Moving Cost Calculator 2026
Estimate your moving costs — local move, long-distance, DIY truck rental, or full-service movers. Updated June 2026.
Average Moving Costs in 2026
| Move Type | DIY Truck | Moving Help | Full-Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (<100 mi) | $150-$400 | $300-$800 | $800-$2,500 |
| 100-500 mi | $500-$1,200 | $1,000-$2,500 | $1,500-$4,000 |
| 500-1,000 mi | $800-$1,800 | $1,500-$3,500 | $2,500-$6,000 |
| Cross-Country | $1,200-$3,000 | $2,500-$5,000 | $4,000-$12,000+ |
DIY Truck Rental Costs
- U-Haul: $19.95/day + $0.79/mile (in-town); one-way rates $300-$3,000 depending on distance and truck size
- Penske: $29.99/day + $0.79/mile; often has newer trucks and better insurance options
- Budget: $29.99/day + $0.75/mile; typically 10-15% cheaper than U-Haul for one-way moves
- Enterprise: $89+/day for cargo vans; better for small loads
- Gas cost: Budget $50-$200 for local moves; $100-$500 for long-distance (trucks get 8-12 MPG)
- Insurance: $15-$50/day for damage coverage (highly recommended — you're liable for any damage)
- Dolly + pads: $20-$40/day for appliance dolly; $10-$25/dozen for furniture pads
Professional Movers Costs
Full-service movers charge by the hour for local moves and by weight/distance for long-distance:
- Local hourly rate: $80-$120/hour for 2 movers + truck; $120-$180/hour for 3-4 movers
- Long-distance: $0.50-$1.00/pound + $0.50-$1.00/mile (a 3-bedroom home, ~8,000 lbs, costs $2,500-$6,000 for 500 miles)
- Specialty items: Pianos $200-$500; pool tables $300-$600; artwork/safes $150-$400 extra
- Stairs/elevator: $50-$200 extra per flight or if no elevator access
- Long carry: $75-$150 extra if truck can't park within 50-75 feet of your door
Packing Supplies & Services
- Boxes: $1.50-$4.00 each (buy used on Facebook Marketplace for $0.50-$1.00)
- Tape: $3-$6/roll (need 2-4 rolls per room)
- Bubble wrap: $15-$25/roll
- Packing paper: $10-$20/bundle
- Full packing service: $300-$800 for a 2-bedroom home; $500-$1,500 for a 3-4 bedroom
- Fragile-only packing: $150-$400 (electronics, dishes, artwork)
Hidden Moving Costs to Budget For
- Security deposit + first month's rent: At your new place (if renting)
- Utility setup fees: $50-$200 for electricity, gas, water, internet activation
- Cleaning service: $150-$400 to clean your old place (required by many leases)
- Hotel + meals: $150-$300/night for multi-day long-distance moves
- Storage: $50-$300/month if there's a gap between move-out and move-in
- Tips for movers: $20-$50/person for local; $50-$100/person for long-distance (not required but appreciated)
- Change of address: $1.25 for USPS; update driver's license, car registration, voter registration (fees vary by state)
Money-Saving Moving Tips
- Declutter first: Sell or donate 20-30% of your stuff — every pound costs money to move
- Move during off-peak: Weekdays and mid-month are 10-20% cheaper than weekends and month-end
- Get 3+ quotes: Movers' prices vary by 30-50% for the same job — always compare
- Use free boxes: Liquor stores, grocery stores, and Facebook Marketplace have free boxes
- Ask about price matching: Many movers will match a competitor's written quote
- Tax deduction: If you're moving for work 50+ miles farther from your old home, moving costs may be tax-deductible (check with a tax pro)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move locally?
Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $300-$1,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home using a rental truck (DIY), or $800-$2,500 with professional movers. The biggest cost factor is home size and whether you hire help.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) cost $1,500-$6,000 for a 1-2 bedroom home using a rental truck (plus gas and lodging), or $2,500-$8,000 with professional movers. Cross-country moves can exceed $10,000 with full service.
Is it cheaper to buy new furniture than move?
For studio/1-bedroom moves over 500+ miles, sometimes yes — especially for low-quality furniture. A one-bedroom move cross-country costs $1,500-$3,000, while replacing basic furniture might cost $2,000-$4,000. Get quotes both ways.