Moving costs vary widely, but a typical local move ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, while long-distance moves can cost $2,800 to over $10,000, depending on distance, home size, and services needed.
The biggest price factors are how far you’re moving, the amount of stuff you have, and whether you hire professional movers or go the DIY route. Local moves are usually billed hourly, while long-distance movers charge based on mileage and shipment weight. The time of year also plays a role—moving in peak season (May–September) will cost you more.
In this guide, we’ll break down average moving costs, hidden fees to watch for, and practical ways to save money on your upcoming move.
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Factors That Affect Your Moving Costs
It’s challenging to provide an exact estimate of what your move cost will be as many factors, like distance and size of your move, impact pricing. The following information provides a ballpark idea of what different types of moves cost based on multiple factors.
Local Vs. Long-Distance Moves
Local Vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs
How far you’re moving is one of the biggest cost factors. Local moves (under 50 miles) are typically billed hourly per mover and cost an average of $1,000 to $3,000. Long-distance moves (over 50 miles) are priced based on weight, mileage, and services needed, often ranging from $2,800 to over $10,000.
Long-distance moves cost more because they require extra fuel, labor, and special licensing. Interstate movers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which adds to operational costs. If you’re moving across multiple states, expect higher fees, especially for full-service movers.
Average Moving Costs by Distance:
| Move Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Long Distance (over 50 miles) | $2,800 – $11,000 |
Home Size Affects Moving Costs
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $300 – $1,000 |
| 1-2 bedroom apartment/house | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| 3-4 bedroom house | $2,000 – $11,000 |
| 5+ bedroom house | $2,500 – $15,000 |
Packing services add to a move cost, especially for larger homes or moves with many fragile items. Many movers offer partial-packing options to help you save money. Consider packing smaller items yourself while hiring professionals for heavy furniture and valuables.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of standard packing services.
How Accessibility Affects Moving Costs
If movers have to navigate stairs, elevators, or long walkways, your costs will go up. Moving heavy furniture down multiple flights of stairs or across long distances takes extra time and labor, and many companies charge additional fees for these challenges.
For example, International Van Lines charges:
- $75 per flight of stairs (over seven steps)
- $75 per elevator stop
- $75 for every 75 feet of long carry distance
These fees add up quickly, so ask your mover about accessibility charges before booking. If possible, reserve a loading zone close to your home or move smaller items yourself to cut costs.
Best and Worst Times to Move
Moving costs spike between May and September because of high demand, often 20% to 30% more expensive than off-season rates. Availability is also tighter, especially at the beginning and end of the month when leases turn over.
How to save:
- Move between October and April for lower rates.
- Avoid the first and last days of the month when demand is highest.
- Mid-week moves are often cheaper than weekends.
- Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance for the best price.
If you must move during peak season, compare multiple quotes early to lock in a better deal.
Interstate Moving Costs by Distance
Interstate moves are more expensive based on mileage, home size, and shipment weight. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $11,000, depending on how far you’re moving. The farther you go, the higher the cost.
| Move Size | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 1,500 miles | 2,000+ miles |
| Studio | $1, 000 – $2,000 | $1,400 – $2,500 | $1,700 – $3,000 | $1,900 – $3,500 |
| 1-bedroom | $2,500 – $5,000 | $2,800 – $5,300 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| 2-bedroom | $3,200 – $5,500 | $3,800 – $6,200 | $4,100 – $7,500 | $4,600 – $9,000 |
| 3-bedroom | $3,400 – $5,900 | $4,200 – $7,100 | $4,700 – $8,000 | $5,500 – $10,000 |
| 4+ bedroom | $4,400 – $6,900 | $6,200 – $8,800 | $7,700 – $10,000 | $6,500 – $11,000 |
DIY Vs. Professional Movers: What’s Cheaper?
A DIY move is the cheapest option but requires more time, effort, and planning. Hiring professional movers costs more but saves you from the heavy lifting. Moving pods offer a middle ground, letting you pack at your own pace while the company handles transport.
| Moving Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (truck rental) | $150 – $2,500 | Budget-conscious, local moves |
| Moving pods/containers | $600 – $6,000 | Flexible schedules, long-distance moves |
| Full-service movers | $1,000 – $15,000 (depends on distance and services) | Stress-free, long-distance or large homes |
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Many moving companies offer partial-packing services, where you pack smaller items, and movers handle heavy furniture. This can save hundreds compared to full-service moves.
A DIY move, especially through a moving container company, isn’t always cheaper than hiring movers if you skip specialty services. Look into partial-pack options, which many moving companies offer. You’ll be responsible for packing all the smaller items in your home. But the movers will handle the heavy lifting and moving your furniture, hot tub, large artwork, pianos, and more — saving your back and time for a fee that is often only slightly more than going with a moving container company.
How to Save Money on Your Move
💰 Compare multiple quotes. Get at least three written estimates to stay within your moving budget. Use them to negotiate a better deal. Movers want your business, so don’t be afraid to ask for price matching.
📅 Move during off-peak times. The cheapest months to move are October to April. Avoid weekends, the first and last days of the month, and peak summer season (May–September) to save hundreds of dollars.
📦 Pack yourself. Packing services can add $1,000 or more to your move. Save by packing smaller items and leaving only furniture and fragile items for movers.
📝 Get a binding estimate. Avoid hidden fees by requesting a binding estimate in writing. Movers can’t charge more than 15% above this amount, unless services change.
🛑 Declutter before you move. Fewer items = lower costs. Sell, donate, or recycle things you no longer need to cut down on weight and reduce moving fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask about student, senior, or military discounts. Many movers offer them but don’t always advertise!
Additional Moving Costs to Consider
📦 Packing and unpacking services: Professional packing can cost $1,000 or more, depending on the size of your home. If you have fragile or specialty items, expect additional fees.
🛡 Moving insurance: Most movers offer basic and full-value protection:
- Basic coverage: Free but only pays $0.60 per pound, which is not enough for expensive items.
- Full-value protection: Costs 1–2% of your declared value (e.g., $1,500 for $100,000 worth of belongings). Best for long-distance or high-value moves.
💰 Tipping movers: While optional, tipping is appreciated. A small tip at start of a move should generate goodwill among the movers to take their time and take care of your possessions while hoping for a larger tip at the end.
- Local moves: $5 to $10 per mover per hour.
- Long-distance moves: $40 to $50 per mover per day.
🚗 Specialty moving services: Expect extra fees for large, heavy, or high-value items:
- Exercise equipment: $100–$300
- Pianos and pool tables: $300–$1,000
- Vehicles: $1,000+
- Pets: Costs vary based on distance and services needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re moving valuable antiques or a car, ask your mover if third-party insurance is required. Some companies won’t cover them under standard policies.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Moving Costs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about moving costs.
A local move costs $1,000 to $3,000, while a long-distance move can range from $2,800 to $11,000+, depending on distance and services. For full-service movers, expect to pay at least $8,000 for a cross-country move.
💡 Budgeting Tip: Add 10% to 15% extra to cover unexpected costs like delays, packing supplies, or last-minute fees.
- Local move: Around $1,700
- Long-distance move: Around $4,800
- Full-service or cross-country move: $5,000 to $11,000 or more
For tight budgets, a DIY move can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, especially for small or local relocations.
Most moving quotes cover:
✅ Labor & transportation – Movers’ time and truck rental
✅ Packing materials – Boxes, tape, and padding (sometimes extra)
✅ Fuel & mileage – Varies for long-distance moves
✅ Insurance – Basic coverage included; full-value protection costs more
💡 Ask your mover for an itemized estimate so you know exactly what’s covered and can negotiate extra services.
- Get at least three quotes from movers.
- List all moving expenses (truck rental, labor, gas, packing supplies, etc.).
- Set aside 10% to 15% extra for surprise costs.
- Look for ways to save, such as packing yourself or moving off-season.
