International Relocation Cost Estimator
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BENCHMARK COSTSInternational Moving Cost Benchmarks
Estimated sea and air freight ranges, based on industry benchmarks and typical quotes. These are not live rates - request a quote for your exact route.
LCL assumes a shared load of roughly 1-2 bedrooms. FCL assumes a dedicated 20ft container of roughly 3+ bedrooms. Transit figures cover sea time only and exclude packing, customs clearance and final delivery.
Figures are estimated ranges for budgeting, not quotes. They exclude customs duties, taxes, insurance and storage. Last updated: October 2026.
International Moving Cost Benchmarks
Estimated sea and air freight ranges, based on industry benchmarks and typical quotes. These are not live rates - request a quote for your exact route.
LCL assumes a shared load of roughly 1-2 bedrooms. FCL assumes a dedicated 20ft container of roughly 3+ bedrooms. Transit figures cover sea time only and exclude packing, customs clearance and final delivery.
Figures are estimated ranges for budgeting, not quotes. They exclude customs duties, taxes, insurance and storage. Last updated: October 2026.
| Origin | Destination | Sea LCL (shared, 1-2 bed) | Sea FCL (dedicated 20ft, 3+ bed) | Air Freight | Sea transit (port-to-port) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York / Toronto | Slovenia | $2,000–$4,500 | $4,000–$8,500 | $1,800–$4,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| New York / Toronto | Portugal | $1,800–$4,000 | $3,500–$7,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | 3–7 weeks |
| New York / Toronto | Mexico | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,500 | $1,200–$3,000 | 2–6 weeks |
| New York / Toronto | Spain | $1,800–$4,200 | $3,500–$8,000 | $1,500–$3,800 | 3–7 weeks |
| New York / Toronto | Cape Verde | $2,200–$5,000 | $4,500–$9,000 | $2,000–$4,500 | 4–9 weeks |
| London / Dublin | Slovenia | $1,200–$2,800 | $2,500–$5,500 | $1,000–$2,500 | 2–5 weeks |
| London / Dublin | Portugal | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,500 | $800–$2,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| London / Dublin | Mexico | $1,800–$4,000 | $3,500–$7,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | 4–8 weeks |
| London / Dublin | Spain | $800–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,500 | $600–$1,500 | 1–3 weeks |
| London / Dublin | Cape Verde | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,500 | $1,200–$3,000 | 3–6 weeks |
| Sydney | Slovenia | $3,000–$6,500 | $5,500–$12,000 | $3,500–$7,000 | 6–12 weeks |
| Sydney | Portugal | $2,800–$6,000 | $5,000–$11,000 | $3,000–$6,500 | 6–11 weeks |
| Sydney | Mexico | $3,200–$7,000 | $6,000–$13,000 | $3,500–$7,500 | 7–12 weeks |
| Sydney | Spain | $2,800–$6,200 | $5,000–$11,500 | $3,000–$6,500 | 6–11 weeks |
| Sydney | Cape Verde | $3,500–$7,500 | $6,500–$14,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | 7–12 weeks |
LCL shared
$2,000–$4,500
FCL 20ft
$4,000–$8,500
Air
$1,800–$4,000
LCL shared
$1,800–$4,000
FCL 20ft
$3,500–$7,500
Air
$1,500–$3,500
LCL shared
$1,500–$3,500
FCL 20ft
$3,000–$6,500
Air
$1,200–$3,000
LCL shared
$1,800–$4,200
FCL 20ft
$3,500–$8,000
Air
$1,500–$3,800
LCL shared
$2,200–$5,000
FCL 20ft
$4,500–$9,000
Air
$2,000–$4,500
LCL shared
$1,200–$2,800
FCL 20ft
$2,500–$5,500
Air
$1,000–$2,500
LCL shared
$1,000–$2,500
FCL 20ft
$2,000–$4,500
Air
$800–$2,000
LCL shared
$1,800–$4,000
FCL 20ft
$3,500–$7,500
Air
$1,500–$3,500
LCL shared
$800–$2,000
FCL 20ft
$1,500–$3,500
Air
$600–$1,500
LCL shared
$1,500–$3,500
FCL 20ft
$3,000–$6,500
Air
$1,200–$3,000
LCL shared
$3,000–$6,500
FCL 20ft
$5,500–$12,000
Air
$3,500–$7,000
LCL shared
$2,800–$6,000
FCL 20ft
$5,000–$11,000
Air
$3,000–$6,500
LCL shared
$3,200–$7,000
FCL 20ft
$6,000–$13,000
Air
$3,500–$7,500
LCL shared
$2,800–$6,200
FCL 20ft
$5,000–$11,500
Air
$3,000–$6,500
LCL shared
$3,500–$7,500
FCL 20ft
$6,500–$14,000
Air
$4,000–$8,000
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Next step
Shipping is only half the bill
The deposit, the setup costs, and the first months of rent all have to arrive in another currency. Sending it in one transfer turns a single day of the market into the price of your whole move.
Plan the currency transfers →7 Ways to Save on Your International Move
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request multiple quotes and compare line by line
The first quote you get is rarely the best one. Getting several quotes lets you compare itemized line by line: packing, freight, destination charges, customs handling, insurance and delivery windows. Ask every company you shortlist for a written, itemized quote, put them side by side, and question anything that is not broken out. Movers will often sharpen their price when they know you are comparing, so ask each one what they can adjust.
How to Vet an International Mover
Sirelo connects you with moving companies in its network, but the contract is between you and the mover you choose. Run these checks before you sign anything.
- Check FMC registration (NVOCC or ocean freight forwarder) for any ocean shipment from the US.
- FIDI-FAIM or IAM membership is a positive signal, not a guarantee.
- Check the company's BBB record and recent independent reviews, not only reviews on the matching site.
- Insist on an in-home or live video survey before you accept a binding quote.
- Get itemized written quotes. Ask what is excluded: destination charges, customs, storage and insurance.
- Be wary of a quote far below the others. A lowball that gets upcharged later is a common pattern.
- Never pay large cash deposits, and never pay in cash only.
- Confirm the insurance type (full-value vs. released-value) in writing.
Compare quotes through Sirelo, then run these checks on any company you shortlist.