Moving typically costs between $400 and $5,000 for a local move, and $1,200 to $13,500 or more for a long-distance move, depending on the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, and whether you hire full-service movers or handle part of the move yourself.
Below, we break down average costs by home size and distance, the factors that move the number up or down, and how to get an exact price for your specific move. Averages can vary wildly however, so if what you’re actually wanting is a quote on YOUR specific move, the fastest and most accurate way to do it (without sharing your contact information with movers) is by using Agoyu.
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Types of Moving Costs
The approach you choose affects the price as much as the size of your move does:
| Moving Service Type | Average Cost | Details |
| Hiring Professional Movers | $400 – $5,000 | Depends on home size, hourly rate, and number of movers |
| Renting a Moving Truck | $20 – $3,500 | Depends on rental length and truck size |
| Renting a Moving Container | $700 – $7,500 | Varies with distance and container size |
| Full-Service Moving Company | $2,000+ | Typically starts around $2,000 for a 3-bedroom home or larger, varies with square footage and distance |
Average Cost to Move, by Home Size, Weight and Distance
These averages are based on a typical household load for each home size. Your actual cost depends on how much you own, not just your home's size, more on that below.
| Home Size | Approx. Sq Ft | Approx. Weight | Local | 250 Miles | 1,000 Miles | 2,500+ Miles |
| Studio | ~500 | 1,500 – 2,500 lbs | $400 – $750 | $850 – $1,900 | $1,200 – $3,000 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | ~700 | 2,000 – 4,000 lbs | $450 – $1,200 | $1,050 – $2,600 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $2,000 – $5,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | ~1,100 | 4,000 – 7,000 lbs | $700 – $1,750 | $2,000 – $4,200 | $3,000 – $6,500 | $4,000 – $8,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | ~1,500 | 7,000 – 10,000 lbs | $1,400 – $2,750 | $3,000 – $5,500 | $4,500 – $8,500 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | ~2,000 | 10,000 – 13,000 lbs | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,300 – $7,200 | $6,500 – $11,000 | $8,500 – $14,500 |
| 5 Bedroom | ~2,800+ | 13,000 – 16,000 lbs | $2,800 – $5,000 | $5,600 – $8,800 | $8,500 – $13,500 | $11,000 – $17,500 |
Figures are based on Agoyu's internal records, 2026 industry data, and incorporates averages published by the American Moving and Storage Association.
Cross-country movers cost more than local movers because long-distance moving companies factor in tolls, fuel, and driver compensation. International moves cost more still, since they add transportation, customs, and delivery fees on top.
Why Home Size Isn't the Full Story
The table above is a solid starting point, but home size only tells part of the story. Two 3-bedroom homes can cost very differently to move: one might be lightly furnished by a family that decluttered before the move, and the other might have a fully packed garage, a finished basement, and years of accumulated belongings.
Square footage and bedroom count are a reasonable proxy for how much you own, but they're not a substitute for actually knowing your inventory. The weight range in the table above is the real variable, not the square footage next to it, weight is what a mover actually prices against. That’s the gap that Agoyu’s AI video scan closes. Instead of estimating your move based solely on bedrooms or square footage, Agoyu lets you scan what you’re actually moving so your quote can be based on your specific belongings instead of a generic household average.
How Much Do Movers Cost Per Hour? (for local moves)
For local moves, most companies bill by the hour. Professional movers typically charge $25 to $50 per hour per mover for a local move; long-distance movers charge $50 to $200 per hour depending on time, distance, and crew size. The table below uses the top of that local range across a typical crew size and job length for each home size, and lines up with the Local column above.
| Size of Home | Movers | Hours | Avg. Cost |
| Studio Apartment | 2 | 4 | $400 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | 2 | 5 | $500 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | 3 | 6 | $900 |
| 3 Bedroom House | 4 | 7 | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedroom House | 4 | 10 | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedroom House | 5 | 12 | $3,000 |
What Determines Your Moving Cost
- Distance. Local moves cost far less than long-distance moves, which add tolls, fuel, and driver time.
- Labor. Rates run $25 to $200 per hour depending on distance, and rise further for heavy or fragile items and homes with a lot of stairs.
- Truck or container size. A studio needs far less space than a 4-bedroom home, and a moving container can be cheaper than a full truck for a small load.
- Moving supplies. Boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and bins add up if you're buying your own.
- Amount of belongings. This is the real driver behind "house size", more belongings means more weight, more truck space, and a higher price.
- Timing. Weekday moves cost less than weekend moves, and moving between October and March is typically cheaper than during peak season (April through September).
There's another factor you probably didn't expect: mover capacity. Pricing can also depend on how much room a moving company has available on your route and around your moving date. A mover with available capacity may be more motivated to offer competitive pricing. That’s one reason Agoyu allows movers to compete for your move, helping you take advantage of real-time pricing opportunities rather than relying on a single quote. After putting in your information and receiving your initial quotes, simply select the "Bid Out My Move" option, by pushing the blue button at the bottom of your screen, and movers will have a chance to submit a discount to earn your business (often stemming from the mover's need to fill an only partially loaded truck). It's a win-win, because you get a better price on your move, and the mover may be able to collect ancillary revenue on a less than full truck that was already headed in the same direction.
Fees People Forget to Budget For
Unexpected charges are one reason the estimate itself matters just as much as the headline price. Things like:
- Insurance coverage. Most movers offer a choice between Basic Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection; third-party providers may require separate coverage.
- Specialty items. Pianos, hot tubs, grandfather clocks, and fine art typically carry an added charge.
- Packing and unpacking services. Full-service packing costs more than partial or no packing, and unpacking is usually billed separately.
- Storage. If your move requires holding belongings temporarily, storage rates vary by company and by how long you need it.
- Stair carry and elevator fees. Extra charges apply when movers have to carry items up or down multiple flights, or load and unload via elevator.
- Extra stops. An additional pickup or drop-off, like a storage unit on the way, typically adds a fee.
- Shuttle fees. If a moving truck can't park near your home, a shuttle may be required to bridge the gap.
- Tipping. Not required, but appreciated. A common guideline is $5 to $10 per mover, per hour, in cash.
Agoyu lets you request help with packing, specialty items, storage and more, and documents the price you've been quoted, so you can better understand what you're agreeing to before choosing a mover.
Want Your Exact Number Instead of an Average?
The tables in this article are simply averages. But Agoyu lets you go one step further by pricing the move you’re actually making. Scan your home, receive quotes from multiple movers based on what you're moving, and compare your options in one place.
And rather than simply accepting one company's price, Agoyu gives movers an opportunity to compete for your move. If a mover has capacity available on your route, they may be motivated to offer a more competitive price.
Best of all, you can compare your options without giving your contact information to every mover just to see a quote. Ready to see what your specific move will actually cost? Enter your move details with Agoyu to review your quotes.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move a 1,500 sq ft house?
A 1,500 sq ft home is roughly the size of a 3-bedroom house, typically 7,000 to 10,000 lbs. A local move typically costs $1,400 to $2,750. A long-distance move of 1,000 miles typically runs $4,500 to $8,500, depending on how much you own and the exact distance.
How much does it cost to move a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000 sq ft home is roughly the size of a 4-bedroom house, typically 10,000 to 13,000 lbs. A local move typically costs $2,000 to $4,000. A long-distance move of 1,000 miles typically runs $6,500 to $11,000.
What's the average cost to move a 3 bedroom house?
Locally, $1,400 to $2,750. Long-distance (1,000 miles), $4,500 to $8,500. The exact number depends on how much you own and the distance you're moving.
What's the average cost to move a 4 bedroom house?
Locally, $2,000 to $4,000. Long-distance (1,000 miles), $6,500 to $11,000.
How much does it cost to move a one bedroom apartment?
A local move typically costs $450 to $1,200. A long-distance move of 1,000 miles typically runs $1,500 to $4,000.
Can moving costs be deducted from my taxes?
For most taxpayers, no, the moving expense deduction was suspended in recent tax law changes. Exceptions exist for active-duty military members relocating under orders. Check current IRS guidance or a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is $5,000 enough to move?
For most local moves, yes, even a 5-bedroom local move tops out around $5,000. For a long-distance move, it depends on your home size and distance: a 1-bedroom apartment moving 1,000 miles typically stays under $5,000, but a 3-bedroom home or larger moving that same distance can exceed it. Compare your home size and distance against the table above.
Should I choose the cheapest moving quote?
Not necessarily. Price matters, but you should also consider the company behind the quote. Agoyu lets you compare mover options while reviewing trust signals and third-party information, to help you evaluate service and reputation instead of just price alone before choosing who handles your move.
Can you negotiate moving costs?
Yes. Getting quotes from multiple moving companies gives you leverage to compare prices and negotiate a better rate, especially if a competitor’s quote for the same move comes in lower. Agoyu simplifies that process by letting you compare multiple movers and giving movers the opportunity to compete amongst themselves for your business with the "Bid Out My Move" feature.
Get Started
Understanding what goes into your moving cost helps you plan with confidence instead of guessing. With Agoyu, you can scan what you're actually moving, compare quotes from multiple movers, review who you're hiring, and let movers compete for your business, all without handing your contact information to every company just to see a price. Get your free, instant quote from Agoyu today.
