How Much Does It Cost to Move Overseas?
What drives the price of an international move, what a quote should include, and real signed prices from U.S.-to-Ireland moves.
Short answer
The cost to move overseas depends mostly on volume (cubic feet), the route, and whether you ship by full container, shared container or air. As a real example, six signed household moves from the U.S. to Ireland cost $4,148 to $7,791 for loads under 300 cubic feet and $9,324 and $14,417 for 412 and 1,139 cubic feet. Always compare written quotes for the same inventory.
Real prices: six signed moves to Ireland
| Load size | Moves | Cubic feet | Signed prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 300 cu ft | 4 | 92, 99, 200, 210 | $4,149, $4,148, $7,791, $5,547 |
| Over 400 cu ft | 2 | 412, 1,139 | $9,324, $14,417 |
Source: signed Sunset International Shipping agreements, pickups April 2022 to August 2026, compiled November 10, 2026. Details on the Ireland cost guide.
What drives the price
| Cost driver | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Volume | Ocean and air freight are priced by space or weight. A survey sets the real figure. |
| Shipping method | Full container, shared container (LCL) or air freight. Air costs far more per cubic foot. |
| Route | Port pair, transshipments and distance from your home to the port. |
| Origin services | Packing, crating of fragile or valuable items, access (stairs, elevators, long carries). |
| Destination services | Port and terminal fees, customs clearance, delivery access, unpacking. |
| Duties, taxes, inspections | Often waived for household goods if you qualify for relief; biosecurity inspections in Australia and New Zealand. |
| Insurance | Full-value marine insurance is usually priced as a share of declared value. |
| Timing | Summer is peak season; book early. |
What a quote should include
| Line item | Ask |
|---|---|
| Volume | Cubic feet or cubic meters from a survey, the same for every quote |
| Origin services | Packing, materials, crating, loading, export paperwork |
| Main transport | Full container, shared container or air; port pair; transit estimate |
| Destination services | Port or terminal fees, customs clearance, delivery, unpacking, debris removal |
| Not included | Duties and taxes, inspections, storage, difficult access |
| Insurance | Full-value marine cover, deductible, claims deadline |
Not sure of your volume? Try the cost estimator and the container size estimator, and see shipping methods for how full container, shared container and air freight change the price.
A worked example
A 412 cubic-foot move from Watertown, Massachusetts to Dublin cost $9,324 on a signed agreement, about $23 per cubic foot. A 1,139 cubic-foot move from Mill Valley, California to Dublin cost $14,417, about $13 per cubic foot. Bigger loads usually cost more in total but less per cubic foot, because fixed costs such as export handling and destination clearance are spread across more volume.
Everything in this guide
- International moving cost estimatorTool: estimate my move's price from its volume
- Cost to move to Ireland from the USACost of a U.S.-to-Ireland move, from signed prices
2 supporting pages in this cluster. All link back here.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an international move cost?
It depends on volume, route, shipping method and services. Six signed U.S.-to-Ireland household moves cost $4,148 to $14,417, from 92 to 1,139 cubic feet.
What is the biggest factor in international moving cost?
Volume (cubic feet), then route and shipping method. Bedroom count is a poor guide: in our Ireland data a 2-bedroom move was 92 cubic feet and a 1-bedroom move 1,139.
Is a shared container cheaper?
Usually, for smaller loads, because you pay for the space you use. It can take longer because the container waits to fill.
What costs are often missing from quotes?
Destination port and terminal fees, customs inspections, duties and taxes, storage and difficult-access fees.
Does the cost include customs duty?
Usually not. Many countries waive duty on used household goods for people moving their residence, but you must meet the conditions.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.