Relocation Assistance Programs for Out-of-State Moves

Publish Date: March 30, 2026

Last Modified Date: March 30, 2026

Category: Costs & Money Saving, Long-Distance Moving

Tags: Tags: charities, help, low cost moving, moving assistance, moving charities, moving famillies, moving for low income families, relocation assistance

Moving is stressful anyway, but even moreso when you are facing a tight timeline, fleeing abuse, or in financial hardship. If you need help moving out of state, your absolute best first step is to dial 211 to connect with local emergency housing and support resources right away. The reality is that an out-of-state move usually costs between $2,000 and $8,000, or more.

While most relocation assistance programs do not cover full-service moving companies, they are vital for covering urgent needs such as security deposits, travel expenses, and temporary lodging. In this guide, we will walk you through government programs, nonprofit charities, relocation incentives, and the practical first steps you can take today to get the help you need.

Understanding Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance programs provide a financial lifeline when you need to leave an unsafe environment or find affordable housing. To set yourself up for success, it helps to know how these programs generally operate.

Most assistance options are:

One-time or short-term solutions.
Needs-based and dependent on your financial situation.
Administered by local agencies.
Documentation-heavy.

What Does Relocation Assistance Cover?

When you look into relocation assistance, you will find that most programs focus on keeping you safe and helping you manage travel and temporary housing. While they rarely hand over a check to hire a full-service moving company directly, they absolutely help pay for the crucial stepping stones that make your fresh start possible. Let’s break down the expenses they typically cover and the costs you will likely need to handle on your own.

What these programs commonly cover:

Security deposits to secure your new apartment
Your 1st month of rent in certain situations
Motel stays to keep you comfortable while you transition
Bus or train tickets to get you to your new city
Gas vouchers to fuel up your personal car or rental truck
Utility reconnect fees, so you have power and water on day one
Short-term storage units to keep your belongings secure

What these programs usually do not cover:

Full-service moving companies to pack and haul your household goods
Long-term rent payments after you finally settle in
Vehicle shipping services to transport a car across the country
Large furniture purchases for your new home

Who qualifies for relocation assistance?

The goal of these programs is to ensure that help reaches the people who need it most, so to qualify for help, you usually need to meet specific requirements. Typical eligibility groups include:

Very low-income households
People facing eviction or homelessness
Disaster survivors
Veterans
Survivors of domestic violence
Families with children in unstable housing

Agencies will ask you to verify your situation. You will need to provide documentation like proof of income, a lease or eviction notice, a valid ID, and your current benefit status.

Moving Assistance Programs and Resources

Several government and nonprofit programs exist to help you manage the logistics of a long-distance move. Before you dive into the list, here’s some help so you can figure out exactly where to look first. You should start with government programs if you already qualify for public benefits. If you are in crisis or facing immediate danger, review the nonprofit and shelter-based options first.

Government Assistance

Government assistance programs are federally funded, but they are almost always administered by local offices in your city or county. Because these agencies require strict eligibility verification, your application may take some time to process. However, they offer incredible support if you have the flexibility to wait for the paperwork to clear.

FEMA Disaster Relocation Help: If a major disaster makes your home unsafe, FEMA might help cover temporary housing, moving truck rentals, or travel costs.
Section 8 Housing (Portability): If you already have a Section 8 voucher, you can often transfer it to a new state. The new housing office simply needs to accept the transfer.
Uniform Relocation Act (URA): This program provides support if a federal construction or redevelopment project forces you to move.
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Local organizations use these grants to help people move out of shelters, unsafe housing, or overcrowded situations.
Veteran Affairs: The VA helps veterans and their families move across state lines to access better healthcare or find stable housing.
HUD: The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers various resources and partnerships to help Americans secure safe, affordable housing.
Rural Housing Service | Rural Development: This program provides financial support and housing assistance specifically for people relocating to rural communities.

Charities and Nonprofit Assistance

Local charities and nonprofits are usually your best option when you need help fast. These programs move much faster in emergencies and are incredibly safety-focused. Keep in mind that the available help is highly location dependent, and you will almost always work directly with a case manager who guides you through the process.

“Many assistance programs require you to complete an intake process through a caseworker before you receive approval. A caseworker reviews your situation, verifies your eligibility, and helps you complete your applications.”

We highly recommend reaching out to these community groups if you are in a vulnerable situation. They place a special emphasis on helping survivors of violence and families facing homelessness. They truly understand the urgency of your move and work hard to help you find stability.

Modest Needs Foundation: This organization provides one-time emergency grants to working individuals who are living paycheck to paycheck and are unable to afford a sudden move.
Catholic Charities USA: Local branches help people flee unsafe situations by providing travel assistance, such as bus tickets or gas cards.
YWCA: This group focuses heavily on helping women and families move out of dangerous housing and connect with safe shelter.
Travelers Aid Society: If you have no other support system, this society helps arrange long-distance travel to help you reach family or a new job.
The Salvation Army: Many local centers provide relocation assistance as part of their emergency services, offering items such as fuel vouchers or short-term motel stays.
Family Promise: This group supports unhoused families with children by helping with travel plans, school enrollment, and finding childcare in a new state.

Other Ways to Get Relocation Support

Depending on your situation, there may be other ways to get support when moving out of state on a limited budget.

Military benefits: If you’re an active-duty service member, the military may help cover moving costs through PCS orders, which allow you to move to a new base with support already in place.
Help from your job: Some employers provide relocation assistance if you’re starting a new position in another state.
Public transportation programs: Some cities provide free or low-cost bus or train rides to support people relocating for a new job or housing program.
Crowdfunding and local support: In emergencies, you can raise money for a move using sites like GoFundMe.

You might begin by speaking with a caseworker or calling 211 to explore options close to home. If you already qualify for programs like Section 8 or VA assistance, it may just be a matter of asking the right questions and gathering a few documents. Even if you’re starting from scratch, nonprofit networks, church groups, or community aid organizations can point you in the right direction.

Can You Get Paid to Move?

There is a big difference between emergency relocation assistance and local relocation incentive programs. Emergency assistance exists to help you escape a dangerous situation or avoid homelessness quickly. On the other hand, cities create economic incentive programs simply to boost their local economy. They want to attract new residents, so they offer incentives to people willing to move there. While these incentives do not support emergency moves, they absolutely help cover big expenses if you qualify.

Cities design most of these programs to support remote workers or professionals starting fresh in smaller towns. To join one, you usually must prove you can work remotely or already hold a steady job offer. You also typically agree to live in the area for at least a year, and sometimes longer.

Here are a few standout examples:

Tulsa Remote in Tulsa, Oklahoma: This program gives accepted remote workers a $10,000 grant to help with moving expenses. The community has grown to include over 3,400 remote workers in 2025. Participants also gain access to coworking spaces and fun community networking events. You can find more details at https://tulsaremote.com.
Ascend West Virginia: This initiative offers $12,000 in cash support. They also throw in free outdoor gear rentals and a dedicated coworking space. The program recently expanded to the Charleston area to offer incentive packages worth over $20,000 for new arrivals. Check out the program at https://ascendwv.com.
Pawnee City New Homes in Nebraska: This city offers up to $50,000 in down payment assistance as a zero percent interest second mortgage. You must meet specific income thresholds and qualify for a conventional first mortgage to secure this benefit.
Eastern Kentucky: This region offers a $5,000 cash relocation bonus for remote workers. They also provide a unique $2,500 bonus if your partner secures a local job in healthcare or education.
Jacksonville Region in Illinois: You can receive $5,000 in cash for relocating to this area. The community sweetens the deal with a personal school tour, real estate consultations, and tickets to local events.
Newton Housing Initiative in Iowa: Buyers of newly built homes valued at $240,000 or more can receive up to $10,000 in cash. The city also gives you a welcome package to help you get to know the area.

Who it is for: These programs work best for remote workers, freelancers, or professionals planning an out-of-state move who want financial support and feel excited about living in a smaller town or city.

For more information, you can browse over 70 active community incentive programs on https://www.makemymove.com or contact the local economic development office of your target city.

If You Need Help Moving Out of State, Start Here

Relocation assistance is rarely automatic. Most programs require a formal application, eligibility screening, and specific documentation. Since time is of the essence when you need to relocate for financial hardship or other crises, the steps below will help you begin the process right now.

1. Call 211

Dialing 211 connects you to a free service that provides local housing and emergency resources. You should call if you face an eviction risk, homelessness, safety concerns, or financial hardship. Be ready to share all information about your current situation. The 211 specialists can provide program referrals, conduct your eligibility screening, outline your next steps, and list the required documentation. This is often your fastest starting point.

2. Contact Your Local Housing Authority

City and county housing authorities administer HUD-funded programs. You can easily find yours by searching for your city or county housing authority online. They manage resources such as Section 8 vouchers and emergency housing programs, confirm your eligibility, and refer you to nonprofit partners. When you call, ask if they offer relocation assistance and if your benefits are portable. You should also ask about the required paperwork and whether they have waiting lists.

3. Ask About a Caseworker

Many assistance programs require you to complete an intake process through a caseworker before you receive approval. A caseworker reviews your situation, verifies your eligibility, and helps you complete your applications. You can request one at a housing authority, a domestic violence shelter, or nonprofits like The Salvation Army and Family Promise. Veterans can request a VA social worker. Your caseworker will often guide you through the entire process.

4. Gather Required Documents

Agencies typically require specific documentation before they approve your request. Preparing these items in advance can greatly reduce processing time. Gather these common documents:

Government-issued ID
Proof of income
Lease or eviction notice
Benefit verification letters
Disaster-related documentation, if applicable

5. Apply and Ask About Portability

After your intake meeting, you must submit a formal application. Emergency assistance generally processes much faster than federal grants. Because approval is never automatic, always ask the agency about their specific timelines.

“Government assistance programs are federally funded, but they are almost always administered by local offices in your city or county. Because these agencies require strict eligibility verification, your application may take some time to process.”

You should also ask about portability. Portability is your ability to transfer housing benefits to another state. It requires paperwork, approval, and coordination between different housing authorities.

What to Expect: Approval Timelines

Timelines vary widely depending on the program type and the urgency of your situation. However, these estimates assume that all your paperwork is accurate and accounted for from the start. Any incorrect information or the need for a formal appeal can significantly lengthen the time it takes to secure assistance.

Emergency motel or shelter assistance: Sometimes available the exact same day in crisis situations through local nonprofits or domestic violence shelters.
Nonprofit or private grant programs: Often take several days to a few weeks, depending on funding and document review.
Federal programs: Assistance like FEMA, HUD-related support, or voucher transfers may take several weeks or longer due to paperwork, inspections, or inter-agency coordination.

Apply as early as possible and always ask your caseworker about interim support options to keep you safe while you wait.

Final Thoughts on Getting Help Moving Out of State

Moving across state lines on a tight budget feels incredibly stressful, but you do not have to figure it all out alone. By reaching out to local programs, gathering your documents early, and leaning on community resources like 211, you can find the financial support you need for a fresh start. Stay persistent, ask plenty of questions, and remember that help is available 7 days a week to keep your move on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move out of state?

A long-distance move usually costs between $2,000 and $8,000 or more. Your final price depends on the distance and the type of moving service you choose. Check out our guide on 2025 Local Moving Cost Averages for a closer look at pricing.

Can the government pay for me to move?

Yes, in specific situations. Federal programs like FEMA, the VA, and the Uniform Relocation Act offer financial support for disaster survivors, veterans, and individuals displaced by government projects.

How do I move with no money?

Start by dialing 211 to find immediate local help. You can also explore Free Moving Services for Low-Income Families or contact charities like The Salvation Army for emergency travel assistance and short-term lodging.

How long does relocation assistance take?

Emergency shelter assistance can happen the same day. Nonprofit grants might take several days to a few weeks. Federal programs often require several weeks or longer to process paperwork and approvals.

Does Section 8 pay moving costs?

No. Section 8 portability allows you to transfer your housing voucher to a new state. While it covers your future rent, it typically does not pay for your moving truck, security deposits, or travel expenses.

How fast can I get relocation assistance?

If you are in immediate danger, domestic violence shelters and local nonprofits can sometimes provide emergency assistance on the exact same day. Dialing 211 is the absolute fastest way to start finding immediate help in your area.

What documents do I need?

Agencies usually require a government-issued ID, proof of income, your current lease or an eviction notice, and benefit verification letters. Preparing these documents ahead of time will help speed up your application process.

Is relocation assistance taxable?

Tax rules vary depending on the specific program and the type of assistance you receive. You should always consult a tax professional or review IRS guidelines regarding your unique situation to be completely sure.

21 Easy to Forget Steps When Moving to A New State

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: September 15, 2025

Last Modified Date: September 15, 2025

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: drivers license, hireahelper, how to get mail forwarded, how to move, how to move long distance, interstate move, intrastate move, long distance, mail, mail forwarded, movers, moving, Moving Checklist, moving list, relocation assistance, uhaul, when to move

Deciding how to move to another state is a big undertaking, especially compared to local moves. In addition to finding a new home, packing, and transporting your stuff, there are a bunch of administrative details to take care of.

Because your new state has its own systems and laws, you’ll need to change your driver’s license, insurance policies, memberships, and more. Then, there’s the process of finding new schools and healthcare providers and transferring your records.

With all there is to do, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks, but there’s no need to worry. We’ve created a convenient checklist to help you plan a structured, low-stress move and avoid the common pitfalls people tend to forget about.

What to Consider Before Moving to Another State

Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure. But before you commit, you should figure out how the move will affect your lifestyle and financial situation.

Here are some key factors to consider:

Cost of living: To get an idea of how much more expensive or affordable it is to live in your new location, use a cost of living comparison calculator. If you’re moving to a new state without a job, make sure your savings can tide you over until you start earning a paycheck again.
Taxes: Compare the income tax and property tax rates in your current and new states. If taxes are higher, make sure there’s room in your budget.
Job market: If you’re not moving for a job, research the opportunities in your new location. Are there plenty of openings that interest you? Do the salary ranges meet your needs? Spend some time on forums or social media groups to see what local job seekers have to say, too. They can tell you how competitive the hiring processes are.
Lifestyle changes: Consider how your lifestyle will change in the new state. If you’re moving to a more expensive place, you might have less disposable income for entertainment and dining out. Every place has its pros and cons, so you simply need to decide if the tradeoffs are worth it. For example, a small town might be less walkable than a big city, but you might have hiking trails in your backyard.
Residency: Every state has its own timeline for establishing residency. If you need residency to vote or get in-state tuition, make sure you’re allowing enough time for all these processes to complete.

Our Moving Out of State Checklist

Moving to a new state is a big endeavor, but it’s completely manageable. As you get started, a moving checklist can help you keep track of everything you need to do. Pay close attention to the timeline — some tasks, like budgeting and booking movers, are best done early.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to do when moving out of state:

1. Make a Budget Early When Moving to Another State

How much does it cost to move to another state? The answer varies.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a cross-country move is $4,572. Actual costs depend on how far you’re moving, how much you’re taking, and the type of moving help you need. Depending on your situation, you could pay anywhere from $550 to $9,500.

That’s a wide range, so it’s important to start budgeting early. Make sure to get estimates and leave plenty of time to save up the money you need. Also, no matter what your estimate is, you should add some cushion to your budget. Long-distance and cross-country moves can have all sorts of unexpected situations pop up, so it helps to have some extra funds in case of an emergency.

2. Ask Your Employer About Relocation Assistance

Are you moving out of state to take a new job? If so, your employer may offer out-of-state relocation assistance to help cover expenses such as moving company costs, storage, temporary housing, and more. Not every company will have this option, but some employers will make the investment for the right talent.

To find out if this is a benefit your company offers, reach out to your Human Resources department.

3. If Possible, Visit Your New Hometown at Least Once

If you’re moving to a new city or area you’re not familiar with, it’s a good idea to spend some time there before you move. You’ll want to explore different neighborhoods, look into the local shops and restaurants, test the walkability, and scope out your potential neighbors.

This is also a great time to tour new homes and possibly sign a lease. And if that’s not possible, you can pick a favorite neighborhood or two and do virtual home tours online.

And if you can’t make a trip at all before the actual move, do yourself a favor and at least look around with Google Maps.

4. Begin Planning 8 to 12 Weeks Ahead and Start Selecting Your Dates

Once you’re set on your new destination, it’s time to start planning and prepping for the actual relocation. Give yourself about 8-12 weeks to organize the move. This gives you plenty of time to pack, get movers, notify the right people and institutions about your move, and handle any obstacles that crop up.

The first item on the agenda? Pick a moving date. If you’re planning to use movers, booking earlier can help you get the date you want.

5. Consider the Season You’re Moving In

As you’re choosing a date, you should also think about the weather. If you can help it, you don’t want to spend all day unloading your belongings at the height of summer in Arizona or during hurricane season in Louisiana.

Research the climate for your new home and plan the move for when the weather is mild. You can look up your destination on a site like Climate-Data.org, which offers a ton of information about the average monthly temperature, precipitation, and more for cities around the world.

6. Decide If Full-Service or DIY Is Best for Your Long-distance Move

Typically, your decision on what moving service to choose comes down between cost vs. convenience.

If you want to leave the heavy lifting and driving to someone else, hire professional movers. Keep in mind that the convenience of this type of move also makes it the most expensive. Alternatively, if you want to save the most money, you might want to pick the DIY route. It’s much cheaper than a full-service move, but you’ll have to handle everything on your own — from packing to renting and driving the truck to unloading all your stuff at your new home.

Other long-distance move options

While full-service and DIY moves are your two major choices, there are some alternatives. If you want to save money without sacrificing all the convenience, you can hire movers to load and unload the truck for you. You’ll still need to rent the truck and drive yourself to your new location, but you’ll still pay less overall and still get some help from the pros.

“When you’re making an interstate move, you’ll also need to register your car with your new state’s DMV…Keep in mind that some states, including California and Georgia, charge a vehicle registration tax based on market value.”

Also, don’t forget you can use moving containers, which are an especially good option if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.

With this solution, you pack and load the container yourself at your own pace. Once you’re done, the company will come to pick it up and deliver it to your new home, or hold it at their storage centers. You can even hire professional movers to help you load and unload one if you need to.

7. Research the Best Long-Distance Moving Services for Your Specific Journey

Not sure which moving option to choose? Whether you’re hiring a moving company, driving a rental truck, or going with a shipping container, the distance you’re moving will make a big difference in your options.

For example, some companies only do local moves, which usually means a distance of 100 miles or less. If your new state is several hundred miles away, you’ll need to budget for higher moving costs and find a company specializing in longer distances.

Moving across several states or cross-country will always be the most expensive option, and these types of long-distance moves usually require a company with a national presence.

8. Get Your Packing Supplies Well Ahead of Time

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies handy for properly packing your belongings, and keep extra on hand just in case. You don’t want to have to run out in search of boxes or tape while you’re in the middle of packing.

Also, consider any specialized supplies you may need, such as wardrobe boxes, hangers, bubble wrap, box knives, permanent markers, and dollies.

To save money on these items, see if anyone has cheap or free moving boxes on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. You can also check with local businesses.

9. Set Aside 6 to 12 Hours Per Room to Pack

Packing will probably take longer than you think. A 2-bedroom home can take 2 to 3 days or more, and that’s if you set aside the entire day for packing. If you have work or school obligations, or you can only squeeze in a few hours of packing a day, it will likely take much longer.

You do have the option of hiring movers to help you pack, though. As professionals, they know all the tricks and have the skills to pack much more quickly and efficiently. If you hire movers to pack up and load your belongings, they’ll probably finish within a day. The same 2-bedroom home that would take you days to complete requires about 6 to 12 hours for movers, assuming there’s a 2-person crew.

10. Figure out Your New Place’s Moving Policies

Some apartment buildings and other planned communities have strict rules around moving. For example, you may not be allowed to block certain streets or driveways or take up the elevators for too long.

Be sure to know these policies beforehand so you can plan around them. To find out, contact your building’s property manager or head of the homeowners association.

11. Find out If Your New Place Has Any Restrictions for Pets or Plants

You don’t want to run into any trouble getting your precious animals or plants to their new home. Some states, such as California and Hawaii, have strict rules around transporting animals and plants. Be sure to know what’s considered illegal, and prepare accordingly.

You can start with your destination state’s website (look for a “.gov” in the URL).

12. Utilize Car Shipping Services If Necessary

If you’re not driving your own vehicle to the new location, you need to sell or or you’ll need to have it shipped. Some moving companies will ship your car along with your belongings, but you may be able to save some money by hiring a company that specializes in shipping cars. The price varies based on your vehicle’s size and condition, the shipping distance, and the type of carrier.

“Some states have reciprocity agreements or other arrangements to help ease the process [of transferring professional licenses]. However, you should contact your state licensing board as soon as possible…”

When shipping a car, one of the biggest decisions to make is whether to go with open or closed transport. It’s probably safer to go with a closed container if you have a newer or luxury vehicle, as it’s better protected from the elements that way, although the cost can be as much as 60% higher. Also, be sure to get several quotes before choosing a car shipping company.

13. Cancel or Transfer Any Memberships

Belong to a gym or club? Many require at least one month’s notice before you cancel your membership, so be sure to get this done well before you move. If the organization has a location in the city you’re moving to, you may be able to transfer the membership instead.

14. Change Your Address and Set up Mail Forwarding

Set aside some time before the move to change your address. This can take longer than you’d expect — you’ll need to give your new address to everyone from your insurance companies to government agencies and your kids’ schools.

To make sure you don’t miss any important mail in the transition, have your mail forwarded by the USPS.

15. Contact Your Banks and Lenders

Make sure you don’t miss any important payments — let your bank, credit card company, student loan servicer, and other financial institutions know that you’re moving. Give them your new address as soon as you have it. You may be able to do this by simply logging into your online banking platform or by calling the number on your card or statement.

16. Get Your Utilities Transferred

The last thing you want is to show up at your new place and have no water or electricity. To prevent this, research the options available in your new city for setting up a new service. Once you’ve selected the provider, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling at least 2 weeks before your move.

Keep in mind that for some utilities, such as electricity, the service provider may run a soft credit check and/or require a deposit to approve your account.

17. Transfer Your Healthcare Records

A few weeks before you move, call your doctors, dentist, and other healthcare providers to ask about the procedure for transferring healthcare records. At a minimum, you’ll probably need to sign a release form.

If you already have a new doctor, you can simply ask each provider to send the records. Alternatively, you can request a print copy or have the records sent when you find new providers.

18. Have Your Child’s School Records Transferred

If you have kids, you must notify their school of the move. Ensure their school records, along with other important records such as health information and immunizations, get transferred to the new school.

You should be able to bring photocopies of these documents when you register them at their new school. However, you’ll eventually need to supply official, sealed copies of their transcripts, which include report cards and standardized test results.

19. Research Transferring Your Professional License

If you work as a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or other licensed professional, you may need to transfer your license or apply for a new one in the new state.

The process for transferring your license will depend on your state and profession. Some states have reciprocity agreements or other arrangements to help ease the process. However, you should contact your state licensing board as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time to complete the process before your move.

20. Update Your Driver’s License or ID Within 2Weeks

Most states require you to get a new driver’s license within 2months of relocating, although some states’ timeframes are considerably shorter. Make sure you know how long you have to get a new license in your new state before you move.

You’ll need to book an appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your current license, additional identification (such as your Social Security card or passport), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or W-2), and a form of payment.

Be sure to book your appointment in advance since slots tend to fill up quickly. You can find your local DMV office using this directory.

21. Update Your Vehicle Registration and Insurance

When you’re making an interstate move, you’ll also need to register your car with your new state’s DMV. Each state offers a grace period to update your registration, typically between 30 and 90 days.

Most states also require proof of insurance to register your car. Sign up for a new policy if you’re unable to remain with the same insurer (and don’t cancel your old one until you do) before registering.

Along with your new ID and proof of insurance, you’ll need proof of residency and your car’s title. Keep in mind that some states, including California and Georgia, charge a vehicle registration tax based on market value. It’s especially important to plan for this added expense if you have a newer car or luxury vehicle.

22. Register to Vote

Don’t forget your civic duty during your move! Check Vote.gov to find instructions for registering to vote in your new state. In many states, you can register to vote when you get a new driver’s license. Also, don’t forget to deregister with your previous home state if necessary.

23. Get a Handle on Taxes

One aspect of moving that you may not have considered — but that can impact your finances quite a bit — is the state income tax. Some states have a flat tax, meaning everyone pays the same tax rate. Others have a progressive tax system, which means you pay a higher tax rate on higher amounts of income. And a handful don’t charge income tax at all.

“Actual [moving] costs depend on how far you’re moving, how much you’re taking, and the type of moving help you need. Depending on your situation, you could pay anywhere from $550 to $9,500.”

Keep in mind that if you lived and worked in the same state all year, you only need to file one state return. However, if you moved to another state during the year (or otherwise lived in one state and earned income in another), you might need to file more than one return.

24. Find Your New Social Circle

A fresh start might be exactly what you need — but it’s also scary!

How do you move to another state and start over? First off, reframe the situation as an opportunity. The lack of familiar faces or a sense of belonging can potentially be overwhelming, but the good news is that you’re in total control.

Look for social groups, sports clubs, art collectives, or other groups that align with your interests. Hit a photography meet-up, join a run club, or go out to local establishments and introduce yourself to people. You can also find neighborhood meetups from online platforms like Nextdoor.

And remember, starting over isn’t just about meeting people. It’s also your chance to build new routines and habits. Have you always wanted to get up early and work out? Here’s your opportunity.

The Best States to Move To (and the Worst)

Ready to move but haven’t decided which state is the right option? The 2024-2025 HireAHelper Moving Migration Report revealed which states are most popular — and least popular — with people who want to relocate.

According to our data, Vermont had a whopping 61% more people moving into the state than out of it, and it might just be the best state to move to based on popularity. Next in line are Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon, and Georgia.

Which states were far less popular? According to the numbers, New Hampshire. In 2024, 34.3% more people left the state than moved in. The runners-up are the District of Columbia, New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana.

Moving Out of State Checklist

Here are the key action items for moving out of state so you always have them on hand: