How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2026?
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Moving costs in 2026 range from $800 for a small local move to $14,000+ for a large household moving cross-country. The average full-service local move (2 bedrooms, under 50 miles) costs $1,200–$2,500. The average long-distance move (2 bedrooms, 500+ miles) costs $4,500–$8,000. Your exact cost depends on four factors: distance, shipment weight (determined by home size), service type, and time of year. Planning a move to Texas, Florida, or California? Local labor rates and demand vary significantly by destination, so always get multiple quotes.
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Moving Cost by Distance
Distance is the single largest driver of moving cost. Local movers typically charge by the hour ($100–$150 for two movers), while interstate carriers charge by weight and mileage. Below are 2026 market rates across service types. Note that full-service costs include loading, transport, and unloading. Labor-only (also called "moving help") means you rent the truck and hire workers for the physical labor. DIY assumes a rented truck and your own labor — fuel, tolls, and truck insurance add to that base. For moves over 500 miles, labor-only is rarely offered; you'll need a full-service carrier or to drive yourself. States like New York and Illinois have higher labor rates, which can push local move costs above the national averages shown here.
| Distance | Home Size | Full-Service | Labor-Only | DIY Truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (<50 mi) | Studio / 1BR | $600–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $200–$400 |
| Local (<50 mi) | 2BR | $850–$1,800 | $500–$900 | $250–$500 |
| Local (<50 mi) | 3BR | $1,400–$2,800 | $700–$1,400 | $300–$600 |
| Regional (50–500 mi) | 2BR | $2,000–$4,500 | $1,200–$2,800 | $600–$1,200 |
| Long-distance (500+ mi) | 2BR | $3,800–$8,000 | n/a | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Cross-country (1,500+ mi) | 2BR | $5,500–$10,000 | n/a | $1,800–$3,500 |
Source: MoveSmart analysis of verified carrier quotes, FMCSA tariff data, and AMSA Annual Moving Survey 2025. Ranges reflect national averages; high-cost metros may vary ±20–30%.
Moving Cost by Home Size
For interstate moves, shipment weight is the primary cost driver. Carriers set their rates in dollars per hundredweight (cwt) — typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound. Estimating your weight before the move lets you negotiate more accurately and catch any inflated quotes. A 2-bedroom home averages 4,500–7,500 lbs; a 3-bedroom averages 7,000–11,000 lbs. The table below shows average weights and full-service costs for a 500-mile interstate move in 2026.
Moving Cost by Service Type
The service type you choose is the second-biggest lever on your final bill after distance. Full-service movers handle everything; labor-only lets you drive the truck; DIY requires you to do it all. Each has a distinct cost range and risk profile.
Full-Service
$850–$10,000+
What's Included
Loading, driving, unloading. Optional: packing, unpacking, furniture assembly.
Best For
Long-distance moves, large households, busy professionals, or anyone without a strong back.
Risks
Higher cost. Risk of damage without full-value insurance. Broker fraud is common — always verify USDOT.
Labor-Only
$300–$2,800
What's Included
Professional movers for loading/unloading only. You provide and drive the rental truck.
Best For
Local and regional moves where you can drive the truck yourself and want to save 40–60%.
Risks
You're responsible for driving a large truck. Truck rental costs add $100–$400/day. Not viable for interstate moves.
DIY Truck Rental
$200–$3,500
What's Included
Truck rental only. You pack, load, drive, unload, and unpack everything yourself.
Best For
Budget movers with flexible schedules, small households (studio–1BR), or short local moves.
Risks
Physical injury risk, furniture damage, fuel costs ($0.40–$0.60/mile), and multi-day time commitment for long moves.
What Factors Affect Moving Cost?
Distance
For local moves, distance affects how many hours the move takes. For interstate moves, carriers charge by weight AND mileage — a 1,000-mile move costs roughly 2× more per pound than a 500-mile move. Cross-country moves (1,500+ miles) qualify for discounts from carriers with return-trip backhaul availability.
Shipment Weight
Every pound matters on interstate moves. Carriers set rates per hundredweight (cwt). A 3-bedroom home at 9,000 lbs will cost $450–$720 more than one at 8,000 lbs on a 500-mile move. Decluttering before the move is the single most actionable way to reduce your bill — every 500 lbs saved is $150–$250 in your pocket.
Time of Year
Peak season (May through August) sees demand surge 40–60% as families move between school years. Rates reflect this: peak moves cost 15–25% more than off-peak. The cheapest windows are September–March, especially January and February when carrier capacity is abundant and rates are lowest.
Move Date Within the Month
End-of-month dates (the last 5 days) command a 10–15% premium because most leases end on the 1st. Mid-month moves — particularly Tuesday through Thursday — are 5–10% cheaper than weekends. If your schedule is flexible, shifting your move date by even a week can save $100–$300.
Specialty Items
Pianos, pool tables, gun safes, artwork, and antiques require special equipment and expertise. Expect to add $150–$600 per specialty item on top of your base quote. Some carriers outsource specialty items to third parties — confirm this upfront and ensure the subcontractor is insured.
Access Conditions
Long carries (when the truck cannot park close to your door), stairs, and elevator requirements all generate additional charges. Each flight of stairs typically adds $50–$75. Long-carry fees kick in when the path from door to truck exceeds 75 feet and run $50–$150. Parking permits for large trucks in cities like New York and San Francisco add $50–$200.
How to Save Money on Your Move
Book 6+ weeks ahead
Saves $200–$500Early booking secures preferred dates, prevents last-minute rate inflation, and gives you time to compare multiple carriers properly.
Move September–March
15–25% savingsOff-peak season means lower rates, more carrier availability, and faster delivery windows. January and February offer the steepest discounts.
Get 3 binding estimates
Prevents 10–20% overagesNon-binding estimates leave you exposed to weight-based cost increases. Binding estimates cap your final bill regardless of actual weight.
Declutter before weighing
$150–$250 per 500 lbsEvery item you sell, donate, or discard reduces your shipment weight and your bill. Hold a garage sale 3–4 weeks before the move date.
Pack yourself
Saves $200–$800Packing services typically add $200–$800 depending on home size. Buy quality supplies and pack non-fragile items yourself to save this cost entirely.
Use a carrier, not a broker
Avoids 10–20% marginMoving brokers add a commission layer without owning trucks. Direct-carrier moves have fewer complaints and no surprise subcontracting fees.
Ready to compare costs for your specific move? Use our free moving cost calculator or get free quotes from vetted movers.
Moving Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?
Moving a 2-bedroom apartment costs $850–$1,800 for local moves under 50 miles with full service. For long-distance moves (500+ miles), expect $3,800–$8,000 with a full-service mover. Labor-only help for a local 2BR move runs $500–$900.
What is the average cost of hiring movers?
The average cost of hiring full-service movers is $1,200–$2,500 for a local move and $4,500–$8,000 for a long-distance move. Movers typically charge $100–$150 per hour for two movers locally, or $0.50–$0.70 per pound for interstate moves.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?
Renting a truck is generally 40–60% cheaper than hiring full-service movers but requires your own labor. A DIY truck rental costs $200–$500 for a local move versus $850–$2,800 for full-service. However, when you factor in your time, physical effort, and risk of damage, full-service movers are often worth the premium.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
Cross-country moves (1,500+ miles) cost $5,500–$10,000 for a 2-bedroom home with full service. Larger homes (3–4 bedrooms) run $9,000–$14,000+. The cost depends primarily on shipment weight and mileage. A DIY truck rental for the same move costs $1,800–$3,500 including fuel.
What is included in a moving quote?
A full-service moving quote includes loading, transportation, and unloading. It may also include packing materials and labor if you request packing services. Quotes do NOT automatically include packing, specialty item handling (pianos, safes), storage, long carry fees, or stair/elevator fees — ask your mover to itemize all potential add-ons.
How do I get an accurate moving estimate?
Get a binding estimate based on an in-home or virtual survey of your belongings — never accept a quote based solely on the number of rooms. Get at least three estimates from licensed carriers (not brokers). Verify the mover's USDOT number on the FMCSA SaferSys database and confirm insurance coverage before signing.
What is a binding vs non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees your final price won't exceed the quoted amount, even if the shipment weighs more than estimated. A non-binding estimate is just a prediction — the final bill can be higher. Federal law requires carriers to honor binding estimates. Always insist on a binding estimate for interstate moves to avoid surprise charges.
How much should I tip my movers?
Industry standard is $4–$6 per mover per hour, or 15–20% of the total bill for exceptional service. For a 4-hour local move with two movers, that's $30–$50 per mover. Tip in cash at the end of the job. For long-distance moves where the crew changes, tip each crew separately. You are never obligated to tip, but it is appreciated for good work.
Our Methodology
The cost ranges on this page are derived from MoveSmart's proprietary database of verified moving quotes, FMCSA carrier tariff data, and real customer invoices collected from 2024–2026. We update pricing ranges quarterly to reflect fuel surcharge changes, labor market shifts, and seasonal demand patterns. All rates reflect national averages — regional variation can be ±20–30% in high-cost metros. Learn more about how we collect, verify, and present data on our Methodology page.