General
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving expenses based on distance, home size, and service type. Get a breakdown of truck, labor, packing, insurance, and tips.
Enter your move details and click Calculate
How is this calculated?
Base Cost = weight_lbs × rate_per_lb × distance_factor
weight: studio=2000, 1BR=3500, 2BR=5000, 3BR=7500, 4BR+=10000 lbs
Service Multiplier:
DIY = 0.35×, Hybrid = 0.65×, Full-service = 1.0×
Packing = weight / 50 × $3.50 per box (if packing included)
Insurance = base_cost × 0.05
Tips = $25/mover × estimated_crew_size × estimated_hours
Timeline = distance < 50mi ? 1 day : ceil(distance / 500) + 1 daysFAQ
Frequently asked questions about moving costs
How much does it cost to move locally?
Local moves (under 50 miles) typically cost $800–$2,500 for a 1-2 bedroom home and $2,000–$5,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home. Costs include truck rental, labor, packing materials, and time.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
Long-distance moves (500+ miles) range from $2,500–$5,000 for a studio/1BR to $8,000–$15,000+ for a 4BR+ home. Distance, weight of belongings, and time of year all affect pricing.
What's the difference between DIY, hybrid, and full-service moves?
DIY means you rent a truck and do everything yourself. Hybrid means you pack but hire movers for loading/driving. Full-service means the company handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
What time of year is cheapest to move?
Moving between October and April (off-season) can save 20-30% compared to peak summer months (June-August). Mid-month and mid-week moves are also typically cheaper.
Should I tip movers?
Standard tipping is $20-$50 per mover for a half-day local move and $50-$100 per mover for a full-day or long-distance move. Tips are included in this calculator's estimates.
What does moving insurance cover?
Basic coverage (included free) covers $0.60 per pound per item. Full-value protection (costs extra) requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay market value for damaged items.