How much does PODS cost? Most local moves run $300 to $1,000, long-distance moves $2,000 to $4,500, and cross-country moves with a large container can top $7,000.
Your price depends on four things: container size, how far it travels, how long you keep it, and when you move. Below are 2026 price ranges for every PODS container size, monthly storage rates, a breakdown of each fee on your quote, and the easiest ways to pay less.
Get Your Exact PODS QuotePODS Cost by Container Size and Distance
PODS rents three container sizes. The 8-foot and 16-foot containers can go anywhere PODS serves, but the 12-foot container is offered only for local moves and storage. These are typical 2026 ranges for a single container, including delivery, the first month of rental and final pickup:
| Container | Local (under ~50 mi) | Regional (~250–500 mi) | Cross-country (1,000+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot (studio, dorm, 1 room) | $220–$430 | $450–$830 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 12-foot (1–2 bedrooms) | $290–$640 | Local only | Local only |
| 16-foot (2–3 rooms of furniture) | $320–$820 | $900–$2,100 | $5,400–$7,500 |
Ranges reflect PODS’ published averages and 2026 quote data compiled by independent moving-cost sites. Prices vary widely by ZIP code and season; your quote is the only exact number.
How Much Does PODS Storage Cost Per Month?
If you need storage before, during or after your move, you’ll pay a monthly rental fee for each container. Keeping it in your driveway costs less than having PODS store it at one of its climate-protected storage centers.
| Container | On your property | At a PODS Storage Center |
|---|---|---|
| 8-foot | About $139/month | About $189/month |
| 12-foot | About $159/month | About $210/month |
| 16-foot | About $175/month | About $239/month |
National averages. High-demand metros can run higher. Delivery and pickup are billed separately from storage.
Comparing storage options? A traditional unit can be cheaper for long stays. Check rates near you with our self storage cost calculator.
What’s Included in a PODS Quote
A PODS quote isn’t one flat fee. It bundles several charges, and knowing them makes it easier to compare quotes and spot where you can save.
Initial delivery
Dropping the empty container at your home. Typically around $75–$90, and sometimes waived during promotions.
Monthly rental
Charged per container for each month (or partial month) you keep it, whether it’s at home or in storage.
Transportation
For long-distance moves, the line-haul charge to ship your loaded container. This is the biggest line item and is based on distance and size, not weight.
Redelivery and final pickup
Moving the loaded container to your new address locally, then picking up the empty one when you’re done.
Contents protection
Optional coverage for your belongings. Worth considering for long-distance moves; check what your homeowners or renters policy already covers first.
Fees to watch
Street permits, failed delivery attempts, extra trips and same-month date changes can all add to the bill.
Example PODS Costs
| Your situation | Likely setup | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or dorm, across town | One 8-ft container, 1 month | $250–$450 |
| 2-bedroom apartment, local | One 12-ft or 16-ft container, 1 month | $350–$900 |
| Renovation, stuff stored in driveway for 3 months | One 16-ft container on site | $600–$800 |
| 2-bedroom, moving ~500 miles | One 16-ft container | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 3–4 bedroom house, cross-country | Two 16-ft containers | $8,000–$14,000+ |
Estimates for planning only. Multi-container moves scale roughly with the number of containers.
Not sure how many containers you need? Use our PODS storage space calculator, then plug your numbers into the PODS cost calculator for a ballpark total.
What Affects Your PODS Price
- Distance. Local moves are mostly delivery plus rent. Once your container crosses state lines, transportation becomes most of the cost.
- Container size and count. Bigger containers cost more, and a 3-bedroom home usually needs two 16-footers. Packing tightly can save you a whole container.
- Season and dates. Late spring and summer, weekends and the first and last days of the month are the busiest and priciest. Fall and winter moves scheduled mid-week and mid-month tend to quote lower.
- Location. Major metros and remote areas both cost more than mid-sized markets.
- Rental length. Every month you keep the container adds a full month of rent, so plan your packing and unloading windows carefully.
Is PODS Cheaper Than Movers?
Usually, yes. Because you do the packing and loading yourself, a PODS move typically costs far less than full-service movers for the same distance, especially long-distance. It’s not always the cheapest container option, though. U-Pack often quotes lower for long cross-country moves, and U-Haul U-Box can be cheaper for small loads. PODS tends to win on flexibility: three container sizes, easy local moves and storage, and no deadline pressure while you pack.
Want the hands-off option? Compare long-distance mover quotes or local mover quotes against your PODS price. For the full picture, see our PODS review and best portable storage container companies guide.
See your real price
PODS pricing is ZIP-code specific. A quote takes about two minutes.
Get a PODS QuoteTake 10% off first
Grab code WEBSAVE6 and the other current PODS discounts before you book.
See PODS Promo CodesPODS Cost FAQs
How much does an 8-foot PODS container cost?
About $220 to $430 for a local move and roughly $2,000 to $4,000 for a cross-country move. Monthly storage averages about $139 on your property or $189 at a PODS Storage Center.
How much does a 16-foot PODS container cost?
About $320 to $820 for a local move, $900 to $2,100 for a regional move and $5,400 to $7,500 for a cross-country move. Monthly storage averages about $175 on site or $239 at a PODS Storage Center.
Can I use a 12-foot PODS container for a long-distance move?
No. PODS offers the 12-foot container for local moves and storage only. For long-distance moves, choose 8-foot or 16-foot containers.
Does PODS charge by weight?
No. Transportation is priced by container size and distance, not by how much you pack, so loading efficiently gets you more for your money.
Is the first month of PODS included in the price?
Yes, quotes typically include the first month of rental. Each additional month, or partial month, adds another month’s rent per container.
What is the cheapest way to use PODS?
Move in the off-season, schedule mid-week and mid-month, pack tightly to use as few containers as possible, keep the container on your property instead of at a storage center, and apply a promo code such as WEBSAVE6.
Pingback: PODS Review 2026: Costs, Container Sizes, Pros and Cons - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: PODS vs. PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack (2026): Which Moving Container Is Best? - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: Allied Van Lines Review (2026): Costs, Pros, Cons and Tips - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: Atlas Van Lines Review (2026): Costs, Pros, Cons and Tips - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: U-Haul U-Box Review (2026): Size, Cost, Pros and Cons - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: U-Pack ReloCube Review (2026): Costs, Sizes, Pros and Cons - Easy Storage Search
Pingback: How Moving Insurance Works: Full Value vs. Released Value (2026) - Easy Storage Search