Moving Cost Calculator
Move with confidence.
Fact Checked by: Hilary SnowUse moveBuddha’s free moving cost calculator to instantly estimate your total moving cost based on distance, home size, move date, and service level. See estimated price ranges for full-service movers, containers, freight, and rental trucks so you can compare your options side by side.
Estimates are built from real moving quotes and final prices from licensed movers and updated monthly to reflect seasonal pricing trends. Your move is important to us because it’s important to you. We only recommend moving companies that are properly licensed and insured and meet our set of rigorous review standards. Read our full Moving Company Methodology. We take all reasonable measures to protect your personal data and maintain security. Read our Privacy Policy.How to use our moving cost calculator
By following these steps, you can easily plan and budget for your move. You’ll have moving quotes in less than 30 seconds, and since we don’t require any personal information, you won’t be bombarded with follow-up emails or calls.
Here are five simple steps to using our moving cost calculator:
- Select your origin and destination. In the “Where are you moving from?” and “Where are you moving to?” fields, enter the ZIP codes or city names you’re moving to and from.
- Choose your move size. Select the option that best describes the size of your move, from “A few items” up to a “5+ bedroom residence.”
- Pick your moving date. Use the dropdown calendar to lock in your anticipated moving date.
- Review your estimates. Once you enter the details above, the calculator will provide estimates for professional, container, freight, and rental truck moves.
- Compare your options. Review the estimated costs of each moving method, view services, and get quotes from different movers.
moveBuddha helps 400,000+ people move every year, from cross-town to cross-country. Want to see how the calculator helped them? Read moveBuddha reviews.
How much do movers cost in 2026?
Local moves (under 100 miles) cost $500–$3,500+ on average. Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles) range from $1,500–$8,500+. Home size, distance, shipment weight, and service level can all affect your final move cost.
- Professional movers: Local moves cost between $500 and $3,500+, while long-distance moves range from $1,500 to $8,500+.
- Moving containers: Expect to pay between $400 and $700 for local moves, and $900 to $4,500 for long-distance container services.
- Rental trucks: Local truck rentals cost between $30 and $500 on average, with pricing structures varying from company to company.
To get an accurate moving quote, always take these steps:
- Use a moving cost calculator to get an estimate tailored to your move details.
- Get multiple quotes from moving companies to compare pricing.
- Understand your needs and know whether you need packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized services.
- Factor in additional costs like tolls, moving supplies, tips, and extra services.
Below are sample rates for local and long-distance moves based on different home sizes and distances.
Average cost of local moves
A local move is under 100 miles and usually stays within the same state (an intrastate move). Full-service movers cost $25–$100 per hour per moving crew member for local moves. According to our data, you’re likely to pay around $270 per hour to move a two-bedroom home with three movers.
| 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 |
Average cost of movers by state
Moving costs vary by state, and so do your options for movers. Browse our best movers by state hub to compare companies where you live.
| State | Local move* ~50 miles | Interstate move ~500 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,140 | $4,100 |
| Arizona | $660 | $3,970 |
| Arkansas | $650 | $4,050 |
| California | $995 | $3,950 |
| Colorado | $980 | $4,030 |
| Connecticut | $1,090 | $3,680 |
| Delaware | $1,220 | $3,810 |
| Florida | $960 | $3,500 |
| Georgia | $870 | $4,030 |
| Idaho | $860 | $4,660 |
| Illinois | $1,380 | $3,800 |
| Indiana | $1,120 | $3,960 |
| Iowa | $1,700 | $4,000 |
| Kansas | $890 | $4,120 |
| Kentucky | $740 | $4,070 |
| Louisiana | $1,220 | $3,960 |
| Maine | $1,180 | $4,660 |
| Maryland | $910 | $3,690 |
| Massachusetts | $1,010 | $3,880 |
| Michigan | $1,160 | $3,960 |
| Minnesota | $860 | $4,050 |
| Mississippi | $910 | $4,200 |
| Missouri | $1,000 | $3,920 |
| Montana | $1,050 | $4,660 |
| Nebraska | $910 | $4,000 |
| Nevada | $850 | $3,850 |
| New Hampshire | $1,570 | $4,470 |
| New Jersey | $1,090 | $3,690 |
| New Mexico | $660 | $4,310 |
| New York | $1,070 | $3,500 |
| North Carolina | $900 | $3,730 |
| North Dakota | $850 | $4,740 |
| Ohio | $950 | $4,080 |
| Oklahoma | $840 | $4,040 |
| Oregon | $1,020 | $4,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,050 | $3,810 |
| Rhode Island | $880 | $3,690 |
| South Carolina | $1,100 | $3,730 |
| South Dakota | $1,500 | $4,660 |
| Tennessee | $990 | $4,080 |
| Texas | $880 | $3,960 |
| Utah | $1,310 | $4,000 |
| Vermont | $1,780 | $4,470 |
| Virginia | $890 | $3,730 |
| Washington | $1,470 | $4,470 |
| West Virginia | $1,310 | $4,080 |
| Wisconsin | $1,170 | $4,040 |
| Wyoming | $880 | $4,660 |
Average cost of long-distance moves
A long-distance move is 100+ miles and often crosses state lines (an interstate move). Average long-distance moving costs range from $1,000–$14,000+, depending on the size and distance of your move. Most long-distance moves costing between $3,060–$5,280 for a two- to three-bedroom home. For example, our data shows that moving a two- to three-bedroom home from New York City to Atlanta averages between $2,310 and $5,438.
| Mileage | Studio/1 Bedroom | 2–3 Bedrooms | 4 Bedrooms | 5+ Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Average city-to-city moving cost estimates
Based on moveBuddha’s proprietary 2026 moving cost data, here’s what you can expect to pay to move from different cities across the US. These ranges reflect accurate estimates for rental trucks, containers, and professional movers from our up-to-date cost guides.
Interstate moving estimates
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 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 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 |
Average cost of DIY moves
The average cost of a DIY move can vary depending on whether you book a moving container or rental truck, how much stuff you have to move, and how far you’re going.
Let’s look at the cost of moving containers and moving trucks.
- Moving container cost (e.g., PODS): The average cost to move within 50 miles with portable moving container companies is around $400–$700 for one container. For interstate moves, average moving container costs range from $900–$4,500 or more.
- Moving truck rental cost (e.g., U-Haul): The average price for a local moving truck rental ranges from $30–$500, depending on the size of the truck and duration of the rental. For instance, Budget Truck Rental charges $20–$60 per day (plus a per-mile fee) as their base rate for local moves.
Moving quotes explained
Moving quotes can look similar but mean very different things depending on whether you’re doing a local (intrastate) move or an interstate move and on the type of estimate you receive. Below we breakdown important information to compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise charges.
Intrastate moves: how quotes usually work
Most local movers price moves hourly. Your total is typically based on the hourly rate × crew size × time, plus common add-ons like travel time, truck fees, materials, and access fees (stairs/long carry). Many movers also have a minimum number of hours, so confirm the minimum, what counts as billable time, and whether travel time is included.
Interstate moves: estimate types and what you pay at delivery
For interstate moves, movers must provide a written estimate of charges. FMCSA explains the basics of estimate types and consumer protections in its guidance on binding estimates.
- Binding estimate (interstate): Locks in the total cost for the items and services listed on the estimate. At delivery, you generally pay 100% of the binding estimate amount unless you change the scope (add items/services), in which case the mover should issue a revised written estimate before loading.
- Non-binding estimate (interstate): A good-faith projection, not a guarantee. Your final charges are based on the mover’s tariff and the actual shipment/services.
For a more detailed breakdown (plus what to ask for on the estimate), see our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates.
Interstate delivery payment rules (the 110% rule)
This rule only applies to interstate moves with a non-binding estimate. It’s a consumer protection that limits how much a mover can make you pay at the moment of delivery.
At delivery, you should be prepared to pay up to 10% more than your estimate (that’s the “110%”). If your final bill is higher than that, the mover must still deliver your items once you pay 110% of the estimate and then bill you for the remaining balance later.
Here’s an example: Your non-binding estimate is $4,000. At delivery, the mover can require up to $4,400 (110%). If the final charges come out to $5,000, you pay $4,400 at delivery and the mover bills the remaining $600 after delivery.
Two important exceptions: At delivery, the mover can also collect charges for extra services you requested after booking that weren’t in the estimate, and certain impracticable operations charges (limited by federal rules). Any remaining balance must be billed after delivery.
If you want the official wording, FMCSA explains the 110% rule and delivery payment requirements here: Estimating Charges (Subpart D).
How are moving costs calculated?
Most moving companies price local moves by the hour based on how many movers you hire and how long the job takes. Long-distance moves are typically quoted using your shipment weight and travel distance (plus service level), and our free moving cost calculator uses the same factors movers use, including:
- Move size: Larger moves are more expensive, as they require more labor and a larger moving truck.
- Distance: The greater the distance, the higher your moving quotes will be.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Moving containers or rental trucks are usually cheaper than professional movers, but you do the packing and heavy lifting.
- Time of year: Summer prices are higher because it’s 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.
Additional moving costs
Full-service movers may charge additional and hidden fees based on the details of your move:
- Specialty items: Pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, motorcycles, safes, and other bulky items can increase your cost. Ask your mover for a per-item handling fee before booking.
- Packing services: Professional packing costs an extra $0.15—$0.21 per pound on average. These services can add $900–$1,500 on average depending on home size and what you want packed.
- Packing supplies: If movers use supplies like bubble wrap, mattress covers, or packing paper, they may charge extra (or sell them to you directly). DIY packing supplies typically run $100–$350+ for a 2–3 bedroom home.
- Additional services: You can pay a full-service mover for add-ons such as packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and furniture assembly.
- Long-carry, stair-carry, shuttle, or elevator fees: If the mover can’t park close to your door, has to use a smaller truck to get access, or navigate tricky staircases/elevators, they may charge access fees. These “destination fees” commonly add $75–$500+. Shuttle service is often priced by weight (typically $0.08–$0.12 per pound, with a minimum fee around $200).
- Storage: Some movers include short-term storage, but longer storage usually costs extra, around $50–$300 per month on average.
- Extra stops: Movers will typically charge a fee for additional stops beyond the primary residence.
- Expedited delivery: For an additional cost, movers will expedite your delivery and have your items delivered by a specific date.
- Tips: Tipping is customary for good service. Most people tip $20–$60 per mover (or 5%–10% of the total cost split among the crew).
How to lower your moving costs
There are a lot of ways to save money when moving. Here are some of our favorites:
- Sell, donate, or trash. The less you move, the less you’ll pay. Sell, donate, or trash anything that isn’t worth moving.
- Be flexible. Avoid moving around holidays, near the end of the month, or in the summer months. Having flexible moving dates can also result in a better price.
- Get multiple moving quotes. It’s not unusual for moving estimates to vary by thousands of dollars. Get at least three moving quotes for a fair price.
- Book early. When possible, book your mover 30 to 60 days in advance. Full-service movers may increase prices for last-minute bookings or have limited availability.
- Ask for price matching and discounts. Don’t hesitate to ask for a price match if you’ve found a cheaper quote elsewhere, or inquire about discounts.
- Get free packing supplies. Use our guide to find free moving boxes and other supplies. Buying boxes and materials can easily add $100–$350+ for a typical 2–3 bedroom home.
- DIY what you can. Packing yourself can save a lot. Full packing services often add $900–$1,500. If you’re moving into an apartment or city area, reserving parking/elevators in advance can also help you avoid access fees like stairs, long-carry, elevator, or shuttle charges (often $75–$500+).
- Use your insurance. See if your homeowners or renters insurance covers moving to avoid paying for full-valuation coverage.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book my move?
You should book your move at least six weeks in advance to get the best rates. Start researching options and going through a designated moving checklist for your upcoming move around eight weeks in advance. Be sure to get quotes from at least three different movers to compare prices.
How can a moving cost calculator help you?
A moving cost calculator gives you a fast ballpark estimate based on your distance, home size, move date, and service level before you start calling movers. It sets a baseline so you can compare options and spot overpriced quotes quickly.
What steps should I take to get moving quotes?
To get accurate quotes (and avoid surprise charges), take these steps before you book:
- Prep your move details. Have your addresses, move date window, and a rough inventory ready.
- Get 3–5 quotes. Pricing can vary by thousands, so compare multiple companies.
- Schedule a virtual or in-home estimate. A walkthrough helps prevent last-minute price hikes.
- Verify credentials. Confirm licensing and insurance, and check reviews to avoid scams.
- Confirm what’s included. Review services, access fees, storage needs, and delivery windows.
- Compare apples to apples. Look beyond price. Weigh service level, reputation, and red flags.
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
Hire movers if you want the fastest, easiest move (especially for long-distance or large homes). Go DIY if you have a smaller move, helpers, and want to save money with a truck or container.
Need help planning supplies? Use our free moving box calculator to estimate how many boxes you’ll need.
Why do moving estimates change?
Estimates are based on the details you provide up front. If your inventory, access conditions, timing, or the type of estimate changes, your final price can change, especially for long-distance moves where charges are ultimately tied to the actual shipment and services performed. Below are some common ways moving estimates change:
- Inventory accuracy: Adding items (or underestimating what you have) can increase weight/space and your final cost.
- Accessorials (access fees): Stairs, long carries, elevators, shuttles, or bulky items can add charges.
- Timing: Peak season, weekends, and end-of-month dates often cost more.
- Carrier availability & scheduling: Long-distance pricing can shift based on capacity and routing.
- Service level: Packing, storage, crating, and extra stops can change the total.
To keep your price as close to the estimate as possible, request a virtual/in-home survey, share a detailed inventory, and confirm access details (stairs, long carry, elevator reservations, parking) before you sign.
What is valuation (liability protection)?
Valuation is the level of liability protection your mover provides for loss or damage. It’s not the same as the mover’s business insurance. For interstate moves, FMCSA explains that you generally choose between Full Value Protection (more comprehensive, costs extra) and Released Value (no extra cost, pays up to 60¢ per pound per article).
Two estimates can look similar, but a cheaper quote may include only Released Value, which can dramatically lower what you’d be reimbursed if something is damaged. When comparing movers, confirm the valuation option, any deductible, and your declared shipment value in writing on the estimate/bill of lading. Visit the FMCSA’s website for more information.
Are interstate moves more expensive than intrastate moves?
Usually, yes. Intrastate moves (within the same state) are often local and typically priced hourly. Local moves (under 100 miles) generally run $500–$3,500+, with full-service movers commonly charging $25–$100 per hour per mover (about $270/hour for a 2-bedroom with three movers). Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are usually long-distance and priced by shipment size (weight/space), distance, and service level. 1,000+ mile moves generally range $1,500–$8,500+ (for example, a 2–3 bedroom move 1,000–1,500 miles is $3,525–$5,955).
What is the cheapest moving company?
The cheapest moving company depends on the type of move you choose. For DIY moves, renting a truck with U-Haul is one of the cheapest options. For moving containers, U-Pack offers the best prices and quick, transparent quoting. If you’re looking for a full-service mover, North American Van Lines and Mayzlin Relocation are among the most affordable options. Don’t just look for the absolute lowest rate you can find — make sure a cheap moving company also has a solid industry reputation.
Do moving quotes include car shipping?
No, moving quotes do not include car shipping. Not all moving companies provide car shipping services. If you have to ship your vehicle, you’ll typically need to get separate quotes from car shipping companies. Our car shipping cost calculator can give you a better idea of how this will affect your overall moving budget.
Why should I trust the moveBuddha moving cost calculator and its quotes?
Our moving cost calculator is built from real moving quotes and final prices from licensed movers, and the underlying pricing data is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes. It’s designed to give you a realistic price range so you can budget confidently and spot overpriced quotes.
Here’s what makes our estimates trustworthy:
- Data-backed pricing: Our calculator runs on a pricing dataset updated monthly with 1,000+ new data points across the U.S.
- Real-world inputs: We combine quote data, market trends, and verified mover information to model what people actually pay. Read our Moving Company Rating Methodology to learn more.
- Quality standards: We only recommend movers that are properly licensed and insured and meet our review standards. We do not recommend any moving brokers.
- Proven track record: See what real customers say about using moveBuddha to compare movers and pricing.
- Industry-grounded verification: Our Better Moves Project helps validate pricing and experiences with real moves.
Keep in mind: your final total can still vary based on inventory accuracy, access fees (stairs/long carry), and service add-ons, but the estimate gives you a strong baseline to compare quotes and avoid surprises.
Can you negotiate your moving costs?
Yes, you can definitely negotiate with moving companies. They usually have moving discounts or other options to lower your quote. You can also bring quotes you’ve received from competitors to see if they’ll outbid other companies or offer price matching. Ask your sales rep for advice on further reducing your costs. For example, being flexible with your move dates or ditching high-cost items like pool tables or heavy safes can help reduce overall moving expenses.
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.
