International Relocation Cost Estimator

Calculate shipping costs in 60 seconds and get free quotes from verified international movers.

BENCHMARK COSTS

International Moving Cost Benchmarks

Estimated costs for moving a 2-bedroom household from major hubs. Ranges are typical - request a quote for your exact route.

New York→Slovenia4–8 weeks

Half Sea

$2,000–$4,500

Full Sea

$4,000–$8,500

Air

$1,800–$4,000

New York→Portugal3–6 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,000

Full Sea

$3,500–$7,500

Air

$1,500–$3,500

New York→Mexico2–5 weeks

Half Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Full Sea

$3,000–$6,500

Air

$1,200–$3,000

New York→Spain3–7 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,200

Full Sea

$3,500–$8,000

Air

$1,500–$3,800

New York→Cape Verde4–8 weeks

Half Sea

$2,200–$5,000

Full Sea

$4,500–$9,000

Air

$2,000–$4,500

London→Slovenia2–5 weeks

Half Sea

$1,200–$2,800

Full Sea

$2,500–$5,500

Air

$1,000–$2,500

London→Portugal2–4 weeks

Half Sea

$1,000–$2,500

Full Sea

$2,000–$4,500

Air

$800–$2,000

London→Mexico4–8 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,000

Full Sea

$3,500–$7,500

Air

$1,500–$3,500

London→Spain1–3 weeks

Half Sea

$800–$2,000

Full Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Air

$600–$1,500

London→Cape Verde3–6 weeks

Half Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Full Sea

$3,000–$6,500

Air

$1,200–$3,000

Sydney→Slovenia6–12 weeks

Half Sea

$3,000–$6,500

Full Sea

$5,500–$12,000

Air

$3,500–$7,000

Sydney→Portugal6–11 weeks

Half Sea

$2,800–$6,000

Full Sea

$5,000–$11,000

Air

$3,000–$6,500

Sydney→Mexico7–12 weeks

Half Sea

$3,200–$7,000

Full Sea

$6,000–$13,000

Air

$3,500–$7,500

Sydney→Spain6–11 weeks

Half Sea

$2,800–$6,200

Full Sea

$5,000–$11,500

Air

$3,000–$6,500

Sydney→Cape Verde7–12 weeks

Half Sea

$3,500–$7,500

Full Sea

$6,500–$14,000

Air

$4,000–$8,000

Toronto→Slovenia4–8 weeks

Half Sea

$2,000–$4,500

Full Sea

$4,000–$8,500

Air

$1,800–$4,000

Toronto→Portugal4–7 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,000

Full Sea

$3,500–$7,500

Air

$1,500–$3,500

Toronto→Mexico3–6 weeks

Half Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Full Sea

$3,000–$6,500

Air

$1,200–$3,000

Toronto→Spain4–7 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,200

Full Sea

$3,500–$8,000

Air

$1,500–$3,800

Toronto→Cape Verde5–9 weeks

Half Sea

$2,200–$5,000

Full Sea

$4,500–$9,000

Air

$2,000–$4,500

Dublin→Slovenia2–5 weeks

Half Sea

$1,200–$2,800

Full Sea

$2,500–$5,500

Air

$1,000–$2,500

Dublin→Portugal2–4 weeks

Half Sea

$1,000–$2,500

Full Sea

$2,000–$4,500

Air

$800–$2,000

Dublin→Mexico4–8 weeks

Half Sea

$1,800–$4,000

Full Sea

$3,500–$7,500

Air

$1,500–$3,500

Dublin→Spain1–3 weeks

Half Sea

$800–$2,000

Full Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Air

$600–$1,500

Dublin→Cape Verde3–6 weeks

Half Sea

$1,500–$3,500

Full Sea

$3,000–$6,500

Air

$1,200–$3,000

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Powered by Sirelo. Data sourced from industry benchmarks.

7 Ways to Save on Your International Move

1

The sell vs. ship threshold

If an item costs less than $300 to replace and has no sentimental value, sell it before you move. Shipping a single sofa can cost $400 to $800 by sea. Furniture arbitrage works in your favor if you are moving from a high-cost country to a lower-cost one. Check local prices at destination before deciding.

2

LCL vs. FCL: know the breakpoint

Less-than-Container Load (shared container) is cheaper for half households up to around 600 cubic feet. Beyond that, a Full Container Load becomes more cost-effective per cubic foot. Use the calculator above to test both scenarios. Many movers will push FCL because it simplifies their logistics, but LCL is often the smarter choice for a 2-bedroom apartment.

3

Move off-peak season

International shipping rates follow seasonal demand. May through September is peak season for transatlantic moves. Request quotes for October through April and you will typically see 15 to 30% lower rates. If your timeline is flexible, this is the single biggest price lever you have.

4

Split your shipment: air + sea

You do not have to choose one mode. Ship a suitcase or two by air (2 to 5 day delivery) with essentials and work items, then send the rest by sea (8 to 12 weeks). This hybrid approach costs about 20 to 40% more than sea-only but avoids the 2 to 3 month wait for your critical belongings. It is the most popular approach among experienced expats.

5

Consolidate with a neighbor or friend

If you and another expat (or family) are moving to the same destination around the same time, sharing a 20-foot container can cut your individual costs by 30 to 50%. Expat Facebook groups for your destination city are a good place to find a consolidation partner. Just make sure you have clear agreements on customs liability.

6

Declutter before you pack

Moving companies charge by volume (cubic feet) or weight. Every box you eliminate reduces your cost. A typical 2-bedroom household generates 400 to 600 cubic feet of goods. Cutting that to 300 cubic feet by donating, selling, or giving away items can save $800 to $1,500. Start the declutter process 2 months before your move date.

7

Request multiple quotes and negotiate

The first quote you get is rarely the best one. Getting 3 to 5 quotes (which Sirelo handles for you) lets you compare line items and negotiate. Movers regularly match or beat competitor pricing if they know you are comparing. Many also offer discounts for cash payment, flexible delivery windows, or off-peak scheduling. Ask explicitly for each.

FAQ

International Relocation Cost - FAQs

How accurate is this cost estimate?
Our calculator provides a baseline estimate using aggregated benchmark data from thousands of international moves. However, actual costs fluctuate based on seasonality, your exact pick-up/drop-off zip codes, fuel surcharges, and current shipping lane demands. Treat this as a budgeting baseline, but always get official quotes for an exact number.
Are customs duties and import taxes included in this estimate?
No. This estimate covers the physical logistics of moving your belongings (freight, standard handling, etc.). Customs duties and import taxes are separate and depend entirely on your destination country, the value of your goods, and your specific visa type.
What is the difference between Sea Freight and Air Freight?
Air Freight is fast (typically 1–3 weeks) but significantly more expensive. It is best for moving just a few suitcases or boxes. Sea Freight is much more economical but slower (typically 8–12 weeks depending on the route). If you are moving a half or full household, it will almost certainly go by sea.
What do "Half Household" and "Full Household" actually mean?
In shipping terms, a "Half Household" usually refers to a 1-to-2 bedroom apartment where your items share a shipping container with other people’s belongings (known as LCL, or Less-than-Container Load). A "Full Household" (3+ bedrooms) typically requires you to book your own dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container (FCL, or Full Container Load).
Should I ship my furniture or buy new items when I arrive?
This is the classic expat dilemma! If you are moving across an ocean, it is often cheaper to sell your large, bulky furniture and buy new items locally. We generally recommend only shipping high-value, sentimental, or difficult-to-replace items unless your employer is covering the relocation costs.
Who provides the official moving quotes?
When you request a quote, we securely pass your route details to our trusted partner, Sirelo. Sirelo is an independent booking platform that matches your specific route with up to 5 verified, licensed international moving companies.
Does getting a quote commit me to anything?
Not at all. Requesting quotes is 100% free and carries no obligation. It simply allows moving companies that service your specific route to compete for your business, ensuring you get the best possible market rate.
Do I need specialized international moving insurance?
Yes. While standard movers provide basic liability, it rarely covers the full replacement value of your items if a shipping container is damaged at sea. When you receive your official quotes, you will have the option to add comprehensive marine/transit insurance — we highly recommend adding it.
Why is air freight so much more expensive?
Air freight is priced by weight and dimensional volume, and airlines charge a premium for speed and limited cargo space. A single pallet on a passenger plane can cost 5–10x more than the same volume shipped by sea. If you are on a tight timeline and see a high air freight estimate, consider whether you can ship by sea and send a small suitcase ahead by air instead. Splitting your shipment this way often saves thousands of dollars.
Can I ship a car or motorcycle internationally?
Yes. The "Full Household + Vehicle" option in the tool accounts for shipping a standard sedan or motorcycle alongside your household goods. Vehicles are typically loaded into a dedicated container (RoRo or containerized) and shipped by sea. Costs vary significantly by route — expect to pay $1,500–$5,000 for a standard vehicle depending on distance and port fees. Note that your destination country may have import restrictions, left-hand-drive rules, and customs duties that can add 20–50% to the total.
How many quotes will I actually receive from Sirelo?
Sirelo matches your route with up to 5 verified, licensed international moving companies. You will not be spammed — only movers that specifically service your origin-to-destination corridor will contact you. Each quote is itemized so you can compare services, insurance options, and delivery timelines side by side. Most users receive 3–5 quotes within 48 hours.
What’s included in a moving quote?
A standard international moving quote typically includes: packing and materials, loading at origin, ocean or air freight, basic insurance (limited liability), customs documentation handling, unloading at destination, and unpacking. It does not include: customs duties and import taxes, destination-country VAT, storage fees if your new home is not ready, premium insurance for high-value items, or door-to-door delivery if your destination is in a remote area. Always read the fine print and ask what is excluded before signing.
How long does an international move actually take?
The total timeline depends on the shipping mode and route complexity. Sea freight typically takes 8–12 weeks from pickup to delivery, which includes 2–3 weeks for packing and documentation, 4–6 weeks in transit, and 2–3 weeks for customs clearance and final delivery. Air freight is much faster at 1–3 weeks total. Road freight (intracontinental moves like US to Canada or Germany to Spain) takes 3–7 days. These are estimates — port congestion, customs delays, and seasonal peaks can add 1–3 weeks to any mode.