PCS cost estimator
Plan your move budget line by line. Every number is editable, adjust it to your situation.
This planner adds up the common out-of-pocket costs of a PCS move so you can budget with a real number instead of a guess. Start with the typical defaults below, then edit each line to match your move.
| Cost | Estimate ($) |
|---|---|
| Movers or truck rental | $0 |
| Packing supplies | $150 |
| Travel (fuel, tolls, flights) | $500 |
| Temporary lodging | $700 |
| Meals on the road | $300 |
| Deposits (rent, utilities) | $1,500 |
| New-home setup | $600 |
| Pets / misc | $250 |
| Estimated out-of-pocket | $4,000 |
Rough estimate only, actual costs vary by distance, household size, and location. Not financial advice.
Plan the rest of your move
Once you have a budget, line up quotes for the big line items with our free move quotes, check housing costs at your next base on the base guides, and walk the full PCS timeline.
PCS cost FAQ
How much does a PCS move cost out of pocket?
It varies widely by distance, household size, and whether you use a government-arranged move or a personally procured move (PPM). Many families spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars out of pocket after reimbursements, mainly on travel, lodging, deposits, and setting up the new home. This planner helps you estimate your own number.
What is a PPM or DITY, and can I make money on it?
A personally procured move (PPM), formerly called DITY, is when you handle your own move instead of using government movers. The military reimburses you a percentage of what it would have paid a carrier, so moving light and efficiently can leave you ahead. It takes more effort but offers control and potential profit.
Does the military pay for my PCS move?
Largely, yes. The government arranges and pays for a household goods move or reimburses a PPM, and provides travel and per-diem allowances. But families still front many costs, deposits, travel, lodging, and new-home setup, and get reimbursed later, so budgeting the out-of-pocket gap matters.
Get free quotes for the big line items
Movers, auto transport, storage, and insurance near your next base.
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