How the moving cost calculator works
The calculator estimates the road distance between your two ZIP codes, then applies the way movers usually price a job:
- Local moves (about 100 miles or less) are priced by the hour: crew size and hours for your home size, plus travel time.
- Long-distance moves are priced by the weight of your belongings and the distance. We use typical weights by home size, from about 2,000 lbs for a studio to 14,000 lbs for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Peak season (May to September), full packing and difficult access add to the price.
You also see starting prices for a moving container (you pack and load, they drive) and renting a truck yourself. Full assumptions are on the methodology page.
Example moving costs
| Route | Home size | Distance | Starting price | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY → Miami, FL | 2 bedrooms | ~1,295 mi | from $3,500 | $3,500 – $6,200 |
| Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX | 3 bedrooms | ~945 mi | from $4,250 | $4,250 – $7,550 |
| Los Angeles, CA → Austin, TX | 2 bedrooms | ~1,447 mi | from $3,750 | $3,750 – $6,600 |
| Columbus, OH → Los Angeles, CA | 3 bedrooms | ~2,335 mi | from $7,600 | $7,600 – $13,300 |
| Boston, MA → Charlotte, NC | 1 bedroom | ~849 mi | from $1,750 | $1,750 – $3,100 |
| Seattle, WA → Phoenix, AZ | 3 bedrooms | ~1,308 mi | from $5,150 | $5,150 – $9,050 |
| Houston, TX → Dallas, TX | 2 bedrooms | ~265 mi | from $1,800 | $1,800 – $3,250 |
| Denver, CO → Nashville, TN | 4 bedrooms | ~1,203 mi | from $6,700 | $6,700 – $11,850 |
Full-service movers, off-peak, no packing service. Planning figures, not quotes.
Local moving costs by home size
| Home size | Typical crew and time | Rough range (15-mile move) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers, ~3–5 hrs | $500 – $1,150 |
| 1 bedroom | 2 movers, ~4–6 hrs | $600 – $1,350 |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 movers, ~5–8 hrs | $950 – $2,250 |
| 3 bedrooms | 3 movers, ~7–10 hrs | $1,250 – $2,750 |
| 4 bedrooms | 4 movers, ~8–12 hrs | $1,800 – $4,050 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 4 movers, ~10–14 hrs | $2,150 – $4,650 |
Long-distance moving costs by home size
| Home size | ~250 miles | ~1,000 miles | ~2,500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,900 – $3,400 | $3,500 – $6,100 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,800 – $3,200 | $3,000 – $5,350 | $5,500 – $9,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,600 – $4,650 | $4,400 – $7,750 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,600 – $6,400 | $6,050 – $10,650 | $11,000 – $19,250 |
Off-peak, no packing service. Rough planning ranges, not quotes. Methodology.
How to get an exact price
A calculator can only give a range. Movers set the real price after seeing what you're moving, by video or in person. To compare real prices:
- Request quotes from movers serving your route.
- Get each estimate in writing and ask whether it's binding.
- Check each company's registration. Our city directories link to every mover's FMCSA record.
More detail: how much do movers cost?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house across the country?
Using our model, a 3-bedroom move of about 2,500 miles starts from roughly $8,000 with full-service movers, off-peak and without packing. Peak season, packing and access can push it well above that. A moving container or rental truck usually costs much less.
How much do local movers cost?
Local movers usually charge by the hour for a crew and truck. A 2-bedroom local move typically starts around $950, depending on hours, stairs and travel time.
Is the moving cost calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic starting point for budgeting based on typical home weights, crew rates and distance. Your actual price depends on your belongings, dates and access, so always get written estimates.
What's the cheapest way to move?
Usually renting a truck and doing it yourself, followed by a moving container. Full-service movers cost the most but do all the heavy lifting. Moving mid-week, mid-month and outside summer also helps.