Free · no signup · local & long-distance
Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate what your move will cost in seconds — by home size, distance, and state, with a transparent breakdown you can actually understand.
Short answer
A local move (under ~50 miles) is priced by crew size and hours — most households pay $400–$1,500. A long-distance move is priced by shipment weight and distance and usually runs $2,000–$8,000+ for a full household. Enter your details below for an estimate tailored to your home size and state.
Estimated moving cost
$700 – $990
Midpoint estimate $830
- Crew
- 3 movers · ~5 hrs
Estimate excludes packing services, storage, and specialty items.
Moving costs by state
How moving costs are calculated
For local moves, movers bill by the hour and crew size, plus a truck and fuel fee — so a bigger home costs more because it needs more movers and more hours. For long-distance moves, the price is driven by the weight of your shipment and how far it travels. A 3-bedroom home weighs around 7,500 pounds; the further it goes, the more it costs. Regional labor costs matter too, which is why the same move costs more in California or New York than in the Midwest.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move?+
For a local move (under ~50 miles), most households pay roughly $400–$1,500 depending on home size, since local movers charge by the hour and crew size. A long-distance move is priced by weight and distance and typically runs $2,000–$8,000 or more for a cross-country household. Enter your home size, distance, and state above for a tailored estimate.
How is a long-distance move priced?+
Long-distance movers price by the weight of your shipment and how far it travels — more stuff and more miles cost more. A 3-bedroom home weighs roughly 7,500 pounds; moving it 1,000 miles often lands in the $5,000–$9,000 range before packing services. Getting rid of items before you weigh in is the single biggest lever on the price.
How much do local movers cost per hour?+
Local movers typically charge per mover, per hour. Two movers commonly run $90–$120/hour combined, and a larger crew for a big home costs more but finishes faster. Add a base truck/fuel fee. This calculator uses a transparent per-mover-hour rate you can see, so you understand where the number comes from.
What affects the cost of a move the most?+
Four things: how much you're moving (home size/weight), how far, your region's labor costs, and add-ons like packing, stairs, storage, or specialty items. Distance and weight dominate long-distance moves; crew hours dominate local ones. Decluttering before the move and being flexible on dates are the easiest ways to lower the bill.
Is it cheaper to move myself or hire movers?+
A DIY move with a rental truck is usually cheaper up front — you mainly pay for the truck, fuel, and equipment — but it costs your time and effort and carries more risk of damage or injury. Full-service movers cost more but handle loading, driving, and unloading. For long distances or large homes, professional movers or a moving container often become more competitive.
How far in advance should I book movers?+
Book at least 4–8 weeks ahead for a long-distance move and 2–4 weeks for a local one. Summer (May–September), weekends, and the start and end of the month are the busiest and priciest times — moving mid-week or mid-month can lower your cost and improve availability.
These are planning estimates based on industry-typical rates, not quotes. Your actual price depends on the specific mover, season, access (stairs, elevators, parking), packing services, and add-ons. Always get a few binding quotes before booking.