International Moving Cost Calculator
An international move from the U.S. costs $2,000–$5,000 for a small shipment (under 200 cu ft), $5,000–$15,000 for a partial container, and $8,000–$25,000+ for a full container. Total costs vary dramatically by destination, shipment size, and shipping method (ocean vs. air freight).
International Moving Cost = Origin Services + Ocean/Air Freight + Customs & Duties + Destination Services + Insurance
Moving internationally involves far more complexity than a domestic move. Beyond transportation, you must navigate customs regulations, import duties, quarantine restrictions, and destination-country logistics. Our international moving cost calculator breaks down every expense component so you can budget accurately for your overseas relocation in 2026.
The FIDI Global Alliance, the world's largest network of international movers, reports that the average international household move takes 6–12 weeks from packing to delivery. Planning and budgeting early is essential.
What This Means
Your estimate covers the major cost components of an international move: origin packing and loading, ocean or air freight, customs clearance, destination delivery, and basic marine insurance. Actual costs depend on the specific destination country's import regulations, port fees, and inland transportation. We strongly recommend getting door-to-door quotes from at least three international movers who are members of FIDI or the International Association of Movers (IAM).
International Moving Cost Breakdown (2026)
International moves have five main cost categories:
| Cost Category | Small Shipment (LCL) | 20-ft Container (FCL) | 40-ft Container (FCL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Services (packing, loading) | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Ocean Freight (to Europe) | $1,200–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $4,500–$8,000 |
| Ocean Freight (to Asia) | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,500–$7,500 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Ocean Freight (to Australia) | $1,800–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Customs Clearance | $200–$500 | $300–$800 | $400–$1,000 |
| Destination Services (delivery, unpack) | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Marine Insurance (2–3% of value) | $200–$500 | $500–$1,500 | $800–$2,500 |
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share a container with other shipments. FCL (Full Container Load) means you get a dedicated container. FCL is more cost-effective for shipments over 200 cu ft and provides better protection since your goods aren't handled at a consolidation warehouse.
Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight
Ocean Freight
The standard for most international household moves. Transit time is 2–8 weeks depending on the destination.
- Cost: $2–$8 per cubic foot for LCL; $3,000–$12,000 per container
- Transit time: Europe (2–4 weeks), Asia (3–5 weeks), Australia (4–6 weeks), South America (3–5 weeks)
- Best for: Full household shipments, non-urgent moves
Air Freight
Significantly faster but 5–10x more expensive per unit. Used for small shipments or urgent items.
- Cost: $5–$15 per pound ($10–$30 per kg)
- Transit time: 5–14 days to most destinations
- Best for: Small shipments under 500 lbs, essential items needed immediately, supplementing an ocean shipment
| Comparison | Ocean Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per lb (to UK) | $0.30–$0.80 | $5–$12 |
| Transit time (to UK) | 2–4 weeks | 5–10 days |
| Minimum shipment | No minimum (LCL) | Usually 100 lbs |
| Size limit | 40-ft container max | Aircraft door dimensions |
Worked Example: Moving from New York to London
The Chen family is relocating from a 3-bedroom home in New York City to London, England for a 3-year corporate assignment. They're shipping approximately 600 cubic feet of household goods via a 20-ft container.
| Cost Component | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Packing & Loading | Professional packing, 3-bedroom home | $2,800 |
| Inland Trucking (to port) | NYC to Port Newark | $400 |
| Ocean Freight | 20-ft FCL, Port Newark → Tilbury, UK | $3,800 |
| Destination Port Charges | UK port handling, documentation | $600 |
| UK Customs Clearance | Transfer of Residence relief (duty-free) | $350 |
| Inland Trucking (UK) | Tilbury → Central London | $500 |
| Destination Delivery & Unpack | Delivery, unpacking, debris removal | $2,200 |
| Marine Insurance | $80,000 declared value × 2.5% | $2,000 |
| Air Freight (essentials) | 200 lbs of immediate necessities | $1,800 |
| Total International Move | $14,450 | |
The Chen family's employer covered 80% of the cost as part of their relocation package. They sent 200 lbs of essential items (clothes, children's school supplies, important documents) by air freight, arriving in 7 days, while the ocean shipment took 18 days.
Customs, Duties, and Restricted Items
Every country has unique customs regulations. Key considerations:
Duty-Free Entry (Transfer of Residence)
Most countries allow duty-free import of used household goods if you're establishing residency. Requirements typically include:
- Proof of residence in the destination country (visa, work permit, property deed)
- Items must be used (owned 6+ months) and for personal use
- You must not sell the items within 12 months of import
Commonly Restricted or Prohibited Items
- Food and organic materials: Most countries restrict or prohibit food, seeds, and plant products. Australia and New Zealand have the strictest biosecurity rules.
- Medications: Prescription drugs may require documentation. Some common U.S. medications are controlled substances abroad.
- Alcohol and tobacco: Subject to quantity limits and duties in most countries.
- Firearms: Heavily restricted or prohibited in most countries. Requires special permits where allowed.
- Electronics: May require voltage conversion. Some countries restrict certain wireless devices.
Consult your destination country's customs authority or your international mover's customs department for specific regulations.
Sources and Methodology
Our international moving cost calculator uses:
- Ocean freight rates from major shipping lines and consolidators servicing U.S. ports, updated quarterly.
- Air freight rates from IATA-registered cargo agents.
- Origin and destination service costs from FIDI Global Alliance member companies operating in 100+ countries.
- Customs duty information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and destination country customs authorities.
- Marine insurance rates from international household goods insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move overseas from the U.S.?
The cost to move overseas from the U.S. ranges from $2,000–$5,000 for a small shipment, $8,000–$15,000 for a 20-ft container (1–2 bedroom home), and $12,000–$25,000+ for a 40-ft container (3+ bedroom home). The destination country significantly impacts cost — moves to Western Europe average $10,000–$18,000, Asia $12,000–$22,000, and Australia $14,000–$25,000 for a full household.
How long does an international move take?
Door-to-door transit times depend on destination: UK/Western Europe takes 4–6 weeks, Asia takes 5–8 weeks, Australia takes 6–10 weeks, and South America takes 5–8 weeks. These include packing (2–3 days), inland transit to port (1–3 days), ocean transit (2–6 weeks), customs clearance (2–7 days), and destination delivery (1–3 days). Air freight reduces total time to 2–3 weeks door-to-door.
Do I have to pay customs duties on my household goods?
Most countries offer duty-free entry for used personal and household goods when you're relocating as a resident. This is called Transfer of Residence (ToR) or Change of Residence relief. You typically need to prove: you're moving for at least 12 months, items were owned for 6+ months, and items are for personal use (not resale). New items, gifts, and items purchased specifically for the move may be subject to duty. Your international mover or a customs broker can help file the necessary paperwork.
Should I use a 20-ft or 40-ft container?
A 20-ft container (1,170 cu ft) fits a 1–2 bedroom apartment or a lightly furnished 3-bedroom home. A 40-ft container (2,385 cu ft) fits a fully furnished 3–4 bedroom home. If your shipment is small (under 200 cu ft), an LCL (shared container) shipment is the most economical option. For shipments between 200–600 cu ft, compare LCL vs. 20-ft FCL pricing — sometimes a dedicated container costs less than LCL for medium-sized shipments because of per-cubic-foot pricing structures.
What is marine insurance and do I need it?
Marine insurance (also called transit insurance) covers loss or damage to your goods during international transport. Unlike domestic moving, international shipping involves loading at a port, ocean transit with potential rough seas, unloading at a foreign port, and customs inspections — each presenting damage risk. Marine insurance typically costs 2–3% of your declared shipment value and covers total loss, partial loss, and damage. We strongly recommend it for any international shipment. Without it, your recourse is limited to the carrier's liability, which is often just $500 per shipping unit.