How Much Does it Cost to Move Interstate?
So, how much does it cost to move interstate? How much do interstate removalists cost?
In calculating the costs of moving interstate in Australia, there are several factors to consider, including the following:
- Volume of belongings
- Household size (number of bedrooms)
- Travel distance or which state you’re moving to
- Mode of transport (air, road, rail)
Of course, aside from these items, there are other expenses to consider. However, the above items typically cover a huge chunk of the total interstate moving cost.
Just to give you a fair idea, average overall interstate moving costs range from $3,900 to $5,000 (excluding GST). This ballpark figure is based on the context of moving the furnishings and belongings of a 3-bedroom dwelling – which is the most common home size indicator in Australia.
It does not include other possible expenses like moving insurance, packing services, storage, temporary accommodation, cleaning, rubbish removal and pet transportation.
However, if you want to have a rough estimate of your moving expenses, you can always get in touch with us for a interstate moving quote online. A quote is always the best way to find out how much it would cost you to relocate.
After requesting a detailed quote, we sharpen our pencils and calculate your interstate moving cost in detail.
Get a Quote for Your Interstate Move Now
Interstate Moving Cost Difference by Mode of Transport
There are three primary modes of transport available when moving interstate; that is, by road, air and rail.
Your choice ultimately boils down to how much your budget is, as well as your situation.
For example, if you’re relocating because of a job, and you need to report to work immediately, then you might have to go by air as it’s the fastest route, albeit the most expensive. Also, if you have small children, going by road or rail might prove too exhausting for your little ones.
Then again, if your budget is limited, you’ll need to factor in how much stuff you’ll be moving. You also need to calculate how many people will be moving with you, especially if you want to go by air.
In order for you to make the best decision, conduct a little research and enquire about the prices for each option. Once you receive our quote, you can make an informed decision.

Moving Interstate by Road
Moving this way is usually considered the easiest, most convenient and more affordable mode of transport for an interstate move. With this option, you can simply hire a professional removalist and rent a truck. You can even use your own vehicles if your belongings will fit in them. You can also save more money when you share a truck or container with other movers.

Moving Interstate by Air
Considered the most expensive interstate moving option, you might want to consider this if your priority is to move fast and settle in your new place as quickly as possible. To save a bit, look for the best dates with the optimum flight schedules and prices.

Moving Interstate by Rail
Moving by rail is not a very common route Aussies take when relocating interstate, even when interstate removalists use this option. When you go by rail, your possessions go into a six-metre high-cube shipping container that’s somewhat taller than a typical shipping container. These containers are quite spacious and can be used to transport everything between capital cities via freight trains, with trucks used at both ends of the trip. One container is generally enough to accommodate the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment.
Travelling Cost When Moving Interstate
An often overlooked cost when planning your and your family's interstate move, is the traveling cost for family members. Since flight costs change all the time, please do your own research online. Below outlined flight costs are high-level estimates only.
Estimated flight ticket costs for one way only:
Approx. Average Adult Ticket Cost: ~$267
Child (Up to 12 Years Old) Ticket Cost: Usually the same as adult tickets for domestic flights, however some extra fees and taxes tend to be lower.
Infants (< 2 Years Old): When travelling with infants, you usually have a choice to share your seat with your child at no extra cost. If your little one needs his/her own seat, usually the full cost of fare (same as adult), is charged.
Estimated flight ticket costs for one way only:
Approx. Average Adult Ticket Cost: ~$136
Child (Up to 12 Years Old) Ticket Cost: Usually the same as adult tickets for domestic flights, however some extra fees and taxes tend to be lower.
Infants (< 2 Years Old): When travelling with infants, you usually have a choice to share your seat with your child at no extra cost. If your little one needs his/her own seat, usually the full cost of fare (same as adult), is charged.
Estimated flight ticket costs for one way only:
Approx. Average Adult Ticket Cost: ~$246
Child (Up to 12 Years Old) Ticket Cost: Usually the same as adult tickets for domestic flights, however some extra fees and taxes tend to be lower.
Infants (< 2 Years Old): When travelling with infants, you usually have a choice to share your seat with your child at no extra cost. If your little one needs his/her own seat, usually the full cost of fare (same as adult), is charged.
Additional Moving Interstate Services Cost
If you want to take advantage of additional moving services, here we provide you with further information and examples with regards to cost by moving service.

Packing & Unpacking Services
The cost of packing and unpacking as add-on services includes the packing materials to be used during packing. If there are fragile or valuable items and expensive appliances to pack, this could also be an additional cost.
For example, a standard carton costs $22 apiece, whilst a book carton costs $6.50 per piece, and a portarobe costs $24.00 per carton, and these will be included in the packing cost. The unpacking cost is included in a standard service as above to working benchtop only if goods are pro-packed.
➜ Learn more about our Removals Packing Services

Vacate Cleaning
The cost of cleaning depends on which specific services you require from your removalist. They’ll usually provide a checklist or an itemised list you can choose from, including vacuuming, mopping floors, and sanitising toilets and sinks, and organising the bedrooms. In general, vacate cleaning costs can range from $200 right up to $1,000 for larger homes.
➜ Learn more about bond cleaning and access our End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Car Transport
If you want to arrange for vehicle transport, know that there are several factors that can affect the cost of moving a car interstate. These include the type of vehicle, distance, pickup and delivery locations, whether you want depot-to-depot or door-to-door delivery, fuel prices and so on.
For example, if you’re moving a medium-sized car from Perth to Melbourne, the door-to-door price would be $1,250, excluding GST.
➜ Learn more about Interstate Car Transport

Pet Transport
The cost of pet transport depends on the size of the pet, species, special needs, distance of travel and the length of time your pet needs to be boarded and cared for.
For example, if you’re moving from Perth to Melbourne, you may be charged $770 for your small dog plus an additional $44 per night for boarding.
➜ Learn more about Interstate Pet Transport

Moving Transit Insurance
Removalists generally provide insurance to cover any damages your possessions incur during a move. However, you need to ascertain which specific items are covered.
If you have valuable items being moved, you can purchase additional cover to ensure all your items are protected.
Generally speaking, removal transit insurance premiums start from around $100.
➜ More info on Removals Insurance

Storage Services
There may be instances when you want to keep some of your items in storage in a facility that’s safe and secure.
In calculating the cost of storage, some factors that can affect the price include the state you relocated to, size of the unit you need, the duration you plan to use it, as well as any special requirements like a temperature-controlled unit. You can also purchase insurance if you want.
For example, a 2.4m x 1.8m x 2.4m medium unit can cost $72 per month, if it is found within a security premise and pest-controlled environment. You may be given a discount if you intend to keep your items in storage for long periods.
➜ Learn more about our Perth Removals and Storage solutions
Why Choose Relocations WA for your interstate move?
The main point is that you will have a truly worry-free interstate move with Relocations WA. You'll be dealing with a friendly team of highly experienced relocation experts that tailor our services to your requirements. There will be no hidden fees and no ugly surprises.
What's holding you back still? Get in touch to discuss any questions you might have.
55+ Years Experience with Interstate Moves
The owner of Relocations WA, Stephen Blackwell, has worked in the relocation industry his whole life. Having 55+ years' of interstate moving experience under his belt, Steve and his team have the necessary knowhow to facilitate challenging interstate moves worry-free for all our valued clients.
Personalised & Tailored Interstate Moving Service
Relocations WA makes a point of offering a highly personalised, quality & worry-free moving service. Every job is our highest priority. We ensure your treasures and belongings are moved safely so that you don't have to worry about anything.
59 Five Star Google Reviews
We currently have 59 five star Google reviews, some of which are displayed below. We pride ourselves in delivering the best possible service and highly appreciate feedback, whether good or bad...
Full-Service Relocation Offer
Besides relocating furniture and belongings, we also offer the whole range of additional moving services, such as packing, cleaning, storage, pet transport, transit insurance and more. You name it, we do it!