Annual Report · April 2026
MoveSmart 2026 Moving Cost Index: What Americans Are Paying to Move
MoveSmart analyzed moving cost data from 2026 to produce this annual index. The data reflects carrier rate structures, AMSA survey data, and BLS labor cost indexes. Key finding: the average full-service long-distance move (2BR, 500+ miles) costs $5,200 in 2026 — up approximately 8% from 2024. Local moving costs have risen more modestly at 4–6%, driven primarily by increased labor rates in major metro areas.
Key Findings
- Average 2BR local move (2026): $1,500(range: $850–$1,800)
- Average 2BR long-distance move (2026): $5,200(range: $3,800–$8,000)
- Year-over-year change: +8% long-distance · +5% local(vs. 2024)
- Most expensive moving month: June(22% above annual average)
- Cheapest moving month: January(18% below annual average)
- Most expensive route: New York → Los Angeles(avg $8,400 for 2BR)
Moving Cost by Distance Band (2026)
| Move Type | Distance | Studio / 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local | <50 miles | $500–$1,200 | $850–$1,800 | $1,400–$2,800 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Regional | 50–500 miles | $1,200–$2,800 | $2,000–$4,500 | $3,200–$7,000 | $4,500–$9,500 |
| Long-Distance | 500–1,500 mi | $2,500–$5,500 | $3,800–$8,000 | $5,500–$10,000 | $7,500–$14,000 |
| Cross-Country | 1,500+ miles | $3,500–$7,000 | $5,500–$10,000 | $7,500–$13,000 | $9,500–$16,000 |
Moving Cost by Home Size (Long-Distance, 500+ miles)
| Home Size | Avg Shipment Weight | Avg Cost | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1,500 lbs | $2,100 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lbs | $3,200 | $2,200–$4,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | 6,000 lbs | $5,200 | $3,800–$8,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 9,000 lbs | $7,200 | $5,500–$10,000 |
| 4 Bedroom+ | 12,500 lbs | $10,000 | $7,500–$14,000 |
Weights are based on AMSA Household Goods Survey averages. Costs include packing, loading, transport, and delivery; does not include tips or specialty item surcharges.
Seasonal Moving Cost Index (2026)
Moving costs vary significantly by season. The index below uses January as the baseline (100). Values above 100 indicate a price premium; values below indicate a discount relative to January rates.
| Month | Index (Jan = 100) | Avg Premium / Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 100 | Baseline | Lowest demand, best availability |
| February | 98 | -2% | |
| March | 105 | +5% | Spring pickup begins |
| April | 112 | +12% | |
| May | 118 | +18% | Pre-summer surge |
| June | 122 | +22% | Peak month |
| July | 120 | +20% | |
| August | 118 | +18% | Back-to-school moves |
| September | 108 | +8% | Rapid dropoff |
| October | 102 | +2% | |
| November | 96 | -4% | |
| December | 93 | -7% | Lowest with January |
Most Expensive US Moving Routes (2026)
Full-service moves for a 2-bedroom home. Costs reflect carrier averages and do not include expedited or white-glove service surcharges.
| # | Origin | Destination | Distance | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 2,800 mi | $8,400 |
| 2 | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA | 3,100 mi | $9,200 |
| 3 | Seattle, WA | New York, NY | 2,850 mi | $8,600 |
| 4 | Portland, OR | Boston, MA | 3,050 mi | $9,100 |
| 5 | Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA | 2,020 mi | $6,900 |
| 6 | Minneapolis, MN | Los Angeles, CA | 1,930 mi | $6,700 |
| 7 | Boston, MA | Austin, TX | 1,960 mi | $6,400 |
| 8 | Denver, CO | New York, NY | 1,780 mi | $6,200 |
| 9 | New York, NY | Miami, FL | 1,280 mi | $5,800 |
| 10 | Chicago, IL | Miami, FL | 1,380 mi | $5,600 |
Most Affordable Routes (by cost per mile)
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Avg Cost | $/mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA | 380 mi | $2,400 | $6.32 |
| Chicago, IL | Minneapolis, MN | 410 mi | $2,600 | $6.34 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Las Vegas, NV | 300 mi | $2,100 | $7.00 |
| Dallas, TX | Houston, TX | 240 mi | $1,800 | $7.50 |
| Atlanta, GA | Charlotte, NC | 250 mi | $1,900 | $7.60 |
State-by-State Average Moving Cost (Inbound, 2026)
Average inbound move cost for a 2-bedroom home by destination state. Data reflects the top 20 states by move volume; a full 50-state dataset is available for download.
| State | Avg Inbound Cost (2BR) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| California | $6,800 | +9% |
| Texas | $4,200 | +7% |
| Florida | $5,100 | +10% |
| New York | $6,200 | +8% |
| Illinois | $4,800 | +6% |
| Pennsylvania | $4,600 | +5% |
| Ohio | $4,100 | +4% |
| Georgia | $4,500 | +8% |
| North Carolina | $4,400 | +9% |
| Michigan | $4,300 | +5% |
| New Jersey | $5,600 | +7% |
| Virginia | $4,900 | +7% |
| Washington | $5,500 | +8% |
| Arizona | $5,000 | +9% |
| Massachusetts | $6,000 | +8% |
| Tennessee | $4,200 | +9% |
| Colorado | $5,200 | +8% |
| Indiana | $4,000 | +4% |
| Missouri | $4,100 | +5% |
| Maryland | $5,300 | +7% |
Top 20 states by 2026 inbound move volume. Full 50-state + DC dataset available on request.
Methodology
This index was compiled using four primary data sources: carrier rate cards collected from licensed interstate movers, the AMSA Household Goods Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Moving Services component (CUSR0000SEHJ), and the DOE weekly diesel price index. All estimates represent the middle 80% of actual costs — the top and bottom 10% of quotes were excluded to reduce the influence of outliers and specialty moves. For a full description of our statistical approach, see our methodology page.
How to Use This Data
The figures in this index are benchmarks, not quotes. Use them to set realistic expectations and flag outliers when comparing carrier bids. Here are three practical steps:
- Benchmark your move. Find the distance band and home size that matches your situation and note the typical range.
- Get at least three binding estimates. A binding estimate locks in the price regardless of actual weight. Use our moving cost calculator to generate a starting estimate.
- Book early, especially for summer moves. Peak-season carriers book up 6–8 weeks in advance. Booking early can also unlock early-reservation discounts of 5–10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average 2-bedroom move cost in 2026?
The average full-service local 2-bedroom move costs $1,500 (range $850–$1,800) in 2026. For long-distance moves of 500+ miles, the average rises to $5,200 (range $3,800–$8,000), up approximately 8% from 2024.
What is the cheapest month to move in 2026?
January and December are the most affordable months, running roughly 7–18% below the annual average. January is typically the least expensive due to lowest demand and best carrier availability.
What is the most expensive moving month?
June is the peak moving month in 2026, with prices averaging 22% above the annual baseline. July and August also carry a significant 18–20% premium driven by summer demand and school-year transitions.
How much does it cost to move from New York to Los Angeles?
A full-service 2-bedroom move from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA averages $8,400 in 2026, making it one of the most expensive routes in the country due to the 2,800-mile distance.
What data sources does the MoveSmart Moving Cost Index use?
The index draws on carrier rate cards, AMSA Household Goods Survey data, the BLS CPI Moving Services component (CUSR0000SEHJ), and the DOE weekly diesel price index. Estimates represent the middle 80% of actual costs to exclude outliers.
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