Movers cost $690 to $2,240 for most local moves in 2026
LawnStarter puts the average at about $1,340 for a two person crew within 100 miles, with most moves costing $690 to $2,240. A two person crew with a truck runs about $85 to $210 an hour, with a 2 to 4 hour minimum. Long distance moves run about $2,850 to $10,800.
Cost by distance and home size (LawnStarter)
| Up to 100 miles, studio or 1 bedroom | About $385. |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 miles, 2 to 3 bedrooms | About $815. |
| Up to 100 miles, 4+ bedrooms | About $1,645. |
| 250 to 1,000 miles, 2 to 3 bedrooms | About $5,490. |
| 1,000 to 2,500+ miles, 4+ bedrooms | About $11,530. |
| Hourly, two movers and a truck | $85 to $210 (Storage Scholars, 2026). |
| Per mover | $50 to $70 an hour for local moves. |
What pushes a quote up
| Distance | Long moves are priced by weight and miles. |
|---|---|
| Home size | More rooms means more hours. |
| Crew size | Each extra mover adds to the hourly rate. |
| Stairs and access | Stairs, elevators and long carries add time. |
| Season | Summer and month ends are busiest. |
Movers cost by region
| Lower cost states | $550 to $1,800. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $690 to $2,240. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $900 to $2,900. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Movers in expensive cities such as San Francisco and New York charge more per hour.
How to keep the hours down
Local moves are billed by the hour, so everything that slows the crew costs you. Have boxes packed, labeled and near the door before they arrive, take beds apart yourself, and reserve elevator time or parking in advance.
Most companies have a 2 to 4 hour minimum, so even a short move costs at least $170 to $440 before travel time and extras, according to Storage Scholars.
Tipping
A common tip is $20 to $40 per mover for a local move and $40 to $80 per mover for a long distance move.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask hourly or flat rate.
- Ask the minimum hours and travel fee.
- Ask what counts as extra: stairs, long carry, heavy items.
- Ask about valuation coverage.
- Get it in writing after they see your home.
Ways to pay less
- Pack yourself.
- Move midweek and midmonth.
- Get rid of things first.
- Get three quotes.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much do movers cost?
About $1,340 on average, $690 to $2,240 for most local moves.
How much do movers charge per hour?
About $85 to $210 an hour for two movers and a truck.
How much is a long distance move?
About $2,850 to $10,800.
How much should I tip movers?
About $20 to $40 per mover for a local move.
Other service costs
Photo: brownpau, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped.