Moving a piano costs about $200 to $1,000 in 2026
Moving a piano costs about $200 to $1,000 in 2026, with an average near $400, per Angi. A local upright runs about $150 to $350, and a local grand about $250 to $650. Long distance moves run $450 to $2,500. Stairs, tight turns and crating add extra.
What piano moving costs
| Most moves, Angi range | $200 to $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Average, Angi | About $400 |
| Upright, local, average flat rate | About $275 |
| Grand, local, average flat rate | About $450 |
| Upright, local, other guides | $150 to $350 |
| Grand, local, other guides | $250 to $650 |
| Long distance | $450 to $2,500 |
| Stairs, per flight | $40 to $100 |
| Difficult terrain | $40 to $240 |
| Disassemble a grand | $80 to $150 |
| Crating | $700 to $1,600 |
| Window crane | $1,000 to $1,400 |
| Rush job, extra | $300 to $700 |
| Grand across the country, one mover | About $1,050 |
Guides differ, mostly on piano type and access. Tell every mover about stairs and tight spots before they quote. Sources: Angi, how much does it cost to move a piano (April 2026); AmeriSafe Van Lines, piano movers price (July 2026); ConsumerAffairs, cost to move a piano (July 2026); Piano Calculator, piano moving cost (March 2026); Cooper Piano, piano moving cost calculator (September 2025); HomeGuide, piano moving cost (April 2023); MoveAdvisor, how much does it cost to move a piano (May 2026); STI Moving and Storage, how much does it cost to move a piano (October 2025).
What changes your price
- Piano type and weight. AmeriSafe says weight is the biggest factor. Angi says grands and baby grands need more labor and equipment than uprights.
- Distance. MoveAdvisor says movers charge about $2 a mile locally and $4 a mile long distance.
- Stairs. HomeGuide and AmeriSafe say $5 to $10 a step. Piano Calculator says $40 to $100 a flight.
- Crew size. ConsumerAffairs says an upright needs two movers, and a grand up several flights may need four or five.
- Terrain. HomeGuide says hills, gravel or grass can add $40 to $240.
- Crating and timing. Long distance moves may need a crate, and rush jobs cost extra.
Piano movers or general movers
AmeriSafe says a general mover may add an upright to a full house move for $75 to $150, while a piano mover charges $250 to $500 or more locally. The gap buys equipment and skill. Piano movers use piano boards, padded wraps and stair climbers, and AmeriSafe quotes a piano shop that sees pianos damaged by furniture movers at least once a month.
HomeGuide says to look for a Certified Piano Mover, an insured and bonded company, a written estimate, and not to pay in full up front. It says most piano movers include free coverage up to $5,000.
MoveAdvisor says an elevator can bring the cost down considerably. Piano Calculator says to let a moved piano settle for 2 to 4 weeks before tuning. Sources: AmeriSafe Van Lines, piano movers price (July 2026); HomeGuide, piano moving cost (April 2023); MoveAdvisor, how much does it cost to move a piano (May 2026); Piano Calculator, piano moving cost (March 2026).
Other moving costs
For a whole house move, see our movers page. If you are getting rid of an old piano or other furniture, see our junk removal and dumpster rental pages.
How to judge the price you are quoted
- Give the exact make and model of the piano.
- Count the stairs at both places and tell the mover.
- Ask if it is a flat rate within a set distance. ConsumerAffairs says most local moves are.
- Ask about insurance and how much it covers.
- Ask if crating, disassembly and rush fees are included.
- Compare with $150 to $350 for a local upright.
Ways to pay less
- Give exact details so there are no surprise fees, says HomeGuide.
- Use an elevator if the building has one.
- Avoid rush jobs, which add $300 to $700.
- Get 3 written estimates for the same piano and stairs.
- A general mover may cost less for an upright in a house move, but the risk of damage is higher.
How we got these numbers
Movers set their own prices. The ranges come from 2026 moving guides and mover pages, plus guides from 2025 and 2023, as dated below. Most sources are movers, so treat them as asking prices. We do not add our own guesses. All numbers were checked on September 28, 2026.
Common questions
How much does it cost to move a piano?
About $200 to $1,000 in 2026, with an average near $400, per Angi.
How much does it cost to move a grand piano?
About $250 to $650 locally. ConsumerAffairs says an average local flat rate is $450.
How much does it cost to move a piano long distance?
About $450 to $2,500, and more with crating, insurance and tuning.
Do stairs cost extra?
Yes. Guides say $5 to $10 a step or $40 to $100 a flight.