Moving Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Average Cost of Moving Costs in 2026

Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, your final price tag mainly depends on two things: how far you’re going and what service type you choose. While local moves are calculated by an hourly labor rate, long-distance moves are typically priced based on the weight or volume of your shipment and the distance traveled.

In the sections below, we break down these averages to help you see where your specific move might fall on the spectrum.

Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs

The following table compares estimated costs for local moves (under 50 miles) and long-distance moves (500+ miles) by level of service.

*Note: Long-distance ranges for Labor-Only, Freight, and Containers are estimates falling between the DIY and Full-Service baselines provided.

Average Local Moving Costs

A local move is typically one that keeps you within a 50-mile radius of your current home. Since travel time is minimal, the biggest cost factor here is labor. Most local movers charge by the hour, so your final bill really comes down to how long the crew is working. 

On average, you can usually expect to pay between $100 and $120 per hour for a standard two-person crew. Just keep in mind that rates are often higher in big cities where the cost of living is a bit steeper. For example, in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, the hourly cost of movers for a two-person crew often ranges from $120 to $150 or more. No matter where you are, though, a good way to keep your local move on the lower end of the cost range is to pack your own boxes and have everything ready to go when the movers arrive.

Average Long-Distance Moving Costs 

Once you cross the 500-mile mark, pricing works a little differently. Instead of hourly rates, costs are usually based on distance and weight. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,283 for a basic DIY rental truck up to $5,800 or more for full-service movers.

For many people, a good middle groundis labor-only moving. This approach lets you skip the high premiums of full-service van lines by renting the truck yourself. You then hire professional movers just to load and unload your belongings. It saves your back without blowing your budget. And if you don’t want to drive, you could get a moving container. One is dropped off at your house, you load it, and then it’s picked up and taken to your destination or the company’s storage facility. You could even hire labor-only movers to handle the heavy lifting for a nearly full-service experience.

International Moving Costs

If your move takes you overseas, the logistics (and the costs) get a bit more complicated. International moves generally start around $1,500 for smaller shipments, but for larger households, the price can easily climb past $10,000. It really depends on where you are going and how you ship your items.

Your total cost will likely include things like sea or air freight charges, port fees, and customs duties, all of which vary by country. You will also want to budget for marine transit insurance to keep your belongings safe during the voyage, along with any visa or immigration fees needed for your new residency. Since these costs vary so much, we recommend getting a specialized international quote well in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

Factors That Affect Moving Costs

While knowing the averages is helpful, your final price tag will really depend on the specific details of your situation. Knowing these can help you figure out where to save and where it might be worth spending a little more for extra convenience or time-savings. 

Here’s a closer look at the key factors that influence your total moving costs.

Distance

Distance is the most obvious cost driver. After all, the longer you’re on the road, the more time and fuel it takes, and that costs money. For local moves, distance is actually less of a factor than the time it takes the crew to work, but for long-distance moves, mileage plays a much bigger role. To put it in perspective, the cheapest way to (DIY) move across the country will often cost roughly the same as the most expensive full-service local move.

Size and Weight of the Move

The size of your move also plays a major role in the cost. In short, the more you have to move, the higher the price tag will likely be. Movers need to know if they are packing a 500-square-foot studio or a 3,000-square-foot family home. Depending on your move type, you may be charged based on the total weight of the load (common for van lines) or the cubic footage it occupies (common for containers and rentals).

The table below outlines estimated costs based on home size and square footage for a typical long-distance move.

To put this data into perspective: Hiring full-service movers to relocate the contents of a one-bedroom apartment from New York to Los Angeles will cost an estimated $4,450 to $6,500. The same move, but for a four-bedroom home, will likely run between $9,500 and $16,000+.

Timing and Seasonality

When you move is almost as important as how you move. This is because as demand rises, so does the cost, and summer is the peak season for moving. Thanks to the warm weather and school breaks, everyone wants to move then. To snag the best price, we recommend planning your move sometime between September and April if you can manage it.

You can also find better deals just by choosing the right day of the week. Book for the middle of the month or a weekday, like Tuesday or Wednesday, to get a lower rate than a weekend or month-end move.

DIY vs. Professional Moves

How much work you do yourself is the biggest lever you can pull to control costs.

• DIY Moving: Renting a truck and handling all packing, loading, and driving is the cheapest way to move, but it requires the most physical effort.
• Full-Service: Hiring a company to manage everything from packing to driving costs the most but offers maximum convenience.
• Labor-Only: You handle the truck or container rental yourself, but you hire hourly professionals to do the loading and unloading. It balances cost and convenience perfectly, saving your back from the heavy lifting without the high price tag of a full-service van line. We think this option is an especially good middle ground for long-distance moves. 

Moving Supplies

Supplies are often an overlooked expense. You might budget for the truck rental, but forget the hundreds of dollars needed for boxes, tape, and padding. Below are general estimates for the number of boxes required for different home sizes.

• Studio: 9–12 boxes
• 1-Bedroom: 30–33 boxes
• 2-Bedroom: 50–57 boxes
• 3-Bedroom: 70–82 boxes
• 4+ Bedroom: 96–111+ boxes

Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $225 for a small move up to $880 for a larger home just on supplies. Of course, grabbing free boxes from local shops is a classic money-saving move, and it works great if you can find sturdy ones. That said, buying uniform boxes does make stacking the truck a lot easier, so using a mix of bought and found boxes is often the perfect happy medium.

Tipping

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it is standard practice in the industry, so we suggest building it into your budget. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% to 20% of the total labor bill, or roughly $20 to $50 per mover per day. It helps to work this out in cash beforehand so you aren’t trying to find an ATM at the end of a long, tiring day.

Moving Insurance

If you stick with the basic coverage included by law (Released Value Protection), you are only covered for 60 cents per pound per item — hardly enough to replace a broken TV. Full Value Protection is available from movers for an extra fee, or you can purchase third-party moving insurance to bridge the gap. For more in-depth information on your insurance options, read our guide Do I Need Moving Insurance?

Add-on Services

Specialized services will increase your final price, but they are often necessary for a safe and efficient move. Here are some of the more common ones you might end up needing for your own move:

• Packing and Unpacking: Professional packers can save you days of work. Prices typically range from $280 to $2,200+, depending on home size. For more information, check out our guide on How Much Does a Packing Service Cost?
• Specialty Items: Moving heavy or delicate items like pianos, safes, or hot tubs usually incurs a surcharge of $200 to $1,000+.
• Storage: If your new home isn’t ready yet, short-term storage can cost between $100 and $300 per month.
• Access Fees: Obstacles like flights of stairs, elevators, or “long carries” (where the truck cannot park close to the door) will often result in additional labor charges.

How to Estimate Your Moving Costs

Figuring out your moving expenses usually involves visiting multiple websites and calling several moving companies to get quotes. It can be a bit of a process, but getting a clear picture of your budget is essential for a stress-free move. To get the most accurate number possible, follow these three simple steps.

1. Create a Detailed Moving Inventory

Before you can get a price, you need to know exactly what you are moving. Take a walk through every room in your home, including the garage, attic, and basement, and make a list of everything that needs to go. Be as detailed as possible. If you forget to list the treadmill or the patio set, your final price on moving day could end up being significantly higher than your original quote.

2. Use Online Moving Cost Calculators

Once you have your inventory, you need to translate that into volume or weight since this is how movers determine your price. Luckily, online tools can do the math for you.

• Use our Moving Box Calculator to estimate how many boxes you will need based on your home size.
• Check out our guide on What Size Moving Truck Do I Need? to ensure you do not pay for a truck that is too big or get stuck with one that is too small.

3. Get and Compare Multiple Quotes

Price is not the only thing to consider. You also want a company that is properly licensed, insured, and reliable. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers to compare rates and services.

While this traditionally requires hours of phone calls with sales reps, MovingPlace simplifies the process. Our marketplace allows you to view accurate, upfront quotes from top-rated and vetted movers online without playing phone tag. By comparing options side by side, you can easily find the right service that fits both your needs and your budget.

Ways to Save Money on Moving Costs

Moving costs can add up, but keeping your budget in check is often easier than you might think. You usually do not need a magic coupon to find a great deal.

Instead, it comes down to making a few smart choices along the way. By knowing where to look and what questions to ask, you can keep more money in your pocket without having to cut corners on quality.

Schedule Your Move Strategically

You might be surprised by how much the calendar affects your price tag. Summer is busy and pricey, so if you can, aim for a winter or early spring move to save cash.

Even the day of the week matters. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually much quieter than weekends, which often means better rates. Most people try to move on Saturdays and Sundays because they are off work and kids are out of school. This convenience drives up the rates. You see a similar spike at the beginning and end of the month. Since most leases expire around those dates, everyone rushes to schedule their move at the same time. If you book for the middle of the month instead, you avoid that competition and often secure a better price. And always try to book early—about 6 to 8 weeks ahead for big moves, or about a month out for smaller moves.

Downsize and Declutter to Reduce Weight

Since long-distance movers often charge based on weight or volume, the logic is simple. The less you move, the less you pay. So before you start packing, take a little time to sort through your things. A simple strategy is to make four piles: keep, donate, sell, or toss.

If you are on the fence about an item, try the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably do not need to pay to move it. Selling unwanted items online or at a yard sale can put extra cash in your pocket. Alternatively, donating to charities like the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity can lighten your load and help your community.

Pack Efficiently 

Packing smart maximizes the space in your truck and keeps your belongings safe. To save on supplies, get creative with what you already own. Try using your towels, blankets, and clothing to cushion your breakables. This simple trick keeps your dishes safe and reduces the need to buy rolls of bubble wrap or packing paper.

Find Free or Low-Cost Packing Materials

Why buy boxes when you might be able to find them for free? You can save hundreds of dollars just by asking local businesses like grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores if they have sturdy boxes to spare.

Online community groups are another great resource. Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor for neighbors offering free used moving boxes. You can also use your own suitcases, laundry baskets, and plastic bins as moving containers to further reduce the number of boxes you need to buy.

Consider Tax Deductions and Employer Relocation Assistance

Most taxpayers can no longer deduct moving expenses on their federal return because of changes made by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but active-duty military members moving under a permanent change of station (PCS) order still qualify. However, some states still allow moving deductions on state tax returns. It is worth checking your local laws if you live in California, New York, or Arkansas.

If you are moving for a new job, ask your employer about relocation assistance. Many companies offer reimbursement packages that cover part or all of your moving costs. Even if they do not cover the move entirely, any financial support helps offset the total cost.

Red Flags and How to Avoid Moving Scams 

While most moving companies are honest and hardworking, there are unfortunately some common moving scams out there. The last thing you want is to have your belongings held hostage or to get hit with extra fees on moving day. Protecting yourself starts with knowing what to look for so you can spot a scam before it happens.

Unusually Low Quotes and Hidden Fees

We always say: if a quote looks too good to be true, it probably is. Some scammers try to lure you in with an incredibly low price, only to demand more money once your things are already loaded on the truck or slam you with undisclosed fees. It’s a good idea to always get everything in writing. A trustworthy mover will give you a clear, written estimate that explains exactly what you are paying for.

Licensing, Insurance, and Reviews

If you are moving across state lines, the company must be registered with the federal government. You can easily check their USDOT number online to confirm they are licensed and insured. It is also a great idea to check reviews on independent websites. If a company doesn’t seem to exist online, or if the reviews sound a little too perfect, it is usually safer to look elsewhere.

Safe Payment Practices and Contracts

Be a little wary if a mover demands a big cash deposit up front or asks you to sign a contract that isn’t filled out.  Reputable companies typically take payment upon delivery or ask for only a modest deposit to hold your date. Always read the fine print and ask questions before signing anything. If a mover refuses to give you a copy of the contract or pressures you to sign quickly, walk away.

Planning Your Moving Budget

We know that figuring out the budget is usually the most stressful part of moving. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different costs. But planning is the secret to saving money and avoiding extra fees. The best way to figure it all out is to account for the big things, like the truck, and the little things, like packing tape, and you will be in good shape.

 When you’re ready to see the real costs of your move, MovingPlace makes it simple. We connect you with trusted, licensed movers so you can see accurate quotes right online. It is the easiest way to compare your options side by side without spending your whole day on the phone.