Everything here came from a 2026-07-24 run on the exact box and ZIPs listed. Put your own pair in for a current number.
One box, six destinations
| Destination | Cheapest quote | Service | Estimated transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA 19103 | $8.69 | USPS Ground Advantage | 2-3 business days |
| Pittsburgh, PA 15201 | $8.72 | USPS Ground Advantage | 2-3 business days |
| Atlanta, GA 30303 | $8.94 | USPS Ground Advantage | 3-4 business days |
| Chicago, IL 60601 | $8.94 | USPS Ground Advantage | 3-4 business days |
| Los Angeles, CA 90001 | $14.16 | USPS Ground Advantage | 4-5 business days |
| Seattle, WA 98101 | $14.16 | USPS Ground Advantage | 4-5 business days |
Same carton, same day, same carriers: $8.69 to the nearest destination and $14.16 to the farthest. That $5.47 spread is the zone system, and it is why no published table can answer "how much to ship to another state" without your two ZIP codes.
How zones work
Zones 1 to 9
Carriers slice the country into bands measured from your origin ZIP. Neighbouring states are usually zone 2 or 3; coast to coast is zone 7 to 9.
Weight multiplies distance
The zone gap grows with weight. A 1 lb box barely notices the country; a 50 lb box coast to coast costs nearly double the same box two states over.
Transit is not linear either
Ground services quote a business-day window that widens with distance. Paying for air only makes sense when the window actually matters.
Common questions
How much does it cost to ship a package to another state?
For a 12 × 9 × 6 in 5 lb box leaving New Jersey on 2026-07-24: $8.69 to Philadelphia, $8.94 to Chicago, and $14.16 to Los Angeles. State lines do not matter; zones do.
Is it cheaper to ship within the same state?
Usually, because it is a shorter zone — but not always. A long state like Texas or California can cost more end to end than crossing into a neighbouring state.
How long does ground shipping take across the country?
Typically four to six business days coast to coast, one to two for a neighbouring state. Carriers publish those as estimates rather than promises, and weather moves them.
Do I pay more for a residential address?
On UPS and FedEx, yes — residential delivery carries a surcharge that is already inside every price quoted here. USPS does not charge separately for residential.
Can I quote the price before I know the exact address?
Yes, ZIP codes are enough for an accurate rate. The full address is only needed when you buy the label.