Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of moving based on home size, distance, service level, and add-ons. This moving cost estimator covers local, regional, long-distance, and cross-country moves with options for packing services, storage, insurance, and special item handling. Includes peak season pricing adjustments for summer moves.
Enter Values
Approximate driving distance to your new home
Professional packers box all your belongings
Temporary storage if move-in dates do not align
Covers full replacement value of damaged items
Items requiring special handling, crating, or equipment
Result
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.
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Formula
How it works: The moving estimate starts with a base cost determined by your home size (studio through 5+ bedrooms). A distance-based charge is added using tiered rates: $5/mile for local, $3/mile for regional, $1.50/mile for long distance, and $1/mile for cross-country. The service level (DIY, full-service, or white glove) scales the combined base. Add-ons for packing, storage, insurance, and special items are layered on. Summer moves (June through August) add a 25% peak season premium.
Worked Example
How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2026?
Moving costs depend on four main factors: your home size (which determines the volume of belongings), the distance of the move, the service level you choose, and the time of year. A local move within the same city costs a fraction of a cross-country relocation, and DIY truck rental is about half the cost of full-service movers. Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget accurately and decide which services are worth the investment.
- Local moves (under 50 miles) cost $800 to $5,000 depending on home size, typically charged by the hour at $100 to $200 per hour
- Long-distance moves (500+ miles) for a 3-bedroom home average $3,500 to $7,000 with full-service movers
- DIY truck rental costs roughly 50% less than full-service movers but requires you to load, drive, and unload
- Peak season (June through August) adds 20 to 30% to moving costs due to high demand from families relocating before the school year
- Full-value insurance (3% of move cost) is recommended for any move and covers replacement value of damaged items
Get at least 3 quotes from moving companies and compare in-home estimates rather than phone quotes for long-distance moves. Weight-based pricing for interstate moves means an in-home survey gives a more accurate estimate than distance alone.
You can also calculate changes using our Home Renovation Cost Calculator, Web Design Cost Calculator, Break-Even Calculator or ROI Calculator.
Average Moving Cost by Home Size and Distance
Typical 2026 full-service moving costs (off-peak season, no add-ons).
| Home Size | Local (50 mi) | Regional (250 mi) | Long Distance (1,000 mi) | Cross-Country (2,500 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $1,050 | $1,700 | $2,675 | $3,300 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,750 | $2,400 | $3,375 | $4,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,750 | $3,400 | $4,375 | $5,000 |
| 4-Bedroom | $3,750 | $4,400 | $5,375 | $6,000 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $5,250 | $5,900 | $6,875 | $7,500 |
Note: Full-service mover rates, off-peak season. Add 25% for June through August. DIY rates are approximately 50% of these figures. Does not include packing, storage, or insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire movers for a local move?
A local move (under 50 miles) with full-service movers costs $800 to $2,500 for a 1 to 2 bedroom home and $2,500 to $5,000 for a 3 to 4 bedroom home. Local moves are typically charged by the hour ($100 to $200 per hour for a 2 to 3 person crew) plus a truck fee and supplies. A DIY truck rental for a local move costs $50 to $200 plus fuel.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
A long-distance move (500+ miles) for a 3-bedroom home costs $3,500 to $7,000 with full-service movers. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the amount of belongings and services. Long-distance moves are priced by weight (typically $0.50 to $0.80 per pound) and distance rather than hourly rates. A 3-bedroom home averages 7,500 to 10,000 pounds.
When is the cheapest time to move?
The cheapest time to move is during the off-peak season from September through May, with the lowest prices typically in January and February. Peak season (June through August) adds a 20 to 30% premium because demand from families moving before the school year is highest. Mid-month moves are also cheaper than end-of-month moves when most leases turn over. Weekday moves can save an additional 10 to 15% compared to weekend moves.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
DIY moving costs roughly 50% less than full-service movers. Renting a 26-foot truck for a cross-country move costs $1,500 to $3,000 plus fuel ($400 to $800) and tolls. However, you must load, drive, and unload yourself. Full-service movers handle everything for $5,000 to $10,000 for the same move. For local moves under 100 miles, the savings from DIY are smaller ($500 to $1,000) and may not be worth the physical effort.
What does moving insurance cover?
Basic coverage (included free) provides $0.60 per pound per article, meaning a 50-pound TV damaged in transit is only covered for $30 regardless of actual value. Full-value protection (typically 3% of move cost) covers the full replacement value or repair cost of damaged items with a deductible of $250 to $500. For a $5,000 move, full-value insurance costs about $150 and is strongly recommended for households with valuable furniture or electronics.
How much does it cost to move a piano or other special items?
Moving a piano costs $300 to $800 for local moves and $500 to $2,000 for long-distance, depending on the piano type (upright vs grand). Pool tables cost $200 to $600 to move. Safes and gun cabinets cost $200 to $500. Fine art requiring crating costs $150 to $500 per piece. These items require specialized equipment, extra labor, and careful handling that standard movers charge as add-ons.
Can I use this Moving Cost Calculator on my own web page?
You can. Look for the "Embed" button near the top of this calculator. It lets you pick a size, border style, and color palette, then gives you an iframe tag to paste into any webpage. The widget is responsive, loads fast, and costs nothing. More details at calculory.com/services/embed-calculators.
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