Moving costs $240 to $8,000 per move in 2026
Moving costs $240 to $8,000 per move in 2026, depending on home size and distance. NerdWallet lists a local average of $1,714 and a long distance average of $4,582. ConsumerAffairs lists $240 to $500 for a local one bedroom move and $2,000 to $8,000 for long distance. SoFi lists $1,200 to $2,200 for a three bedroom local move. Distance, home size, and the number of movers set the price.
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 |
|---|---|
| NerdWallet | NerdWallet lists a local move range of $880 to $2,570 with an average of $1,714, and a long distance average of $4,582. |
| SoFi | SoFi lists $1,200 to $2,200 for a local move and a long distance average of $4,890. |
| ConsumerAffairs | ConsumerAffairs lists $240 to $500 for a local one bedroom move and $2,000 to $8,000 for long distance. |
Moving price by type of move
| Type of move | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local move, usual range | $880 to $2,570 | NerdWallet |
| Local move, three bedroom | $1,200 to $2,200 | SoFi |
| Local move, one bedroom | $240 to $500 | ConsumerAffairs |
| Local move, four bedroom | $800 to $2,000 | ConsumerAffairs |
| Long distance, average | $4,582 | NerdWallet |
| Long distance, range | $2,000 to $8,000 | ConsumerAffairs |
| Two movers, per hour | $80 to $100 | ConsumerAffairs |
| Packing and unpacking | $350 to $600 | ConsumerAffairs |
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 |
|---|---|
| Distance | Local moves are priced by the hour, and long distance moves by weight and miles. NerdWallet lists $2,417 to $6,863 for long distance, and up to $10,000 or more. |
| Home size | More rooms means more stuff and more time. ConsumerAffairs lists $240 to $500 for a one bedroom and $800 to $2,000 for a four bedroom local move. |
| Crew size and hours | Local movers bill per hour. NerdWallet lists $38 to $75 per mover per hour, and ConsumerAffairs lists $80 to $100 for a team of two. |
| Extra services | Packing, unpacking, and storage add to the bill. ConsumerAffairs lists $350 to $600 for packing and unpacking, and SoFi lists $100 to $300 a month for storage. |
| Stairs and big items | Stairs, tight halls, and heavy pieces slow a crew down. Slower work means more billed hours or extra fees on top of the base price. |
What the price includes
A mover quote usually covers the crew, the truck, basic moving blankets, and loading and unloading. Packing, boxes, storage, stairs, long carries, and big items like pianos often cost extra. Ask what cover for damage is included. ConsumerAffairs lists moving insurance at 1% to 5% of the value of your goods. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Moving companies are the main sellers. Some are big national brands, and some are small local crews. Many local movers bill by the hour with a minimum number of hours. Long distance movers usually give a quote based on weight and miles, and some give a flat price after a home survey. Others use brokers who find a mover for you. Ask whether your quote is binding or only an estimate, and what happens if the load is larger than you listed.
When you need this
You may need movers when you have a lot of furniture, a large home, stairs, or a long drive ahead. They are also a good fit if you cannot lift heavy items. A small move with few items may cost less with a rental truck and friends. Compare the total cost, your time, and the risk of damage.
How to judge your quote
- Is the quote a flat price, a binding estimate, or an hourly rate?
- Are packing, stairs, and long carry fees listed in writing?
- How much cover is included for damage, and what costs extra?
- Is the company licensed, and does it have recent reviews?
- Compare the total with the range above: $240 to $8,000 per move for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Get three written quotes. Prices vary a lot, so compare the total, the hourly rate, and any extra fees before you sign.
- Pack yourself. ConsumerAffairs lists $350 to $600 for packing and unpacking, so doing it yourself can cut the bill.
- Move in the off season. Move at midmonth, midweek, and outside summer when you can, because movers are less busy and may give lower prices.
- Sell or donate extra items. Fewer items means fewer hours or less weight, and both cut the price of local and long distance moves.
- Consider a rental truck for a small move. NerdWallet lists an average of $150 for a DIY truck rental, but you add fuel, gear, and your own time.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from NerdWallet, SoFi and ConsumerAffairs. 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 does a local move cost?
NerdWallet lists $880 to $2,570 with an average of $1,714. SoFi lists $1,200 to $2,200 for a three bedroom home. ConsumerAffairs lists $240 to $2,000 by home size.
How much does a long distance move cost?
NerdWallet lists an average of $4,582 and a range of $2,417 to $6,863. SoFi lists an average of $4,890. ConsumerAffairs lists around $5,000 on average.
How much do movers charge per hour?
NerdWallet lists $38 to $75 per mover per hour. ConsumerAffairs lists $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers.
How much does packing cost?
ConsumerAffairs lists $350 to $600 for packing and unpacking. SoFi lists $7 for a 55 yard roll of tape and $29 for 300 feet of bubble wrap if you pack yourself.
How much does storage cost during a move?
SoFi lists $100 to $300 a month for storage. ConsumerAffairs lists $90 to a few hundred dollars a month.