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 through the Agoyu app.
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 2026 industry data, including averages published by the American Moving and Storage Association, and will vary by region, season, and mover.
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 a video scan closes. Instead of estimating from your home’s size, it measures the actual volume and weight of what you’re moving, so your quote reflects your specific move instead of an 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).
Fees People Forget to Budget For
- 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.
Want Your Exact Number Instead of an Average?
The tables above are averages. Using the form below, you can scan your home and get instant quotes from multiple movers based on what you’re actually moving, not a size-based estimate.
And the best part is, you don’t have to give movers your contact info before you receive your quote.
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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.
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 job comes in lower.
Get Started
Understanding what goes into your moving cost, distance, home size, labor, and the fees people forget to budget for, helps you plan with confidence instead of guessing. Get your free, instant quote from Agoyu today.
