Moving Cost Estimates 2026
By MoveSmart Team, MoveSmart.co · Last updated: April 9, 2026 · Methodology
How much does it cost to move in 2026? The tables below are planning ranges built from the AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025, FMCSA tariff references, and EIA fuel outlook—not binding mover quotes. 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. AMSA reports the national average long-distance move at $4,890 [Source: AMSA 2025].
2026 Cost Index: December (93) is the lowest month; June (122) is peak—about 31% above December. April 10–25 (index ~112) is often below June peak; compare binding quotes for your route.
Moving Cost by Home Size & Distance (2026)
Ranges below are illustrative planning bands aligned with AMSA and FMCSA public references. 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: AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025, FMCSA tariff references, EIA STEO. 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. May through September is widely treated as peak moving season in the U.S., when higher demand often shows up as higher carrier rates.
| Period | Label | Cost Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Off-Peak | ~3–9% below 12-mo avg (index 98–105) |
| April 10–25 | Shoulder window | ~8% below Jun peak (Apr 112 vs 122) |
| May 15–September 15 | Peak Season | +18–22% vs Jan (May–Aug index 118–122) |
| End of month (26th–31st) | Lease Turnover | Often above mid-month—compare quotes |
| October–December | Off-Peak | ~16–24% below Jun peak (index 93–102) |
Source: MoveSmart 2026 Cost Index (Jan 100, Jun 122 peak, Dec 93 low). Peak season dates align with the AMSA 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
~31%
June vs December (2026 index)
MoveSmart Cost Index (Jun 122, Dec 93)
$3.41/gal
2026 fuel benchmark
EIA STEO Q2 2026
9,000 lbs
Average 3BR house weight
Industry Standard
18–22%
May–Aug vs Jan (2026 index)
Index 118–122 vs 100
112
April index (vs Jun 122)
2026 Cost Index
$6–$16/mile
Interstate carrier rate
MoveSmart Rate Index
20%
Backhaul discount (to NE)
Sun Belt return routes
AMSA
Industry benchmark cited
2025 moving survey
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.
What is the average cost of a long-distance move?
Long-distance moves (500+ miles) often cost $3,800–$9,500 for 2–3 bedroom homes in 2026. AMSA reports the national average long-distance move at $4,890. Fuel and labor costs remain primary drivers of year-over-year changes.
When is the cheapest time to move?
On the 2026 Moving Cost Index (January = 100), December is lowest at 93 and June peaks at 122—about 31% above December and ~22% above January. Shoulder months (April index 112, September 108) often beat June peak. Avoid end-of-month lease turnover (+10–15%) when you can. Compare binding written quotes; the index is for timing, not guaranteed discounts.
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. The average 3BR house weighs 7,000–11,000 lbs. Peak season (May–August on the 2026 Cost Index) adds about 18–22% vs January (100).
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 calculator methodology: Planning ranges from user inputs plus public benchmarks—not a substitute for a mover's binding written estimate.
- 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 are for budgeting; your mover sets final pricing after a survey. 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
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