CostPrism
Business Updated June 2026

Moving Cost Calculator

Calculate 2026 moving costs for local and long-distance moves by home size, move distance, and service level (full-service vs. labor-only).

National avg: $1,400
Range: $800 – $10,000+
Used by 38,920 people

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What Affects the Cost?

1. Local Moves (Under 100 Miles)

Local moves are priced hourly: $100–$200/hour for a 2-person crew + truck. A 1-bedroom apartment (3–4 hours) costs $400–$800. A 3-bedroom house (6–8 hours) costs $800–$2,000. Hourly rates vary by city — NYC and SF crews charge $150–$250/hour; Midwest cities $80–$140/hour.

2. Long-Distance Moves (100+ Miles)

Interstate moves are priced by weight and distance. Average cost: 1-bedroom = $1,500–$3,500; 2–3 bedroom = $3,500–$7,500; 4+ bedroom = $6,000–$12,000+. Cross-country moves (e.g., NY to CA) for a 3-bedroom house typically cost $7,000–$12,000 for full-service. Fuel surcharges add 10–20%.

3. DIY vs. Full-Service

Truck rental (U-Haul, Penske): $200–$400 for local; $1,500–$3,000 for long-distance. Portable container (PODS): $1,500–$4,500 for long-distance. Labor-only movers (load/unload only): $200–$600 for 2 hours. Full-service movers include packing, loading, transport, and unloading.

2026 Cost Reference Table

Type / Option Typical Cost Range
Studio/1BR — local (under 50 miles) $400 – $900
2–3BR — local (under 50 miles) $800 – $2,000
4+BR — local $1,500 – $3,500
1BR — long distance (500–1,000 miles) $2,000 – $4,500
3BR — cross-country (2,000+ miles) $7,000 – $12,000
Moving container (PODS) — long distance $1,500 – $4,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Local moves (under 100 miles) cost $400–$2,500 for most households. A studio apartment averages $400–$800; a 2–3 bedroom home averages $1,000–$2,000. Movers charge $100–$200/hour for a 2-person crew. Weekend and month-end moves typically add a 15–25% surcharge.

Long-distance moves average $3,000–$8,000 for a 2–3 bedroom home moving 500–2,000 miles. Cross-country moves (NY to CA) for a fully-furnished 3-bedroom house cost $8,000–$15,000. Cost is based on shipment weight and mileage, plus fuel and accessorial charges.

Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) cost $1,500–$4,500 for long-distance moves — roughly 30–50% less than full-service movers. You load it yourself, PODS delivers it. If you can do the physical labor, containers are the best value for moves over 300 miles.

Compare Moving Company Quotes

Get 3+ quotes from licensed moving companies — prices vary 30–50% between movers for the same move.

Get Free Moving Quotes — Moving.com HireAHelper — Local Moving Labor

Tips Before You Start

  • ✓ Get at least 3 quotes from licensed movers — prices vary 30–50% for the same move
  • ✓ Moving mid-week and mid-month saves 15–25% vs. peak dates (Fridays, month-end)
  • ✓ Full-service packing adds 30–50% to your total — pack non-fragile items yourself
  • ✓ Renting a portable storage container (PODS) can save 30–40% vs. full-service moving
  • ✓ Check FMCSA.dot.gov to verify any interstate mover is licensed and bonded

Cost by State — 2026

Based on national average pricing adjusted for local labor and material costs.