How Much Is It To Ship a Mattress? Costs, Options, and What to Expect

If you’re wondering “How Much Is It To Ship a Mattress?”, you’re usually facing a move, a long-distance sale, or sending a bed to a family member. Mattress shipping can feel confusing because prices vary widely, but a few key factors explain most of the difference.

Below, you’ll find clear answers to how much it costs, what affects the price, and how to decide if shipping a mattress is worth it.

What Does It Typically Cost to Ship a Mattress?

There isn’t one single price, but most people find that shipping a mattress within the same country usually ranges from moderate to quite expensive, depending on:

  • The size of the mattress
  • The distance (local vs. cross-country)
  • The shipping method (parcel, freight, white glove)
  • Whether the mattress is boxed/compressed or fully expanded

In general, smaller, boxed mattresses cost less, while large, fully expanded mattresses shipped long distance cost more. The total can range from a relatively low fee to a few hundred dollars for bulky or long-distance shipments.

What Factors Affect How Much It Is To Ship a Mattress?

1. Mattress Size and Weight

The bigger and heavier the mattress, the more you usually pay.

  • Twin / Twin XL: Usually the least expensive
  • Full / Queen: Mid-range
  • King / Cal King: Often the highest cost

Carriers typically charge by a mix of weight and size (dimensional weight). A king mattress that cannot be compressed will usually be treated as oversized, which can add noticeable surcharges.

2. Distance and Destination

Shipping a mattress across town is very different from sending it across the country. Longer distances generally mean higher costs, and remote areas may involve extra fees.

Common distance scenarios:

  • Local or same-state: Often the least expensive
  • Regional (a few states away): Mid-range
  • Cross-country or international: Highest cost and more complex

3. Shipping Method

How you ship matters as much as where it goes.

  • Parcel shipping (boxed mattress):
    Works best if the mattress can be compressed and packed into a manageable box. Often the most budget-friendly option.
  • Freight shipping (large and bulky):
    Used when the mattress is too big to be treated like regular parcel. Costs more, but carriers are set up to handle oversized items.
  • In-home or white-glove delivery:
    Includes carrying the mattress inside, setup, or old mattress removal. This is typically the most expensive option because of the extra labor.

4. Packing and Materials

If you already have a mattress box, mattress bag, tape, and padding, you may pay only the shipping fee. If these need to be purchased or provided by a service, they add to the total cost.

Is It Cheaper to Ship or Replace a Mattress?

This is a common follow-up to “How Much Is It To Ship a Mattress?” because sometimes shipping an older mattress isn’t cost-effective.

You might compare:

  • Shipping cost (transport + packing)
  • Condition and age of your current mattress
  • Price of a comparable new mattress near your destination

If your mattress is older, sagging, or near the end of its comfortable lifespan, paying a higher shipping fee may not be worthwhile. On the other hand, if it’s newer or high-quality and still supportive, shipping it can make sense, even at a higher cost.

How Can I Lower the Cost of Shipping a Mattress?

You may not control the distance, but some choices can keep costs in check:

  • Compress or roll-pack the mattress if the design allows it
  • Use a sturdy mattress bag and box to avoid damage and extra fees
  • Get multiple quotes from different carriers or moving services
  • Be flexible with delivery dates, if slower options are cheaper
  • Consider curbside delivery instead of in-home setup

📝 Tip: A well-packed mattress is less likely to be damaged, which protects the item and helps prevent extra handling charges.

What About Shipping a Mattress Topper or Foundation?

  • Mattress toppers are usually lighter and can be rolled, so they tend to be much cheaper to ship.
  • Foundations and bases (especially solid, non-folding types) can be bulky and may cost as much or more to ship than the mattress itself. Folding or slatted bases typically cost less to transport than rigid, one-piece foundations.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How Much Is It To Ship a Mattress

  • There is no single flat price. Costs depend on size, weight, distance, and method.
  • Smaller, boxed mattresses are cheaper to ship than large, fully expanded ones.
  • Long-distance and freight shipping can become quite expensive, sometimes rivaling the price of a new mattress.
  • Packing matters: a compressed, boxed mattress is often the most cost-effective to ship.
  • Age and condition count: if your mattress is old or uncomfortable, the shipping cost may not be worth it.
  • Toppers are cheaper to ship; bases can be expensive, especially if they don’t fold.

Understanding How Much Is It To Ship a Mattress comes down to a few main questions: how big is it, how far is it going, and how it will be shipped. Once you know those details, you can compare quotes and decide whether shipping, replacing, or choosing a different sleep setup makes the most sense for your situation.