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How Much Do Moving Companies Cost? 2026 Prices & Calculator

See exactly what movers cost in 2026 by home size, distance, and city, estimate your move with the calculator below, and compare up to 6 free quotes from licensed movers.

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How much do moving companies cost? On average, a professional move runs about $3,000—but the real number depends on your home size, distance, and services. A local 2–3 bedroom move usually costs $900–$2,800, while a long-distance move of the same home runs $1,300–$9,500. This guide breaks down every cost, city by city, then connects you with movers so you can compare real quotes.

Jump to the cost calculator, how movers charge, the city cost table, or get your free quotes.

Moving Cost Calculator

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Move type
Home size
Estimated moving cost
$300 – $700Local move · 2 movers · 3–5 hrs
$400 – $850Local move · 2 movers · 3–6 hrs
$600 – $1,200Local move · 2–3 movers · 5–7 hrs
$900 – $2,000Local move · 3–4 movers · 6–9 hrs
$1,400 – $2,900Local move · 4 movers · 8–12 hrs
$2,000 – $4,500Local move · 4–5 movers · 10–16 hrs
$1,650 – $3,500Long-distance · ~2,000–2,500 lbs
$2,000 – $3,700Long-distance · ~2,500–3,500 lbs
$3,100 – $5,200Long-distance · ~5,000 lbs
$4,900 – $8,200Long-distance · ~7,500–10,000 lbs
$6,300 – $10,300Long-distance · ~10,000–12,000 lbs
$7,800 – $13,000+Long-distance · ~12,000+ lbs

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Add packing (+$280–$2,200), specialty items (+$150–$450 each), or stairs to your estimate. 2026 planning averages—request quotes for a firm number.

How Moving Companies Charge

Movers use two pricing models depending on distance. Knowing which applies to you is the key to reading a quote.

Local moves — billed by the hour

A local move (under about 50 miles) is charged by the hour: $40–$100 per mover, per hour, so a two-person crew commonly runs $80–$120 an hour, usually with a 2–5 hour minimum. Here’s the typical total by home size:

Home size Crew Est. hours Typical local cost
Studio / 1-bedroom 2 movers 3–5 hrs $300 – $850
2-bedroom 2–3 movers 5–7 hrs $600 – $1,200
3-bedroom house 3–4 movers 6–9 hrs $900 – $2,000
4-bedroom house 4 movers 8–12 hrs $1,400 – $2,900
5+ bedroom house 4–5 movers 10–16 hrs $2,000 – $4,500

See our dedicated local movers cost and residential movers cost guides for more detail.

Long-distance moves — billed by weight & mileage

A long-distance or interstate move (100+ miles) is priced on the weight of your shipment plus the distance, at roughly $0.55–$0.90 per pound. Typical full-service cost by home size (about 1,000 miles):

Home size Estimated weight Typical cost (~1,000 mi)
Studio / 1-bedroom 2,000–3,500 lbs $1,650 – $3,700
2-bedroom ~5,000 lbs $3,100 – $5,200
3-bedroom house 7,500–10,000 lbs $4,900 – $8,200
4-bedroom house 10,000–12,000 lbs $6,300 – $10,300
5+ bedroom house 12,000+ lbs $7,800 – $13,000+

Moving out of state? See our full long-distance movers cost guide.

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What Movers Charge for Packing

Packing is usually an add-on, not included in the base price. Full or partial packing typically costs $600–$2,500—about $250–$500 for a one-bedroom and $1,000–$1,800 for a three-bedroom home. A key upside: when movers pack a box, they’re liable for damage caused by their packing. Wondering what they’ll box for you? See what moving companies will and won’t pack.

Hidden & Additional Moving Costs

The base quote isn’t always the final bill. Watch for these common extras:

  • Stairs & long carry — $50–$75 per flight; long-carry fees when the truck can’t park close.
  • Fuel surcharge — $50–$150, sometimes billed separately even on local moves.
  • Specialty items — pianos, pool tables, safes, and hot tubs add $150–$800 each.
  • Storage — storage-in-transit runs about $50–$300 per month.
  • Extra stops — each additional pickup or drop-off adds a fee.
  • Insurance / valuation — full-value protection costs more than the free basic coverage.
  • Peak timing — summer, weekends, and month-end dates run 20–30% higher.

Moving Cost by Distance

Here’s the typical full-service cost for a 2–3 bedroom home at different distances:

Move type Distance Typical cost (2–3 BR)
Local Under 50 miles $900 – $2,800
Regional / intrastate 50–250 miles $1,500 – $4,500
Long-distance 250–1,000 miles $3,000 – $7,000
Cross-country 1,000+ miles $4,900 – $12,000+
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How to Lower Your Moving Cost

  • Declutter first — fewer items means fewer hours or less weight (every 500 lbs saved can cut $250–$400 on a long haul).
  • Move off-season and mid-week — October through April, Tuesday or Wednesday, and mid-month are cheapest.
  • Pack yourself — skipping packing service saves $600–$2,500.
  • Compare at least three quotes — prefer binding or not-to-exceed estimates, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

What day is cheapest to hire movers?

Weekdays—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—are cheapest, along with mid-month dates. Weekends, holidays, and the start or end of the month cost more. Combine a mid-week date with the off-season for the best rate.

How much should you tip movers?

Tipping is optional but customary. A common guideline is 10–20% of the total bill, or $20–$50 per mover per day. For a team of three on an all-day move, that’s roughly $60–$150 total. Tip more for stairs, heavy items, or excellent service, and have cash ready on moving day.

Estimated Moving Costs by City

Local hourly rates and long-distance ranges vary by market. Here’s a snapshot of movers’ costs across major U.S. cities—click your city for local movers, or get quotes for an exact price.

City Local movers (per hour) Long-distance range
New York, NY $85 – $103/hr $4,901 – $11,642
Los Angeles, CA $81 – $94/hr $4,996 – $11,502
Chicago, IL $86 – $95/hr $4,852 – $11,006
Houston, TX $77 – $89/hr $4,900 – $9,002
Phoenix, AZ $79 – $88/hr $4,933 – $10,200
Philadelphia, PA $81 – $90/hr $4,920 – $10,325
San Antonio, TX $75 – $90/hr $3,920 – $9,400
San Diego, CA $86 – $95/hr $4,900 – $10,325
Dallas, TX $80 – $88/hr $4,300 – $9,400
San Jose, CA $82 – $96/hr $4,875 – $10,600
Austin, TX $71 – $91/hr $4,500 – $9,000
Jacksonville, FL $73 – $87/hr $3,872 – $11,500
San Francisco, CA $80 – $99/hr $4,601 – $11,700
Columbus, OH $77 – $96/hr $4,899 – $10,701
Indianapolis, IN $77 – $89/hr $4,750 – $10,821
Fort Worth, TX $70 – $88/hr $3,998 – $8,889
Charlotte, NC $74 – $87/hr $3,870 – $10,100
Seattle, WA $82 – $95/hr $4,520 – $11,275
Denver, CO $77 – $96/hr $4,637 – $9,100
El Paso, TX $79 – $95/hr $4,803 – $9,275
Washington, DC $88 – $99/hr $4,900 – $11,850
Boston, MA $83 – $98/hr $4,882 – $9,995
Detroit, MI $80 – $94/hr $4,500 – $9,444
Nashville, TN $74 – $88/hr $3,850 – $9,775
Memphis, TN $76 – $93/hr $3,999 – $9,778
Portland, OR $80 – $95/hr $4,403 – $11,200
Oklahoma City, OK $79 – $92/hr $4,111 – $10,000
Las Vegas, NV $81 – $90/hr $4,710 – $11,500
Louisville, KY $75 – $89/hr $4,400 – $9,825
Baltimore, MD $80 – $97/hr $4,226 – $10,600
Milwaukee, WI $70 – $79/hr $3,771 – $7,199
Albuquerque, NM $72 – $86/hr $3,777 – $9,732
Tucson, AZ $75 – $89/hr $3,936 – $9,777
Fresno, CA $82 – $92/hr $4,999 – $12,650
Sacramento, CA $88 – $96/hr $4,999 – $12,001
Mesa, AZ $79 – $89/hr $4,201 – $11,009
Kansas City, MO $80 – $93/hr $4,300 – $10,885
Atlanta, GA $75 – $92/hr $3,980 – $10,003
Long Beach, CA $79 – $96/hr $4,420 – $11,000
Colorado Springs, CO $72 – $88/hr $4,990 – $10,000
Raleigh, NC $77 – $89/hr $4,881 – $9,021
Miami, FL $72 – $90/hr $7,566 – $10,200
Virginia Beach, VA $80 – $92/hr $4,758 – $8,389
Omaha, NE $77 – $88/hr $4,300 – $9,771
Oakland, CA $88 – $93/hr $4,999 – $10,325
Minneapolis, MN $86 – $96/hr $4,660 – $11,558
Tulsa, OK $79 – $91/hr $4,020 – $10,357
Arlington, TX $74 – $96/hr $4,000 – $10,758
New Orleans, LA $78 – $92/hr $4,668 – $10,346
Wichita, KS $78 – $88/hr $4,727 – $10,552
Cleveland, OH $80 – $89/hr $4,500 – $10,388
Tampa, FL $77 – $93/hr $4,001 – $10,999
Bakersfield, CA $84 – $96/hr $4,773 – $11,245
Aurora, CO $77 – $89/hr $4,300 – $10,587
Honolulu, HI $72 – $90/hr $3,999 – $10,325
Anaheim, CA $81 – $97/hr $4,500 – $10,774
Santa Ana, CA $81 – $98/hr $4,660 – $10,800
Corpus Christi, TX $80 – $88/hr $4,420 – $10,000
Riverside, CA $88 – $96/hr $4,923 – $11,005
Lexington, KY $77 – $90/hr $4,922 – $9,400
St. Louis, MO $83 – $92/hr $4,800 – $10,000
Stockton, CA $78 – $97/hr $4,275 – $10,333
Pittsburgh, PA $81 – $96/hr $4,276 – $10,778
Saint Paul, MN $83 – $97/hr $4,777 – $10,999
Cincinnati, OH $80 – $94/hr $7,651 – $10,000
Anchorage, AK $79 – $88/hr $4,000 – $10,000
Henderson, NV $80 – $90/hr $4,200 – $10,500
Greensboro, NC $77 – $91/hr $4,800 – $10,669
Plano, TX $77 – $92/hr $4,375 – $10,402
Newark, NJ $80 – $98/hr $4,308 – $10,900
Lincoln, NE $75 – $94/hr $4,636 – $11,000
Toledo, OH $80 – $93/hr $4,029 – $10,100
Orlando, FL $74 – $89/hr $4,500 – $10,700
Chula Vista, CA $79 – $93/hr $4,999 – $10,999
Irvine, CA $80 – $91/hr $4,720 – $10,899

Long-distance ranges increase with distance and weight. Don’t see your city? Request quotes and we’ll match you locally.

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Related Cost Guides

How Much Do Moving Companies Cost? FAQ

How much do moving companies cost?
On average, a professional move costs around $3,000, but the range is wide. A local move for a 2–3 bedroom home (under 50 miles) typically runs $900–$2,800, while a long-distance move of the same home costs $1,300–$9,500 depending on weight and mileage. Home size, distance, and add-on services are the biggest drivers.
How do moving companies charge?
It depends on the move. Local movers charge by the hour based on crew size and how long the job takes. Long-distance and interstate movers charge by the weight of your shipment plus the total mileage, at roughly $0.55–$0.90 per pound. Packing and other services are billed separately.
How much do movers cost per hour?
Local movers charge about $40–$100 per mover, per hour, so a two-person crew commonly runs $80–$120 an hour. Most companies have a 2–5 hour minimum, so even a small move meets a base charge.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?
A local 3-bedroom move averages $900–$2,000 (about 3–4 movers over 6–9 hours). Long-distance, a 3-bedroom home (roughly 7,500–10,000 lbs) moving about 1,000 miles usually costs $4,900–$8,200.
How much do movers charge for packing?
Professional packing typically costs $600–$2,500 depending on home size—about $250–$500 for a one-bedroom and $1,000–$1,800 for a three-bedroom home. When movers pack your boxes, they’re liable for damage caused by their packing.
What is the cheapest time to hire movers?
Mid-week, mid-month, and the off-season (October through April) are the cheapest times. Summer, weekends, and the start or end of the month are in highest demand and cost the most—often 20–30% more.
How much should I tip movers?
Tipping is optional but appreciated. A common guideline is 10–20% of the total bill, or $20–$50 per mover per day. Tip more for heavy items, lots of stairs, or an all-day move.
What extra fees do moving companies charge?
Common add-ons include packing, stair fees ($50–$75 per flight), long-carry fees, fuel surcharges ($50–$150), specialty-item handling (pianos, safes: $150–$800), storage ($50–$300/month), and extra-stop charges. Ask for a written, itemized estimate so nothing surprises you.
How can I lower my moving cost?
Declutter to reduce weight or hours, move in the off-season and mid-week, pack what you can yourself, and compare at least three quotes. Being flexible on dates and downsizing before the move are the two biggest levers.
Are moving companies required to have insurance?
Yes. The FMCSA requires movers to offer at least two options: free released-value protection (about $0.60 per pound) and full-value protection for an added cost. Interstate movers must also carry a valid USDOT number—always verify it before booking.

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