How Much Does It Cost To Move Interstate? A 2025 Aussie Price Guide
Moving interstate is a massive life event. Whether you’re chasing a new career in Melbourne, a sea change in Queensland, or moving closer to family in Perth, one of the first and biggest questions is always the same: how much is this actually going to cost?
Trying to budget for an interstate move can feel like trying to hit a moving target. The truth is, there’s no single price tag. The cost of hiring professional removalists to transport your life across state lines depends on a huge range of factors.
This guide will break down all the costs involved, give you realistic price estimates for popular Aussie routes, and show you what factors will make that final quote go up or down.
The Short Answer: Average Interstate Moving Costs in Australia
Let’s get straight to it. While every move is unique, here are some ballpark figures for what you can expect to pay for a professional interstate removalist based on the size of your home.
| Home Size | Average Cost Range |
| Studio / 1 Bedroom Apt | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Home | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Home | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| 4-5 Bedroom Home | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
Disclaimer: These are estimates only! Your final quote will depend on the specific factors we’re about to dive into.
The Key Factors That Determine Your Moving Costs
Think of your moving quote as a recipe with many ingredients. The final price is a combination of these key elements.
1. The Volume of Your Belongings (Cubic Metres)
This is the biggest factor. Removalists don’t charge per item; they charge based on the total space your belongings take up in their truck, measured in cubic metres (m³). A minimalist studio apartment might only be 5-10m³, while a packed 4-bedroom family home could be 40-50m³ or more. The more stuff you have, the higher the price.
2. The Distance of the Move
It seems obvious, but the further you move, the more it will cost. This covers fuel, driver wages, and truck wear and tear. A move from Sydney to Melbourne is going to be significantly cheaper than a move from Brisbane to Perth.
3. The Type of Service: Full Service vs. Backloading
- Full Service (or Premium Service): This is the standard option. You get a dedicated truck and crew for your move. You choose the exact pickup and delivery dates, and your belongings are the only ones on the truck. It’s faster and more flexible, but also more expensive.
- Backloading: This is the budget-friendly option. A removalist might be moving a family from Sydney to Brisbane. Instead of driving the truck back empty, they offer the space at a discounted rate to someone moving from Brisbane to Sydney. You share truck space with other customers. The catch? You have much less flexibility on dates and delivery times can be longer.
4. The Timing of Your Move
Supply and demand is a huge factor in the moving industry.
- Peak Season: Summer (December-February), school holidays, and public holiday weekends are the busiest times. Prices will be at their highest.
- Off-Peak Season: Moving during winter or mid-month/mid-week can often land you a better deal.
5. Access at Both Ends
How easy is it for a giant moving truck to get to your front door?
- Easy Access: A ground-floor home on a wide street is simple.
- Difficult Access: A high-rise apartment with only a small lift, a home with multiple flights of stairs, or a house on a narrow street that requires a smaller “ferry” vehicle will all add significant costs due to the extra time and labour involved.
6. Extra Services
Your base quote usually covers loading, transport, and unloading. Any extras will add to the cost.
- Professional Packing/Unpacking: A huge time-saver, but can add hundreds or even thousands to your bill.
- Packing Materials: Some companies include boxes, but many charge extra.
- Storage: If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, you’ll need to pay for storage.
- Specialty Items: Moving a piano, a pool table, or a precious piece of art requires special equipment and handling, which costs more.
Estimated Costs for Popular Interstate Routes
To give you a more concrete idea, here are some estimated cost ranges for moving the contents of a standard 3-bedroom house (approx. 30-35m³) between major Australian cities.
| Moving Route | Estimated Cost Range (3-Bed Home) |
| Sydney to Melbourne | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Sydney to Brisbane | $3,800 – $6,000 |
| Melbourne to Brisbane | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Brisbane to Cairns | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Adelaide to Sydney | $4,800 – $7,500 |
| Sydney to Perth | $7,000 – $11,000+ |
| Melbourne to Perth | $6,500 – $10,000+ |
How to Get an Accurate Quote (And Avoid Scams)
The only way to know your true cost is to get quotes. Here’s how to do it right:
- Declutter First: Get rid of everything you don’t need before you call for quotes. The less you move, the less you pay.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least 3-5 reputable interstate removalist companies. This allows you to compare prices and services.
- Be Detailed and Honest: When filling out a quote form, be as accurate as possible about your inventory and any access challenges. A surprise flight of stairs on moving day will lead to extra charges.
- Ask for an In-Home or Video Survey: For larger moves, a good company will offer to do a survey of your home to give a more accurate volume estimate.
- Read the Fine Print: A legitimate quote will be a detailed document. Check what’s included and what’s not. Does it include transit insurance? GST? Fuel levy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backloading a good way to save money?
Yes, backloading can save you a significant amount of money if you are flexible. If you have firm move-in dates for a new job or school, the lack of control over delivery times might not be worth the savings.
Is it cheaper to move my old furniture or buy new stuff?
This is the great moving debate! For large, inexpensive items like an old couch or a cheap bed frame from Kmart, it can often be cheaper to sell or donate them and buy new ones at your destination, especially for a long-distance move (e.g., East Coast to Perth). For good quality or sentimental furniture, it’s almost always cheaper to move it.
Do I need moving insurance?
Yes. Reputable removalists will have public liability and carrier insurance, but this often doesn’t cover your individual goods for their full replacement value. Taking out a comprehensive transit insurance policy for your belongings provides crucial peace of mind.
How far in advance should I book interstate removalists?
For an interstate move, you should start getting quotes 6-8 weeks in advance, especially if you plan to move during peak season. This gives you time to compare options and secure your preferred dates.