Average Estimate: How Much Will at Move Overseas

Moving, in general, involves various activities and organizations that can be stressful. But if you’re preparing to move overseas, these activities increase exponentially.

Before you start dreaming of sipping espresso in Italy or lounging on the beaches of Bali, let’s talk about all the loose ends you have to tie up — how much does it cost to move abroad? 

Making an international move is not just a matter of packing a few bags and hopping on a plane. There are several expenses to consider; from selecting a reliable moving company to the mode of transportation and even packing.

The actual price tag attached to an abroad relocation depends mainly on the two factors — the size and distance of your move. 

However, here's a breakdown of the average cost of moving overseas.

Packing Services

One of the foremost things you need to do when moving internationally is packing up your belongings. 

While going the DIY route might save you some money, professional packing services can be a lifesaver, especially for fragile or valuable items.

Professional packing services generally add around $500 to $2,000 to your moving costs, depending on the moving company. An insured moving company tends to cost more. While specialized services like packing artwork can also drive up the price. 

Generally, the cost depends on the number of items, size, and packing volume required. 

Shipping Your Belongings

One of the largest expenses in an international move is shipping your belongings. 

The cost here can vary greatly depending on the volume/size of your items, the distance, and the method of transportation.

• Size of your move

Now, the size of your move plays a significant role in determining the cost of your international relocation. Simply put, the more stuff you have, the more space it takes up — increasing the cost to ship.

For smaller moves, you might consider a shared container service. It can save you money, but your items might take longer to arrive, as the container won’t ship until it’s fully loaded.

On the other hand, if you’re moving an entire household, you’ll likely need a full container. This allows for more control over packing and shipping time, but comes with a higher price tag. 

• Distance

The distance between your current location and your new home overseas is another significant factor to consider when asking, ‘How much does it cost to move abroad?’ 

Generally, the farther you’re moving, the higher the shipping costs for your belongings will be. Also, moving to a remote area might mean fewer shipping options, which can increase costs. 

Costs can also increase when moving internationally to a big city like Paris or an expensive location such as Monaco.

• Mode of transportation

Depending on the distance and volume of your belongings, you can move your things overseas by road, ship, or air. 

Road transportation can facilitate a relocation from the United States to Mexico. Whereas it is impractical to consider road transportation when moving from the U.S. to Australia.

• Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective way to move household items overseas. 

Depending on the size and destination, a full container might cost between $2,500 and $6,000. 

For smaller loads, shared container services can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

• If you need your belongings faster, air freight is an option, though it’s significantly more expensive. 

Air freight is usually charged by weight, with costs averaging $4 - $8 per kg. 

Depending on the size of your belongings, you could be looking at anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 in expenses.

Customs and Import Duties

When you move to a new country, your belongings must pass through customs. 

Every country has its own rules regarding what you bring in, and customs officials will inspect your shipment to ensure everything complies.

A car, for instance, will need to be shipped using specialized services for safe and legal arrival in your overseas destination. Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective method — still, it can set you back about $5,000.

Import taxes may be levied on certain items, usually based on their value or a flat rate for such items. These taxes also vary widely by country. 

In the U.S., for instance, it ranges from 5% to 37.5%. So, when you ask ‘How much does it cost to move internationally? Remember to consider these variations in your estimates.

Insurance

In estimating, ,”How much does it cost to move abroad,” you cannot overlook the risk involved in moving your belongings and valuables overseas.

What if something gets lost or damaged? 

By design, moving insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your items should something go wrong during transit. 

You will find that most moving companies offer limited liability insurance, with costs averaging about $0.60 per pound weight. Other times, you get charged based on the value of your belongings or the option you opt for.

Note:

A full coverage protection will cover a repair, full replacement, or cash equivalent of the current value of your property. It’s more expensive than other insurance types that cover only a part of any damage or loss.

Storage Costs

Sometimes, moving overseas doesn’t coincide with your living arrangements. Your new home may not be ready, or you may be arriving later. 

In cases like these, you can explore long-term or short-term storage options or units, and of course, these units vary in size and cost accordingly. 

A small unit may cost only about $60, while medium and large ones can cost about $140 and $260, respectively.

Note: 

These storage units can range from basic ones to climate-controlled environments that protect sensitive items from extreme temperatures and humidity. 

Climate-controlled units are more expensive, with costs hovering anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the size.

Visa and Immigration Fees

Having sorted out how to move your things overseas, how much does it cost to move to another country… at least, the first steps of it?

Securing the correct visa is like the starting point of your international move. Visas allow you to legally live and work in your new country, and the process for obtaining one can vary greatly. 

Some countries offer straightforward visa processes, while others require more extensive documentation, such as proof of employment and financial stability. 

There are also different visa types; the one you need will determine the cost. Bear in mind that some countries also require residency permits and a visa, which might involve additional steps and costs. 

Typically, visa fees range from $120 to $500, depending on the country.

Note:

As a U.S. citizen though, you might not require visas to some countries (about 186 of them), but other permits are necessary to get.

Travel Costs

Of course, you’ll need to factor in flights, possible layovers, and transportation in the cost to move overseas. These costs will also vary greatly across continents. 

For instance, it is cheaper to travel across most countries in Europe, whereas a flight from London to New York City will cost over $2,000.

So, prepare for your travel months. Book ahead of time to save costs — it's usually cheaper to move abroad between November and January. 

Note:

The summer months are more expensive, and you are more likely to lose your belongings.

Other Miscellaneous Considerations

When considering, “how much does it cost to move abroad,” you shouldn’t overlook the smaller but still important expenses that can creep up during an international move. 

Things such as:

• Pet Relocation. You can use a pet relocation service for this.

• Price oversight from movers. Always compare quotes from several moving companies to find the best deal.

• Over packing items. Downsize your properties; you pay less if you ship less. 

Bottom Line — The International Move

Moving overseas is a big step — it's an exciting experience, but has its fair share of stress. Luckily, with a little planning and budgeting, you’ll be well on your way to your new adventure.

So, what’s the total? How much does it cost to move abroad? 

While the cost of an international move varies greatly depending on your circumstances, the average range is $1,000 to $10,000. However, this will depend on your destination and how much DIY you are up for. 

Good luck on your move!