Moving companies cost $350 to $10,600 per move in 2026
Moving companies cost $350 to $10,600 per move in 2026. LawnStarter puts the average move at $1,340, with most moves from $690 to $2,240. Size and distance matter most. Storage Scholars lists $350 to $730 for a local studio or one bedroom move, and $1,470 to $2,625 for three bedrooms. Long moves cost more. Opendoor lists $4,500 to $8,500 for a two to three bedroom move over 1,000 miles.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| LawnStarter | LawnStarter lists an average move of $1,340, a typical range of $690 to $2,240, and $50 to $70 per mover per hour. |
| Opendoor | Opendoor lists $1,200 to $2,500 for a local two to three bedroom move and $4,500 to $8,500 for the same size over 1,000 miles. |
| Storage Scholars | Storage Scholars lists $85 to $210 per hour for two movers and a truck, $350 to $730 for a studio, and up to $10,600 for long moves. |
Moving company price by home size and distance
| Move | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or one bedroom, local | $350 to $730 | Storage Scholars |
| Two to three bedrooms, local | $1,200 to $2,500 | Opendoor |
| Four bedrooms, local | $2,100 to $3,675 | Storage Scholars |
| Local, two movers and a truck | $85 to $210 per hour | Storage Scholars |
| Local, per mover | $50 to $70 per hour | LawnStarter |
| Two to three bedrooms, over 1,000 miles | $4,500 to $8,500 | Opendoor |
| Average move | $1,340 | LawnStarter |
| Packing help | $1,000 average, $275 to $2,200 | LawnStarter |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Home size | More stuff means more time and a bigger truck. Storage Scholars lists $350 to $730 for a local studio and $2,100 to $3,675 for four bedrooms. |
| Distance | Long moves cost more. Opendoor lists $1,200 to $2,500 for a local two to three bedroom move and $4,500 to $8,500 for the same size over 1,000 miles. |
| Hours and crew | Local movers bill by the hour. Storage Scholars lists $85 to $210 for two movers and a truck, and LawnStarter lists $50 to $70 per mover. |
| Time of year | Busy months cost more. Opendoor says peak season adds 15 to 30 percent to the bill, so a move in a slow month can cost less. |
| Extra services | Packing, storage, and special items add to the price. LawnStarter lists packing at $1,000 on average, with a range of $275 to $2,200. |
What the price includes
A moving quote usually covers the crew, the truck, and the time or weight of your move. Storage Scholars says most local companies set a minimum of two to four hours. Packing, boxes, storage, stairs, and heavy or special items often cost extra. Ask if fuel, tape, and basic cover for your things are in the price. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Moving companies include local movers, long distance movers, and big van lines. Local moves are usually billed by the hour for a crew and a truck. Storage Scholars lists a two to four hour minimum. Long distance moves are priced by weight and miles, says Opendoor. Many companies add fees for stairs, long carries, packing, and storage. Ask for the quote in writing, ask how the bill is built, and ask when you pay: a deposit, on pickup, or on delivery.
When you need this
Hire movers if you have heavy furniture, stairs, a long way to go, or little time. They are also a good fit if you cannot lift, or if the job needs a big truck. For a small move you might go it alone. Compare the cost of pros with a truck rental, fuel, helpers, and your own time before you decide.
How to judge your quote
- Is the quote by the hour or by weight, and is there a minimum?
- Does it list packing, stairs, and fuel fees?
- Is your move date in the busy season?
- What happens to the price if the move runs over the time quoted?
- Compare the total with the range above: $350 to $10,600 per move for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Move in the off season. Opendoor says peak season adds 15 to 30 percent, so a move in a slow month can cost much less.
- Pack yourself. LawnStarter lists packing help at $1,000 on average, so boxing your things can save a lot.
- Price a do it yourself move. Storage Scholars lists $200 to $900 for a local DIY move. That can win for a small move if you can do the lifting.
- Get written quotes from three companies. LawnStarter shows moves from $265 to $10,510, so quotes for the same job can differ a lot.
- Sell or give away what you do not need. Less stuff means fewer hours on a local move and a lower weight price on a long one.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from LawnStarter, Opendoor and Storage Scholars. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much do movers cost per hour?
Storage Scholars lists $85 to $210 per hour for two movers and a truck. LawnStarter lists $50 to $70 per mover per hour.
How much does a local move cost?
Opendoor lists $500 to $1,200 for a studio or one bedroom and $1,200 to $2,500 for two to three bedrooms. Storage Scholars lists similar ranges by size.
How much does a long distance move cost?
Storage Scholars puts the average near $4,500. Opendoor lists $4,500 to $8,500 for a two to three bedroom move over 1,000 miles.
What is the average cost of a move?
LawnStarter lists $1,340 on average, with most moves between $690 and $2,240.
Is a DIY move cheaper?
Often, for small moves. Storage Scholars lists $200 to $900 for a local DIY move and $1,200 to $2,800 for a long distance one.