Moving cost quick facts (2026)
- Local moves (under 100 miles): $500–$3,500+
- Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles): $1,500–$8,500+
- Moving containers, local: $400–$700
- Truck rental, local: $30–$500
- Professional packing add-on: $900–$1,500
- Typical mover tip: $20–$60 per mover
How much do movers cost?
The cost of hiring movers can range from a few hundred dollars for a small local move to $10,000+ for a large long-distance relocation. Your price depends on home size, distance, timing, and whether you choose full-service movers, containers, or a rental truck.
- Professional movers: Local moves typically fall between $500 and $3,500+. Long-distance moves often range from $1,500 to $8,500+.
- Moving containers: Expect about $400–$700 locally and $900–$4,500+ for interstate moves.
- Rental trucks: Local rentals start around $30–$500; long-distance totals depend on mileage, fuel, and truck size.
How to calculate your moving costs
- Use the quote form at the top of this page.
- Enter your current location and destination.
- Select your home size, move date, and move details.
- Review pricing tables below for movers, containers, and rental trucks.
- Request quotes to compare vetted providers for your route.
Average local moving cost
A local move stays under 100 miles and is usually priced by crew size and hourly labor. On average, local moves cost around $1,400, with most falling between $882 and $2,566 depending on home size and access.
| Home size | Movers | Hours | Avg. cost estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 | 3 | $340 – $520 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 | 4 | $460 – $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 3 | 6 | $725 – $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 4 | 7 | $1,625 – $2,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 4 | 9 | $1,860 – $2,880 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | 5 | 11 | $2,850 – $4,200 |
Average cost of movers by state
Moving costs vary by state based on labor rates, demand, and route density. Use this table as a benchmark for a ~50-mile local move and a ~500-mile interstate move.
| State | Local ~50 miles | Interstate ~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 long-distance moving cost
Long-distance moves are priced by shipment weight, mileage, and service level rather than hourly labor. A 2–3 bedroom move over 1,000 miles often averages around $4,300, with many households landing between $3,500 and $7,780.
| Mileage | Studio / 1 BR | 2–3 Bedrooms | 4+ Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150-250 miles | $1,165 – $2,650 | $2,650 – $4,385 | $2,860 – $6,230 |
| 250-500 miles | $1,380 – $3,085 | $2,778 – $4,669 | $3,088 – $6,545 |
| 500-1000 miles | $1,845 – $4,020 | $3,060 – $5,280 | $3,580 – $7,220 |
| 1000-1500 miles | $2,200 – $4,695 | $3,525 – $5,955 | $4,305 – $8,270 |
| 1500-2500 miles | $2,335 – $4,860 | $4,375 – $6,750 | $5,500 – $10,070 |
| 2500+ miles | $4,000 – $6,000 | $5,500 – $9,500 | $7,000 – $11,000 |
Professional movers vs. DIY
| Service type | Local | Long-distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional movers | $500–$3,500+ | $1,500–$8,500+ | Large or long-distance moves, limited time |
| Moving containers | $400–$700 | $900–$4,500+ | Flexible timelines, some DIY comfort |
| Rental trucks | $30–$500 | $500–$2,500+ | Small moves, tight budgets, short distances |
Popular city-to-city estimates
Route pricing varies by season, inventory, and provider. These sample ranges reflect common 2026 costs for rental trucks, containers, and full-service movers.
| Route | Rental truck | Container | Full-service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dallas → Denver | $695–$1,903 | $897–$4,353 | $1,397–$9,415 |
| Chicago → Charlotte | $654–$1,858 | $933–$4,044 | $1,408–$9,043 |
| Los Angeles → Dallas | $1,027–$2,889 | $1,205–$5,580 | $1,445–$11,344 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move?
Local moves under 100 miles typically cost $500–$3,500+ with professional movers. Long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles range from $1,500–$8,500+. A 2–3 bedroom move of 500–1,000 miles often falls between $3,060–$5,280 depending on timing and services.
How accurate is this moving cost calculator?
This calculator provides a realistic price range based on 2026 industry reference data. Final quotes can vary after an in-home or virtual survey, access fees, and added services like packing or storage.
What details should I enter for the best estimate?
Enter your origin and destination, home size, and move date. If you plan to add packing or storage, include those options so the estimate reflects common add-on costs.
Can I compare professional movers with DIY options?
Yes. After you calculate an estimate, compare full-service movers, moving containers, and rental truck ranges side by side to see which option fits your budget and timeline.
Why should I use a calculator before booking movers?
A calculator helps you set a realistic budget, compare companies with confidence, and avoid surprises from hidden access fees, peak-season pricing, or incomplete inventories.
For route-specific guidance, see our popular moving routes guide or compare top moving companies.