International Moving Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Move to Another Country?

It’s often said that when you move to a new place, you discover a whole new world: new surroundings, a new community, a new lifestyle.

Nowhere is that more true than when you move to another country.

It’s literally a whole new world, and it comes with a whole new set of challenges. You’ll adapt to a new culture, learn new social norms (or language), and tackle the complex task of planning and organizing an international move.

Moving abroad isn’t just a big step; it’s a giant leap into the unknown. And one of the first questions almost everyone asks is:

“How much does it cost to move internationally?”

If moving within your own country feels expensive, moving across oceans can seem overwhelming. And indeed, your international relocation budget can be in the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on destination, services, and shipment size.

But the real answer is: It depends on a lot of factors.

Read on to discover all you need to know about calculating your international moving costs.

You may also like to read: Best Countries to Retire to. In this guide, we suggest the best countries for Americans to retire to and why.

Key Costs of Moving Abroad

Here are the major costs you should include in your international moving budget.

Shipping Your Household Goods

Your biggest moving expense will almost always be transporting your belongings overseas.

International shipping costs depend on:

• Volume or weight of your shipment
• Transport method (sea freight vs. air freight)
• Distance & route
• Season & timing
• Packing & additional services

For sea freight (most common):

• 20 ft container (ideal for small-to-medium homes) typically costs $3,000 – $7,000+
• 40 ft container (larger homes) typically costs $5,000 – $12,000+
• Shared (groupage/LCL) options can be cheaper for very small shipments.

Sea freight is cheapest but slower (weeks to months). Air freight is faster but is considerably more expensive.

Shipping a Vehicle Overseas

If you’re bringing a car, truck, or motorcycle, add another $1,000 – $5,000+, depending on:

• Vehicle size & weight
• Route & transport method
• Taxes and import fees at the destination

You may also like to read: Shipping a Car Internationally. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about shipping a car overseas.

Moving Insurance

Basic insurance is often included with the move, but it only covers the bare minimum. It is recommended to purchase comprehensive coverage.
Expect to pay about 1–3% of your declared shipment value, typically $100 – $1,000+ for household goods.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Being underinsured is the number one home moving mistake, and that is especially true for international moves. This guide explains all you need to know about insuring your home move.

Customs Duties & Taxes

Many countries allow duty-free entry for used personal effects, but rules vary widely.
You may pay customs taxes on specific items (like vehicles, luxury goods, and electronics).

Always check destination customs requirements carefully.

Temporary Storage

You might arrive before your shipment. Or find a home after moving and need storage.
Expect to pay about $250 – $400 per month for a space big enough for a 3-bedroom household on average.

Visa & Immigration Fees

Visas vary hugely by country and the type (work, study, or retirement).

• Visas: Typically $150 – $2,500+ per person, depending on the type and nationality of the applicant.
• Visas may need renewal every 1–5 years.

Travel & Transportation

You’ll likely make:

• Final move flights for yourself and your family
• Pre-move scouting trips
• Pet relocation (if applicable)

Airfare varies widely by region, season, and baggage allowances, so budget accordingly.

Pet travel tip: Airlines require health certificates and sometimes quarantine/insurance. So check destination rules early.

You may also like to read: Moving Pets Internationally. From preparing your pet, documentation to settling your pet into their new home, this guide explains how to move your pet abroad.

Interim Accommodation Costs

Finding a permanent home from abroad is tough. Most expats budget at least:

• 1–3 months temporary housing
• Initial utilities setup fees
• Rental deposits or down payments

Budget for at least 3–4 months of living expenses after your move, especially if your job start is delayed.

What Determines Your Total Cost?

Here’s how international moving companies calculate your price:

Shipment Size

More volume = more cost.
20 ft containers suit 1–2 bedroom homes.
40 ft containers suit 3+ bedrooms.

Additional Moving Services

Extra packing, crating for delicate goods, or furniture disassembly all add costs.

Transportation Method

Sea freight is the cheapest. Air freight is fastest but often 2–5 times more expensive per kg.

Pickup & Delivery Options

• Port-to-Port: cheapest
• Door-to-Door: most convenient (and most expensive)

Distance & Route

The farther you move, the more expensive your move will be. However, established routes (e.g., US to Europe) are often cheaper than less common ones.

Time of Year

Summer and earlier in the year are peak times, so expect higher prices and limited availability.

You may also like to read: Decluttering for a Home Move. Decluttering is the one guaranteed way to reduce your moving costs. In this guide, we explain how to declutter each room of your home.

Moving Company Choice

Quotes can vary widely, so compare multiple reputable movers.

You may also like to read: How to Choose an International Mover. Picking the right mover is paramount when moving overseas. In this guide, we explain how to choose the right mover for your relocation.

Average International Moving Costs

These figures are estimates based on recent industry data:

From the U.S. (Door-to-Door Estimates)

Destination Region	Typical Range (3-BR Home)
Canada	$3,000 – $6,000+
Europe (France, UK, Germany, Spain, Netherlands)	$6,000 – $12,000+
Australia / NZ	$7,000 – $14,000+
Asia (Japan, Singapore, China)	$7,500 – $13,000+
Middle East & UAE	$6,500 – $10,500+
Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica)	$4,000 – $9,000+
Africa	$7,000 – $14,000+

Note: These ranges include packing, ocean freight, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery, depending on the service level, but should be viewed only as a guide. Your move may be significantly more or less.

You may also like to read: Best Countries to Move to. In this guide, we look at the best countries for Americans to move to and why.

Budgeting Tips

Compare 3–5 Movers
Don’t accept the first quote, as rates vary a lot.

Declutter Before Shipping
Selling or donating heavy furniture will reduce your moving costs.

Ship Essentials by Air Only If Needed
Save ocean freight for the bulk of your belongings.

Understand Customs Rules
Some countries (Australia and Japan, for example) require fumigation or extra paperwork.

Time Your Move
If flexible, choose off-peak months for a cheaper move.

You may also like to read: Countries That Will Pay You to Move There. In this guide, we look at the incentives that some countries offer for people wanting to move there and the criteria that you have to meet.

Moving Abroad

International moving isn’t just a relocation; it’s a major life transition. With meticulous planning, realistic budgeting, and good movers, you can control costs without sacrificing peace of mind.

Get estimates early, plan your finances carefully, and don’t forget everyday living costs once you arrive in the country. The start to your new adventure should be exciting, not stressful.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit the international moving section of our home moving blog for guides on how to make your relocation easier, cheaper, and safer, as well as in-depth country guides.