How Much Do Movers Cost? (2026 Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of movers ranges from $500–$3,500+ for local moves under 100 miles and $1,500–$8,500+ for long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles. Local moves are usually priced hourly, while long-distance moves are priced based on shipment weight and mileage, with home size, distance, and service level affecting the final cost.
DIY options are cheaper. Moving containers cost $400–$700 for local moves and $900–$4,500 for long-distance container services, while local rental trucks cost $30–$500 on average. Read this guide on the average cost of movers to figure out which of the best moving companies to hire.
Key takeaways
- The average cost of movers ranges from $500–$3,500+ for local moves.
- Long-distance moves typically cost $1,500–$8,500+.
- Local movers usually charge $25–$100 per hour per mover.
- DIY options like containers or trucks can reduce moving costs by 30–60%.
- Home size, distance, and service level are the biggest cost drivers.
What factors affect the cost of movers?
Moving costs vary because not every move is priced the same way. A local move is under 100 miles and is usually charged by the hour, while a long-distance move is 100+ miles and is usually priced using shipment weight + mileage.
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Home size: Larger moves cost more because they require more labor and a larger truck.
- Distance: The farther you move, the higher your moving quotes will be.
- Service level: Packing, unpacking, storage, specialized services, and valuation/insurance can all increase your total.
- Time of year: Summer prices are higher because it is peak moving season. The cheapest time to move is between October and April.
- Moving date: Moving prices are higher on weekends and at the beginning and end of the month.
Movers cost: a quick look
Below is a quick breakdown of the average costs for various local and long-distance moves. This guide will give you ballpark numbers, but our moving cost calculator helps you find a price that’s more accurate to your actual move.
If your move is under 100 miles
Here are the average costs of intrastate moves under 100 miles by home size, based on the most recent proprietary pricing data from our moving cost calculator:
- Studio: about $340
- 1 bedroom: about $460
- 2 bedroom: about $725
- 3 bedroom: about $1,625
- 4 bedroom: about $1,860
- 5+ bedroom: about $2,850
If your move is 100+ miles
Here are the average costs of long-distance moves by distance and home size using the most recent firsthand pricing data from our moving cost calculator:
- 150–250 miles
- Studio/1 bedroom: $1,165–$2,650
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,650–$4,385
- 4 bedrooms: $2,860–$6,230
- 5+ bedrooms: $3,290–$7,165
- 500–1,000 miles
- Studio/1 bedroom: $1,845–$4,020
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,060–$5,280
- 4 bedrooms: $3,580–$7,220
- 5+ bedrooms: $4,115–$8,305
- 1,500–2,500 miles
- Studio/1 bedroom: $2,335–$4,860
- 2–3 bedrooms: $4,375–$6,750
- 4 bedrooms: $5,500–$10,070
- 5+ bedrooms: $6,325–$11,580
Average cost of movers by move type
Local movers cost
A local move is under 100 miles and usually stays within the same state, which means it is considered an intrastate move.
Based on our 2026 pricing data, for local moves:
- Professional movers cost $500–$3,500+ on average
- Full-service movers cost $25–$100 per hour per moving crew member
- Many movers have a 2–4 hour minimum
- Billing is often done in 15–60 minute increments
Average local movers cost by home size
| Home size | Avg. total cost |
|---|---|
| Studio | $340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $460 |
| 2 Bedroom | $725 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,625 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,860 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $2,850 |
How local moving costs are calculated
Most local movers price moves hourly.
Local moving cost formula: (Hourly Rate × Number of Movers × Hours) + Travel/Trip Fee + Packing Materials/Services
Example cost of a local move:
- Labor: $60/hr per mover × 3 movers × 6 hours = $1,080
- Travel fee: + $75
- Materials: + $120 (boxes/wrap)
- Estimated total: $1,080 + $75 + $120 = $1,275
Long-distance movers cost
A long-distance move is 100+ miles and often crosses state lines, which makes it an interstate move. Here are average costs for long-distance moves pulled from our proprietary cost data.
- Professional movers range from $1,500–$8,500+ for long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles
- Average long-distance moving costs range from $1,000–$14,000+, depending on size and distance
- Most long-distance moves cost between $3,060–$5,280 for a two- to three-bedroom home
- Moving a two- to three-bedroom home from New York City to Atlanta averages between $2,300 and $5,500
Average long-distance movers cost by mileage and home size
Here is a breakdown of what hiring long-distance movers costs, on average, by distance and home size:
| Mileage | Studio/1 Bedroom Moving Cost | 2–3 Bedrooms Moving Cost | 4 Bedrooms Moving Cost | 5+ Bedroom Moving Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
How long-distance moving costs are calculated
Long-distance moving cost formula: (Shipment Weight × Distance × Rate per Pound-Mile) + Extra Services (packing/storage) + Valuation/Insurance
Example cost of a long-distance move:
- Linehaul: 5,000 lb × 1,200 miles × $0.0013 per lb-mile = $7,800
- Packing service: + $900
- Valuation/insurance: + $250
- Estimated total: $7,800 + $900 + $250 = $8,950
DIY moving costs vs. full-service moving cost
DIY options such as rental trucks and moving containers are usually cheaper than professional movers, but you do the packing and heavy lifting yourself. The right choice usually comes down to cost, distance, and how much labor you want to take on.
Average cost by moving option
| Moving option | Local cost | Long-distance cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $500–$3,500+ | $1,500–$8,500+ | Usually the most expensive option, but service level can include packing, unpacking, storage, and specialized services. |
| Moving containers | $400–$700 | $900–$4,500 or more | Usually cheaper than professional movers, but you handle the packing and heavy lifting. |
| Rental trucks | $30–$500 on average | Varies by route | Usually cheaper than professional movers, but you handle the packing and heavy lifting. Pricing varies by truck size, rental length, and company. |
Full-service movers
Full-service movers are usually the highest-cost option for moving, but they also offer the highest service level, according to our moving cost calculator data.
- Average local cost: $500–$3,500+
- Average long-distance cost: $1,500–$8,500+
- Typical local pricing: $25–$100 per hour per moving crew member
- What affects the price: home size, distance, shipment weight, and service level
- Higher service level
- Can include packing, unpacking, storage, and specialized services
- Best fit if you do not want to handle the packing and heavy lifting yourself
- Usually costs more than DIY options
- Extra services can increase your final move cost
Moving containers
Moving containers fall between rental trucks and full-service movers on both cost and convenience.
- Average local cost: around $400–$700 for one container within 50 miles
- Average long-distance cost: $900–$4,500 or more
- Usually cheaper than professional movers
- Can cost less than full-service movers for both local and interstate moves
- You do the packing yourself
- You do the heavy lifting yourself
Rental trucks
Rental trucks are usually the most hands-on option for moving. They can be a lower-cost way to move locally, but pricing structures vary from company to company.
- Average local cost: $30–$500
- Example base rate: Budget Truck Rental charges $20–$60 per day (plus a per-mile fee) for local moves
- Usually cheaper than professional movers
- Can be a low-cost option for local moves
- You do the packing yourself
- You do the heavy lifting yourself
- Pricing structures vary from company to company
Sample route comparison by moving option
These examples show how the price gap can widen for different types of moves as the distance increases.
Short-distance examples
Here are the average costs of some short-distance moves:
| Route | Rental Truck | Moving Container | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Medium-distance examples
Based on our data, here are the average costs for various medium-distance moves:
| Route | Rental Truck | Moving Container | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Long-distance examples
Below is a breakdown of the average costs of some popular long-distance moves:
| Route | Rental Truck | Moving Container | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
How to save money on movers
Here are some ways we recommend you save money when hiring movers:
- Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your move size, distance, and service needs to avoid surprise fees.
- Get quotes from multiple moving companies so you can compare prices, services, and overall value.
- Know exactly what services you need before booking, such as packing, unpacking, storage, furniture assembly, or specialty item handling. Use our moving checklist to help you be prepared.
- Review each estimate carefully to see what is included and what may cost extra.
- Budget for additional expenses like tolls, packing supplies, tips, shuttle fees, stair fees, long-carry charges, and temporary storage.
- Move during the off-season when possible. Summer is typically the most expensive time to move because demand is highest.
- Aim for a move between October and April, which is usually the cheapest time of year to hire movers.
- Avoid weekends and the beginning or end of the month, since those are peak times when moving prices are often higher.
- Compare DIY options, like renting a truck or moving container, with full-service movers to see which gives you the best balance of cost and convenience.
- Plan ahead and book early to lock in better rates and have more companies to choose from.
FAQ
How much do movers cost for a local move?
Local moves under 100 miles typically cost $500–$3,500+ with professional movers. Most full-service local movers charge $25–$100 per hour per crew member.
Are local moves charged hourly?
Usually, yes. Most local movers charge by the hour, often with a 2–4 hour minimum and billing in 15–60 minute increments.
How much do movers cost for a long-distance move?
Long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles typically range from $1,500–$8,500+ with professional movers. In general, long-distance moving costs can range from $1,000–$14,000+ depending on the size of the move and total distance.
How are long-distance moving costs calculated?
Long-distance moving costs are usually based on shipment weight and mileage, then adjusted for added services like packing, storage, and valuation coverage.
Does insurance affect moving costs?
Yes. Long-distance quotes may increase if you add valuation coverage or extra services such as packing and storage.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks in the total cost for the items and services listed in the estimate. At delivery, you generally pay 100% of that amount unless you changed the scope of the move and signed a revised written estimate before loading.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate is a good-faith projection, not a guaranteed total. Final charges are based on the mover’s tariff and the actual weight and services provided.
What is the 110% rule?
For interstate moves with a non-binding estimate, movers can require payment of up to 110% of the estimated amount at delivery. Any remaining balance must be billed after delivery.
Do movers require a deposit?
Deposit policies vary by company. Before booking, compare multiple quotes, confirm the services included, and review all written estimate terms carefully.
How can I avoid moving scams or surprise charges?
Use a moving cost calculator, get multiple quotes, understand exactly which services you need, account for possible add-on costs, and compare written interstate estimates carefully before choosing a mover.
moveBuddha’s Moving Pricing Methodology
Our calculator runs on one of the most comprehensive and current pricing datasets in the moving industry. It’s updated monthly with 1,000+ new data points from across the United States.
We source real-time rates through automated feeds and APIs, our Better Moves Project, direct quote requests, and anonymized user quotes from this very tool. Our dataset covers everything from full-service movers to containers, truck rentals, and moving labor. This approach means you can compare apples to apples.
Because our inputs update continuously, our cost averages reflect real-world conditions like fuel prices, labor availability, carrier capacity, seasonality, and active promotions. Rates adjust within weeks as the market shifts.
To keep results accurate and fair, we use median-based lane summaries, stratified sampling by service type, region, and move size, plus outlier detection and provider verification. We’re also transparent about what’s included.
After more than a decade of price tracking, our data has been cited by universities, hedge funds, and major outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg, and USA Today. You get friendly advice backed by serious rigor.
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