Moving Cost Estimates 2026
By Marcus Chen, Data Scientist | 40,000+ Moves Analyzed · Last updated: April 9, 2026 · Based on 10,000+ verified estimates
How much does it cost to move in 2026? According to MoveSmart's analysis of 10,000+ verified carrier quotes, FMCSA tariff data, and the AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025, the average full-service local move costs $850–$2,000 for a 2-bedroom home. Long-distance moves (500+ miles) for the same size cost $3,800–$7,800. According to AMSA, the national average long-distance move costs $4,890 [Source: AMSA 2025] — MoveSmart's 2026 data shows a 12% year-over-year increase driven by fuel ($3.41/gal per EIA STEO Q2 2026) and labor costs. All cost ranges below are verified against FMCSA carrier tariff filings.
2026 Golden Window: April 10–25 — MoveSmart data shows moves booked in this window average 30% below peak rates. Peak season (May 15–Sep 15) adds 15–25% to the costs shown below.
Moving Cost by Home Size & Distance (2026)
Ranges below represent the middle 80% of verified estimates collected by MoveSmart from January–April 2026. Local moves are under 50 miles with full-service movers. Regional covers 50–500 miles. Long-distance is 500+ miles. All figures include loading, transport, and unloading.
| Home Size | Avg. Weight | Local (<50 mi) | Regional (50–500 mi) | Long-Distance (500+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1,000–2,500 lbs | $400–$900 | $700–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2,000–4,000 lbs | $600–$1,400 | $1,200–$2,800 | $2,200–$4,500 |
| 2BR Apartment | 4,500–7,500 lbs | $850–$1,800 | $2,000–$4,000 | $3,800–$7,500 |
| 2BR House | 5,000–8,000 lbs | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,400–$4,500 | $4,200–$7,800 |
| 3BR Apartment | 6,000–9,000 lbs | $1,100–$2,200 | $2,800–$5,000 | $4,500–$8,500 |
| 3BR House | 7,000–11,000 lbs | $1,400–$2,800 | $3,200–$6,000 | $5,500–$9,500 |
| 4BR House | 10,000–14,000 lbs | $1,800–$3,500 | $4,000–$7,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| 5BR House | 13,000–18,000 lbs | $2,500–$4,500 | $5,000–$9,000 | $9,000–$16,000 |
| 6+ BR House | 16,000–25,000 lbs | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$11,000 | $12,000–$22,000 |
Source: MoveSmart analysis of verified carrier quotes, FMCSA tariff data, and AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025. High-cost metros (NYC, San Francisco, Boston) may vary ±20–30%. See methodology.
Seasonal Cost Modifiers
Moving costs fluctuate significantly by season and timing within the month. The table below shows how each period modifies the base costs above. According to AMSA, approximately 70% of household moves occur between May and September, creating a demand surge that carriers pass through as higher rates.
| Period | Label | Cost Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Off-Peak | -10–15% |
| April 10–25 | Golden Window | -30% |
| May 15–September 15 | Peak Season | +15–25% |
| End of month (26th–31st) | Lease Turnover | +10–15% |
| October–December | Off-Peak | -10–20% |
Source: MoveSmart Seasonal Demand Index 2026. Golden Window savings calculated from 3-year average of carrier pricing data. Peak season dates align with AMSA published industry calendar.
Cost by Service Type
The service level you choose is the second-largest lever on your final bill after distance. Full-service carriers handle everything; labor-only providers let you drive the rental truck; DIY requires you to do it all. Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) offer a hybrid option for long-distance moves. See our complete guide to service types for a detailed breakdown.
| Service Type | Local Range | Long-Distance Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service | $850–$6,000 | $3,800–$22,000 | Loading, transport, unloading. Optional: packing, assembly. |
| Labor-Only | $250–$3,000 | N/A (local only) | Professional movers for loading/unloading. You drive the truck. |
| DIY Truck Rental | $60–$1,400 | $300–$3,500 | Truck rental only. You pack, load, drive, unload. |
| Portable Container | N/A | $900–$11,000 | Container delivered to you. You load; they transport. |
2026 Moving Industry Statistics
$4,890
Avg. long-distance move cost
AMSA 2025 Survey
+12%
Year-over-year cost increase
MoveSmart 2026 Data
$3.41/gal
2026 fuel benchmark
EIA STEO Q2 2026
9,000 lbs
Average 3BR house weight
Industry Standard
15–25%
Peak season surcharge
May 15–Sep 15
30%
Golden Window savings
April 10–25, 2026
$6–$16/mile
Interstate carrier rate
MoveSmart Rate Index
20%
Backhaul discount (to NE)
Sun Belt return routes
95%
MoveSmart quote accuracy
vs. 75% industry avg
Moving Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to move in 2026?
The average full-service local move (2 bedrooms, under 50 miles) costs $850–$2,000 in 2026. Long-distance moves (500+ miles) for the same size cost $3,800–$7,800. Costs vary by home size, distance, service type, and season. Use the table above to find your specific home size, or try our free AI moving cost calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the average cost of a long-distance move?
According to AMSA, the national average long-distance move costs $4,890 for a 2-bedroom home. MoveSmart's 2026 data shows a 12% year-over-year increase driven by fuel costs ($3.41/gal, up from $3.12) and labor shortages in key markets. For a 3-bedroom house, expect $5,500–$9,500 for moves over 500 miles.
When is the cheapest time to move?
The cheapest time to move is during the off-peak season (October–April), with January and February offering the steepest discounts (10–20% below average). MoveSmart's 2026 data identifies April 10–25 as the "Golden Window" — carrier capacity is high and rates average 30% below peak. Avoid May 15–September 15 (peak season, +15–25%) and end-of-month dates (+10–15%).
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?
Moving a 3-bedroom house costs $1,400–$2,800 locally (under 50 miles) and $5,500–$9,500 for long-distance moves (500+ miles) with full-service movers in 2026. The average 3BR house weighs 7,000–11,000 lbs. Peak-season (May 15–Sep 15) surcharges add 18–25% to these figures.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or move yourself?
DIY truck rental is 40–60% cheaper than full-service movers — a local 2BR move costs $200–$550 DIY vs. $850–$2,000 full-service. However, when factoring in time (8–16 hours of physical labor), injury risk, and potential furniture damage, full-service movers often provide better value for moves over 50 miles or involving heavy furniture.
Data Sources & Methodology
The cost estimates on this page are derived from three primary sources:
- MoveSmart Estimate Database: 10,000+ verified moving quotes collected from January–April 2026 across all 50 states, representing both local and interstate moves.
- FMCSA Carrier Tariff Data: Published rate schedules from FMCSA-registered interstate carriers, accessed via the federal SAFER system and Motus 2.0 verification.
- AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025: The American Moving & Storage Association's annual survey of 1,200+ member companies, providing industry benchmark data on pricing, volume, and seasonal demand patterns.
Ranges represent the middle 80% of collected data (10th–90th percentile). High-cost metros (NYC, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle) may exceed upper ranges by 20–30%. We update all figures quarterly. Learn more on our Methodology page.
Detailed Cost Guides by Home Size
Each guide includes distance-based pricing, heavy item weight tables, hidden fees, regional variations, money-saving tips, and 10+ FAQs specific to that home size.
Studio
1,000–2,500 lbs
1 Bedroom
2,000–4,000 lbs
2BR Apartment
4,500–7,500 lbs
2BR House
5,000–8,000 lbs
3BR Apartment
6,000–9,000 lbs
3BR House
7,000–11,000 lbs
4BR House
10,000–14,000 lbs
5BR House
13,000–18,000 lbs
6+ BR House
16,000–25,000 lbs
Ready to Get Your Exact Moving Cost?
These are national averages. Your move is unique. Use our free AI-powered calculator for a personalized estimate based on your exact origin, destination, home size, and move date.