Moving Costs
Even with these cost estimates, there are plenty of ways to keep your moving expenses down when moving interstate.
Backloading
Backloading is an affordable way to move interstate. Instead of booking a full truck, your items share space with other customers moving in the same direction. It’s often much cheaper than a full-service move, but you’ll need to be flexible about pickup and delivery dates.
Book early
You can lock in a better rate by booking your removalist a few weeks in advance, especially before peak moving months. Shifting your dates even slightly can make a big difference in cost.
Declutter
Less things can mean a smaller truck and lower costs. Sell, donate, or store items you don’t need right away. It’s a simple but effective way to reduce your bill.
Pack Your Own Boxes
Moving everything yourself instead of hiring professional movers can cut your bill, but there are a few caveats. You’ll need to find cheap moving boxes and transport, making sure everything survives the long journey. For most people, removalists make interstate relocations easier, faster and less risky.
Are Removalists Worth it for Moving Interstate?
Yes. When you hire professional removalists, you’re not just paying them to transport your things. You’re paying for expertise and efficiency. Professional movers handle all the packing, heavy lifting, long-distance driving, and care for fragile furniture. A lot of them offer insurance too.
Holloway’s extensive road and rail network adds even more value. Rail is usually faster than road and is an extremely cost-effective option. You should also think about the hidden costs of doing it yourself: renting a truck, buying equipment, and arranging insurance can quickly add up.
For most people, the convenience, safety and expertise make interstate removalists well worth it.
Moving Interstate Made Simple
The cost of moving interstate depends on your home size, distance, and chosen moving company. With professional removalists, your relocation is easier, safer, and far less stressful. You’ll have no heavy lifting or long-distance logistics to worry about.
Take the stress out of your move to another state and get a free interstate removalist quote today. Simply click here or call 1300 465 569.
