How Much Does It Cost to Move? A Complete Breakdown for 2026

Updated March 2026 · 8 min read · By Travis Cook

Moving always costs more than you think it will. The cost of a move depends on how much stuff you own, how far you're going, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself. This guide breaks down average moving costs for every scenario so you can set a realistic budget before you start packing.

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Average Moving Costs at a Glance

Here is what you can expect to spend in 2026, depending on the type of move.

Move Type	Home Size	Average Cost
Local (under 50 mi)	Studio / 1 BR	$400 - $1,200
Local (under 50 mi)	2 - 3 BR	$800 - $3,000
Local (under 50 mi)	4+ BR	$2,000 - $4,500
Long-distance (500 mi)	1 BR	$1,500 - $3,000
Long-distance (500 mi)	2 - 3 BR	$3,000 - $6,000
Cross-country (2,000+ mi)	2 - 3 BR	$4,500 - $8,500
Cross-country (2,000+ mi)	4+ BR	$6,000 - $12,000+

How Local Moving Costs Work

Local moves (under 100 miles, same state) are charged by the hour. A two-person crew with a truck runs $80-$150/hour, usually with a 2-4 hour minimum. The meter is running while they load, drive, and unload.

A studio takes 2-3 hours. A three-bedroom with a garage full of stuff you forgot you owned? 6-8 hours. Every box you don't move is money saved. Decluttering before a move isn't just therapeutic, it's the single biggest way to cut costs.

Some movers offer flat rates instead of hourly. This protects you if the elevator is slow, traffic is brutal, or it starts raining. Always ask for both options so you can compare.

How Long-Distance Moving Costs Work

Long-distance moves (100+ miles or across state lines) work differently: priced by weight and distance. They literally weigh your stuff on a scale. Typical rate: $0.50-$0.80 per pound, plus a base fee and mileage.

A two-bedroom going 1,000 miles? $3,500-$5,500. A four-bedroom going cross-country? $7,000-$12,000. And your stuff won't arrive the same day. Most companies give you a delivery window of 7-21 days, which means you're living out of a suitcase for a while.

DIY vs. Full-Service Movers vs. Containers

DIY truck rental is the cheapest way to go. U-Haul, Penske, or Budget: $50-$300 locally, $1,000-$2,500 cross-country. You load, drive, and unload everything yourself. Fine for a studio. Miserable for a three-bedroom, especially up stairs.

Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) split the difference. They drop a container in your driveway, you load it on your timeline, they drive it. $1,500-$5,000 for long distance. You do the labor, they handle the road.

Full-service movers do everything: pack, load, drive, unload. Most expensive by far, but for a big move the insurance and labor savings are worth it. You also avoid the screaming match about fitting the couch through the doorway.

Hidden Costs That Surprise People

The quote is almost never the final number. Here's what gets added:

Stair and elevator fees: $75 to $150 per flight of stairs. If you live on the third floor of a walk-up, this adds up fast. Long-carry charges: If the truck can't park within 75 feet of your door, movers charge $150 or more for the extra distance. Shuttle fees: If a full-size truck can't fit on your street, a smaller shuttle truck is used at an additional $300 to $500. Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and mattress covers can add $100 to $350 if the movers supply them. Fuel surcharges: A percentage added to the bill, typically 3 to 10%.

Get everything itemized in writing before you sign. A legit mover will list every possible charge upfront. If they won't, that's your sign to call someone else.

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Move

1. Declutter ruthlessly. Every pound costs money, especially on a long-distance move. Sell, donate, or toss anything you've not used in a year. Host a garage sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace.

2. Move in the off-season. May through September is peak moving season, and rates are 15 to 25% higher. If you can move between October and April, you'll save significantly.

3. Choose a mid-month, mid-week date. Most leases start and end at the beginning or end of the month, so those dates have the highest demand. Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month gives you the best rates and availability.

4. Get at least three quotes. Moving prices vary widely between companies. Getting multiple in-home or virtual estimates lets you compare and negotiate.

5. Pack yourself. Professional packing adds $500 to $2,000 to your bill. Start collecting free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and Nextdoor a month before your move.

6. Use what you already have. Suitcases, laundry baskets, dresser drawers, and trash bags all work as packing containers. Towels, blankets, and clothing make excellent padding for fragile items.

7. Ship books and heavy items separately. Media Mail through USPS is extremely cheap for books. A 50-pound box of books costs about $10 to ship via Media Mail versus costing you $25 to $40 in moving weight charges.

8. Ask about discounts. Many moving companies offer military, student, senior, and AAA member discounts. Some also offer lower rates if you're flexible on your delivery date.

9. Deduct moving expenses if you qualify. If you're moving for a job that's at least 50 miles farther from your old home, active-duty military members can deduct moving expenses on their federal tax return.

10. Skip the insurance upgrade (maybe). Movers are required to offer basic released-value protection (60 cents per pound per item) for free. Full-value protection costs extra but covers the replacement cost of damaged items. If your belongings aren't worth much, the free option may be enough.

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How Much to Tip Your Movers

Tipping isn't required but it's expected. Local move: $20-$50 per mover. Full-day or long-distance: 15-20% of the total. Cash, handed to each person individually, at the end. If they hauled your couch up three flights in August heat, tip generously.

When to Start Planning

Local move: start planning 4-6 weeks out. Long-distance: 8-12 weeks. Peak season (May-September): even earlier. Start decluttering the day you know you're moving. Pack non-essentials (books, seasonal stuff, decor) 2-3 weeks before. Leave everyday stuff for last. You will still somehow be packing at midnight the night before. Everyone does.

About the Author

Travis Cook creates practical guides for MayoCalc, turning complicated decisions into clear, actionable steps backed by real data and expert sources.

Moving Cost FAQ

How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment locally?

A local move for a 1-bedroom apartment typically costs $400 to $1,200. Most of this is labor, with a two-person crew taking 3 to 4 hours at $80 to $150 per hour.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?

Renting a truck is almost always cheaper in terms of dollars, but it requires significantly more time and physical effort. For a small local move, DIY can save you hundreds. For a large or long-distance move, the time savings and insurance coverage of professional movers often make them worth the extra cost.

What is the cheapest month to move?

January and February are typically the cheapest months to move in the United States. Demand is lowest during winter, and moving companies often offer discounts to fill their schedules. October through April is considered off-peak season overall.

How much does a cross-country move cost?

A cross-country move (2,000+ miles) typically costs $4,500 to $8,500 for a 2 to 3 bedroom home using full-service movers. DIY truck rental for the same distance runs $1,500 to $3,000, and portable containers fall in between at $2,500 to $5,000.

Do movers charge by weight or by hour?

Local movers typically charge by the hour. Long-distance movers charge by weight and distance. Some companies offer flat-rate pricing for either type of move, which can protect you from unexpected cost increases.

Sources

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): FMCSA consumer protection for interstate moves
American Moving & Storage Association: Industry statistics on average moving costs

Related Tools

Estimate your moving budget with the Moving Cost Calculator, figure out whether to rent or buy at your destination with the Rent vs. Buy Calculator, or estimate your new mortgage payment with the Mortgage Calculator.

Disclaimer: Moving costs in this article are based on national averages and industry data for 2026. Actual costs vary by region, season, and specific circumstances. Always get written quotes from licensed movers before booking.