Moving Cost Calculator
Instant low/high estimate for local and long-distance moves. Select your home size, distance, and move month to see what professional movers typically charge — the full formula is shown below so you know exactly how each number is built.
Move Details
Cost Breakdown by Home Size
All five home sizes for your selected distance band and move month.
| Home Size | Est. Weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|
How This Calculator Works
All figures are national averages from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and FMCSA consumer guides (as of June 2026). Actual quotes from licensed movers will vary by ZIP code, access conditions, and services.
Local moves (under 50 miles) — hourly model
cost = estimatedHours × hourlyRate × seasonMultiplier estimatedHours = baseHours[homeSize] × furnishingFactor Studio → 3 hrs 1BR → 4 hrs 2BR → 6 hrs 3BR → 8 hrs 4BR+ → 11 hrs hourlyRate (national avg, AMSA / moveBuddha 2026): 2-mover crew (studio, 1BR): $135–$185/hr 3-mover crew (2BR+): $165–$225/hr furnishingFactor: Light → 0.80 Average → 1.0 Full → 1.25 seasonMultiplier: Jun–Aug (peak) → 1.25 All other months → 1.0
Low estimate uses the floor of each rate range; high estimate uses the ceiling. Always get at least 3 binding quotes from FMCSA-licensed movers.
More Moving Cost Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Local moves (under 50 miles) typically cost $500–$2,500 depending on home size and crew. A 1-bedroom apartment runs $500–$900; a 3-bedroom house runs $1,200–$2,500. Movers charge by the hour — national average is $135–$225/hr depending on crew size (AMSA, as of June 2026). Peak summer months (June–August) add roughly 25%.
Long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage. AMSA data puts the average interstate move at approximately $4,890 (range $2,200–$8,500). A 1-bedroom move of 500 miles runs roughly $2,000–$3,500; a 3-bedroom cross-country move can reach $7,000–$12,000. Get at least 3 binding estimates from FMCSA-registered movers.
Off-peak months — January through March and October through November — are typically 15–25% cheaper than peak season. Avoid June 15–August 1 when demand peaks. Within any month, midweek days (Tuesday–Thursday) are cheaper than weekends.
Interstate movers regulated by FMCSA price by shipment weight (lbs) multiplied by a rate per pound ($0.50–$0.85/lb nationally) plus a base travel fee covering fuel, driver, and permits. They add charges for packing, stairs, long carries, and storage. With a non-binding estimate, the 110% rule protects you at delivery.
The 110% rule is a federal consumer protection for interstate moves with non-binding estimates. If the final weight-based bill exceeds the estimate, the mover can only require you to pay 110% of the original estimate at delivery — they must release your goods and bill any remainder later. Verify your mover's FMCSA registration at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
A 3-bedroom house typically weighs 7,000–9,000 lbs. Local moves run $1,200–$2,500. Regional moves (50–500 miles) run $4,000–$7,500. Cross-country moves run $6,000–$11,000. Peak season (June–August) adds ~25%. Packing service adds $600–$1,500 on top.
These are national averages based on AMSA survey data and FMCSA consumer guides (as of June 2026). Actual quotes vary by ZIP code, building access, floor level, season, and mover pricing. Treat these as planning benchmarks — always get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers before committing.