Moving to Mexico from the USA
U.S.→Mexico moves typically go by road across the border, with belongings cleared under a menaje de casa household-goods permit. This guide covers costs, transit, customs and Mexican residency routes.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Mexico. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$4,650 – $6,950
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Mexico
Mexico sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult a Mexican consulate or immigration lawyer for advice.
Temporary Resident Visa
For those meeting income/savings thresholds; renewable up to four years.
Permanent Resident Visa
For higher financial thresholds or family ties.
Work visa
Employer-sponsored residence with work authorisation.
Visitor options
Short-stay; not a long-term residence route.
These are Mexico immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Mexico ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to mexico from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$1,976–$3,120
1 bedroom
$3,016–$4,680
2 bedrooms
$4,056–$6,500
3 bedrooms
$5,980–$9,360
20ft container
$3,230–$4,940
40ft container
$5,525–$8,450
What drives the cost
- Volume of goods
- Dedicated vs shared truck
- Distance & access at both ends
- Packing service vs self-pack
- Season
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Road freight, dedicated truck (fastest for full moves)
- Road freight, shared / consolidated load (cheaper, longer windows)
- Air or sea (rarely needed for a land-border move)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Allied International | Families, Storage options | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Budget, Small moves & students | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Mexico route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- A menaje de casa (household-goods) permit is applied for at a Mexican consulate in the U.S. before the move.
- It allows a one-time duty-free import of used household goods for new temporary/permanent residents.
- A detailed, itemised inventory (often consular-certified) is required.
- New items, vehicles and restricted goods have separate rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Mexico from the USA?
A cross-border road move runs roughly $2,000–$9,000 depending on volume and service. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to Mexico take?
Cross-border road moves are typically 2–6 days in transit depending on destination, plus customs clearance. Plan 1–3 weeks door-to-door.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to Mexico?
A menaje de casa permit (arranged at a Mexican consulate before the move) allows a one-time duty-free import of used household goods for new residents.
Can Americans move to Mexico?
Yes — common routes include Temporary and Permanent Resident visas and employer-sponsored work visas. These are Mexican routes; consult a Mexican consulate.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.