Free Moving Cost Calculator (Estimates in Seconds)
moveBuddha’s free moving cost calculator is the only calculator that uses real-time pricing data, so when market conditions shift, like rising fuel costs or seasonal demand, your estimate updates immediately.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 4,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Most moving calculators rely on historical averages that lag behind the market; ours doesn’t. Built on over a decade of research and thousands of pricing data points collected every month from hundreds of movers across the country, our calculator delivers a precise, data-backed cost range based on your distance, home size, move date, and service level. Get your estimate, then compare live quotes from local and interstate movers, moving containers, and rental trucks, all side by side.
Moving cost quick facts (2026)
The following ranges reflect average moving costs in the U.S. for 2026, based on real quotes and moveBuddha’s pricing data.
- Local moves (under 100 miles): $500–$3,500+
- Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles): $1,500–$8,500+
- Moving containers, local: $400–$700
- Truck rental, local: $30–$500
- Professional packing add-on: $900–$1,500
- Typical mover tip: $20–$60 per mover
Fuel surcharge alert: June 2026
According to moveBuddha’s most recent move cost data, moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% as of June 2026 due to rising fuel costs. Movers in California, Oregon, and Washington have seen the largest price increases. Use the calculator above to get a current estimate that reflects these conditions.
How much do movers cost?
The average cost to move varies based on the type of mover you hire, the services you select, how far you’re moving, and how much you need to move. Home size, distance, shipment weight, and service level can all affect your final move cost.
We’ve provided sample cost data for different types of moves below.
- Professional movers: Local moves cost between $500 and $3,500+, while long-distance moves range from $1,500 to $8,500+.
- Moving containers: Expect to pay between $400 and $700 for local moves, and $900 to $4,500 for long-distance container services.
- Rental trucks: Local truck rentals cost between $30 and $500 on average, with pricing structures varying from company to company.
To get an accurate moving quote, always take these steps:
- Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate tailored to your move details.
- Get at least three quotes from moving companies to compare pricing.
- Understand your needs and know whether you need packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized services.
- Factor in additional costs like tolls, moving supplies, tips, and extra services.
Average cost of local moves
A local move is under 100 miles and usually stays within the same state. These are called intrastate moves. They’re regulated by state law and typically priced by the hour.
According to moveBuddha’s pricing dataset, local movers typically charge $25–$100 per mover per hour, with most jobs requiring a crew of two to four movers. Many companies have a 2–4 hour minimum. Here’s what you can expect to pay by home size:
| Home size | Crew size | Est. hours | Avg. hourly rate (crew) | Avg. total cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 2–3 hrs | $100–$150/hr | $340 |
| 1 bedroom | 2 movers | 3–4 hrs | $100–$150/hr | $460 |
| 2 bedroom | 3 movers | 4–6 hrs | $150–$270/hr | $725 |
| 3 bedroom | 3–4 movers | 6–8 hrs | $180–$320/hr | $1,625 |
| 4 bedroom | 4 movers | 7–10 hrs | $200–$400/hr | $1,860 |
| 5+ bedroom | 4–5 movers | 9–12 hrs | $250–$500/hr | $2,850 |
Prices are sourced from moveBuddha’s proprietary moving pricing dataset, updated monthly with 1,000+ new data points. moveBuddha’s pricing data and research have been cited by The New York Times, Bloomberg, and USA Today. See our methodology.
Average cost of long-distance moves
A long-distance move is 100+ miles and often crosses state lines (an interstate move). Average long-distance moving costs range from $1,000–$14,000+, depending on the size and distance of your move. Most long-distance moves cost between $3,060–$5,280 for a 2–3 bedroom home, based on moveBuddha’s 2026 pricing dataset.
| Mileage | Studio/1 bedroom cost (2026) | 2–3 bedrooms cost (2026) | 4 bedrooms cost (2026) | 5+ bedrooms cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150–250 miles | $1,165–$2,650 | $2,650–$4,385 | $2,860–$6,230 | $3,290–$7,165 |
| 250–500 miles | $1,380–$3,085 | $2,778–$4,669 | $3,088–$6,545 | $3,550–$7,525 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1,845–$4,020 | $3,060–$5,280 | $3,580–$7,220 | $4,115–$8,305 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $2,200–$4,695 | $3,525–$5,955 | $4,305–$8,270 | $4,950–$9,510 |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | $2,335–$4,860 | $4,375–$6,750 | $5,500–$10,070 | $6,325–$11,580 |
Average cost of DIY moves
The average cost of a DIY move depends on whether you use a moving container or rental truck, how much you’re moving, and how far you’re going.
- Moving container cost (e.g., PODS): The average cost to move within 50 miles with portable moving container companies is around $400–$700 for one container, based on moveBuddha’s 2026 cost data. For interstate moves, average moving container costs range from $900–$4,500 or more.
- Moving truck rental cost (e.g., U-Haul, Penske, Budget): Local truck rentals typically cost $20–$100 per day depending on truck size, plus mileage fees. For long-distance rentals, expect total costs of $800–$3,000+ depending on your move’s distance and truck size.
What factors affect your moving cost?
- Move size: Larger moves affect your moving cost because they require more labor and a bigger truck.
- Distance: The greater the distance, the higher your moving quotes will be.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Moving containers or rental trucks are usually cheaper than professional movers, but you do the packing and heavy lifting.
- Time of year: Summer prices are higher because it’s peak moving season. Based on moveBuddha’s seasonal cost data, the cheapest time to move is between October and April.
- Fuel costs and surcharges: Fuel surcharges fluctuate with diesel prices and can be added on top of your base quote. As of June 2026, moving company pricing has risen approximately 21% due to higher fuel costs, with the steepest increases in California, Oregon, and Washington. Always ask your mover whether fuel costs are included in your estimate or billed as a separate line item. (Source: moveBuddha pricing data, June 2026).
- Moving date: Moving prices are higher on weekends and at the beginning and end of the month.
- Specialty items: Pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, motorcycles, safes, and other bulky items can increase your cost. Ask your mover for a per-item handling fee before booking.
- Packing services: Professional packing costs an extra $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average and can add $900–$1,500 depending on home size and what you want packed. (Source: moveBuddha packing cost data)
Moving cost calculator — Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move?
Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $500–$3,500+ with professional movers. Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles) range from $1,500–$8,500+. According to moveBuddha’s 2026 pricing data, a 2–3 bedroom move of 500–1,000 miles typically costs $3,060–$5,280. Your final cost depends on home size, distance, move date, and service level. Use our moving cost calculator for a tailored estimate.