Moving cost calculator
How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2026?
Start with real numbers. Plan your move with confidence.
By Research TeamFact-checked by Editorial StaffLast updated: 8 min read
How much do movers cost in 2026?
Local moves (under 100 miles): $500–$3,500+ with full-service movers. Most local movers bill at an hourly rate per crew member, typically $25–$100 per mover per hour, with a 2–4 hour minimum.
Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles): $1,500–$8,500+ with full-service movers. Pricing switches from hourly to weight-based — carriers charge per pound per mile, adjusted for service add-ons and valuation coverage.
The four biggest factors that determine what you actually pay: total home size (how much there is to move), distance, which type of service you choose (full-service vs. container vs. truck), and your move date (peak season commands a premium).
Quick cost summary
Full-service movers
Local: $500–$3,500+
Long-distance: $1,500–$8,500+
Moving containers
Local: $400–$700
Long-distance: $900–$4,500+
Truck rental
Local: $30–$500
Long-distance: $500–$2,500+
Average cost of local moves
A local move covers under 100 miles and typically stays within the same state. Pricing runs $25–$100 per mover per hour, with most companies requiring a 2–4 hour minimum.
| Home Size | Crew | Hours | Hourly Rate | Avg. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 2–3 hrs | $100–$150/hr | $340 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3–4 hrs | $100–$150/hr | $460 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4–6 hrs | $150–$270/hr | $725 |
| 3 Bedroom | 3–4 movers | 6–8 hrs | $180–$320/hr | $1,625 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 7–10 hrs | $200–$400/hr | $1,860 |
| 5+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 9–12 hrs | $250–$500/hr | $2,850 |
Averages are based on aggregated historical quote data. Prices vary by city, season, and access conditions.
Average cost of long-distance moves
Long-distance moves cover 100+ miles and frequently cross state lines. Unlike local moves, pricing is based on shipment weight and mileage rather than time. A 2–3 bedroom home moving 500–1,000 miles typically costs $3,060–$5,280.
| Distance | Studio / 1 BR | 2–3 BR | 4 BR | 5+ BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150–250 miles | $1,165–$2,650 | $2,650–$4,385 | $2,860–$6,230 | $3,290–$7,165 |
| 250–500 miles | $1,380–$3,085 | $2,778–$4,669 | $3,088–$6,545 | $3,550–$7,525 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1,845–$4,020 | $3,060–$5,280 | $3,580–$7,220 | $4,115–$8,305 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $2,200–$4,695 | $3,525–$5,955 | $4,305–$8,270 | $4,950–$9,510 |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | $2,335–$4,860 | $4,375–$6,750 | $5,500–$10,070 | $6,325–$11,580 |
Average city-to-city moving cost estimates
The table below shows estimated costs for popular city pairs across all three move types, based on our 2026 proprietary pricing data.
| Route | Truck Rental | Container | Full-Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City → Boston | $301–$738 | $652–$2,781 | $864–$5,885 |
| Los Angeles → San Diego | $162–$340 | $579–$2,475 | $679–$5,320 |
| Atlanta → Charlotte | $352–$871 | $737–$3,214 | $1,012–$7,206 |
| Dallas → Denver | $695–$1,903 | $897–$4,353 | $1,397–$9,415 |
| Chicago → Charlotte | $654–$1,858 | $933–$4,044 | $1,408–$9,043 |
| New York City → Nashville | $755–$2,067 | $955–$4,352 | $1,329–$8,828 |
| Los Angeles → Dallas | $1,027–$2,889 | $1,205–$5,580 | $1,445–$11,344 |
| Philadelphia → Austin | $1,219–$3,506 | $1,219–$6,497 | $1,470–$11,486 |
| Seattle → Phoenix | $1,076–$2,991 | $1,219–$5,751 | $1,644–$12,558 |
Average cost of DIY moves
Moving containers
Container companies deliver a portable unit to your home, give you time to load it yourself, then transport it to your destination. Local container moves (around 50 miles) typically run $400–$700 for one unit. Interstate container moves range from $900–$4,500+, depending on distance and container size.
Moving truck rental
Renting a truck means you drive it yourself, which cuts labor costs significantly. Local truck rentals average $30–$500 depending on truck size and mileage. For long-distance trips, budget $500–$2,500+ including fuel, mileage fees, and any insurance add-ons.
Professional movers vs. DIY: which is right for you?
The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, home size, and willingness to do physical labor. Here is a direct comparison:
| Factor | Full-Service | Container | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local cost | $500–$3,500+ | $400–$700 | $30–$500 |
| Long-distance | $1,500–$8,500+ | $900–$4,500+ | $500–$2,500+ |
| Who packs | Movers (or you) | You | You |
| Who drives | Movers | Company | You |
| Storage included | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| Best for | Large/long moves, limited time | Flexible timelines, DIY comfort | Small moves, tight budgets |
How are moving costs calculated?
Local move formula
(Hourly Rate × Number of Movers × Hours) + Travel Fee + Packing Materials
Example: $60/hr per mover × 3 movers × 6 hours = $1,080 labor, plus $75 travel fee, plus $120 in supplies = $1,275 total.
Long-distance move formula
(Shipment Weight × Distance × Rate per Lb-Mile) + Extra Services + Valuation
Example: 5,000 lb × 1,200 miles × $0.0013/lb-mile = $7,800 linehaul, plus $900 packing, plus $250 valuation = $8,950 total.
Key cost factors
- Move size — more furniture means more labor time and truck space
- Distance — longer moves cost more regardless of service type
- Service level — full-service costs more than containers or DIY
- Timing — summer peak season (May–September) commands a premium; October–April is cheapest
- Move date — weekends and month-end/start dates cost more due to higher demand
Additional moving costs to budget for
Specialty items
Pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, motorcycles, and safes carry per-item handling fees that vary by weight and complexity.
Packing services
Full packing service typically adds $900–$1,500. Partial packing (fragile items only) runs less.
Packing supplies
If you pack yourself, budget $100–$350+ for boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper for a 2–3 bedroom home.
Access fees
Stair carries, long walks from truck to door, elevator waits, or shuttle trucks can add $75–$500+ to your bill.
Storage
Short-term storage is sometimes bundled; longer storage runs $50–$300 per month depending on unit size and location.
Tips
$20–$60 per mover is standard for a smooth move. For a demanding job with stairs or heavy items, $50–$100 per mover is appropriate.
How to lower your moving costs
- 1
Downsize before you pack
Sell, donate, or discard anything you would not move twice. Less weight means a lower quote.
- 2
Be flexible on your move date
Avoid holidays, peak summer months, and the first/last days of the month. Mid-week, mid-month moves in the fall or winter are consistently cheaper.
- 3
Get at least three quotes
Moving prices vary by thousands of dollars for the same route and home size. Competing quotes give you real leverage.
- 4
Book early
Locking in a mover 30–60 days out — 8 weeks during peak season — gives you better rates and more carrier options.
- 5
Ask about price matching and discounts
Most carriers will match a competitor's written estimate. Ask about senior, military, and membership discounts.
- 6
Source free packing supplies
Grocery stores, liquor stores, and buy-nothing groups often have free boxes. This alone can save $100–$350.
- 7
Pack yourself
Opting out of professional packing can save $900–$1,500 on a full-service move.
- 8
Check your existing insurance
Homeowners or renters policies sometimes cover belongings in transit. Check before paying for extra valuation coverage.
Frequently asked questions
- Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $500–$3,500+ with full-service movers. Long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles generally run $1,500–$8,500+. Key variables include home size, total distance, your chosen move date, and service level (full-service vs. DIY).
- Local moves are priced hourly — based on crew size and hours worked, plus add-ons like packing supplies or stair fees. Long-distance moves are priced by shipment weight multiplied by mileage, then adjusted for additional services and valuation coverage.
- A binding estimate locks in your total cost for all items and services listed; you pay exactly that amount at delivery. A non-binding estimate is a good-faith projection, not a guarantee — your final charge is based on actual weight and services rendered, which can be higher or lower.
- The 110% rule applies to interstate moves using a non-binding estimate. Federal law limits how much a carrier can require at delivery to 110% of the original estimate. If the final bill exceeds that, you pay the 110% cap and the mover must release your belongings, billing the remainder separately within 30 days.
- Valuation is the level of liability coverage your mover provides for lost or damaged items — not the same as their general business insurance. You have two options: Full Value Protection (more comprehensive, costs extra) or Released Value (free, but pays only 60 cents per pound per item).
- Estimates can shift when the actual inventory differs from what was quoted, when access fees kick in (stairs, long carries, elevators, shuttles), when timing or service levels change, or when your move window shifts into peak season. Always get a detailed written inventory at your in-home estimate.
- Usually, yes. Intrastate moves stay within one state and are typically priced hourly, running $500–$3,500+. Interstate moves cross state lines and are priced by weight and distance, ranging from $1,500–$8,500+ for moves of 1,000+ miles. A 2–3 bedroom interstate move of 1,000–1,500 miles typically costs $3,525–$5,955.
- Hire full-service movers if you want the fastest, least stressful experience — especially for long distances or large homes. Go DIY with a truck or container if you have a smaller load, willing helpers, and want to save money. A moving container is a solid middle ground: you pack yourself, the company handles transport.
- The cheapest option depends on move type. For truck rentals, U-Haul and Budget compete on base rates. For moving containers, U-Pack typically offers the best per-mile value. For full-service movers, getting at least three quotes is essential — prices vary widely. Never choose based on price alone; verify licensing and insurance first.
- Professional packing typically adds $900–$1,500 to your move cost. A one-bedroom home runs $250–$500; a three-bedroom home runs $1,000–$1,800. Specialty or fragile items can push costs higher. Doing your own packing is one of the fastest ways to cut total moving expenses.
- For a standard move, $20–$50 per mover is customary. For a harder job — heavy items, multiple flights of stairs, or a long day — $50–$100 per mover is appropriate. Tipping is not required but is expected and appreciated. Cash is preferred.
- For most people, no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the moving expense deduction for most taxpayers through 2025. The main exception is active-duty military members moving under official orders.
- Moving costs peak from May through September — the peak moving season driven by school calendars and lease cycles. Within any month, weekends and the first/last weeks are the most expensive days due to higher demand.
- Book at least six weeks in advance for the best availability and rates. During peak season (May–September), aim for eight weeks or more. Last-minute moves during peak season can be significantly more expensive — or unavailable entirely.
- Yes. Most moving companies have flexibility, especially in the off-season. Bring competing quotes and ask for a price match. Ask about discounts for seniors, military members, or AAA affiliates. Getting multiple quotes is the single most effective way to reduce your final cost.
- No. Vehicle transport is a separate service that not all movers offer. You will need a dedicated auto transport carrier, and costs depend on distance, vehicle type, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Why trust our moving cost data?
Our pricing dataset is updated monthly with 1,000+ new data points drawn from carrier quotes, user-submitted move records, direct quote requests, and automated pricing feeds.
We use median-based summaries stratified by service type, region, and home size — with outlier detection to prevent unusual quotes from skewing the estimates you see. Every number on this page can be traced back to a verifiable source or a documented methodology.
Our cost data has been cited by universities, financial institutions, and major media outlets including the New York Times, Bloomberg, and USA Today.