There is no single price for a move. What you pay depends mostly on how much you're moving, how far, and how easy the access is at each end. The tables below give rough planning ranges from our estimate model, so you can budget and spot quotes that look unrealistic. They are not quotes. A mover can only give you a reliable price after seeing your belongings, in person or on a video call.
How movers price a move
Local moves: by the hour
Moves within a metro area (roughly under 100 miles) are usually charged by the hour for a crew and truck. The clock often includes driving between homes, and many movers charge a minimum number of hours or a travel fee. Typical crews are 2 movers for a studio or 1-bedroom, 3 for 2–3 bedrooms and 4 for larger homes.
| 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 moves: by weight and distance
Longer moves are normally priced by the weight (or volume) of your belongings and the distance. A typical 2-bedroom home is often around 5,000–6,000 lbs and a 3-bedroom around 7,500–9,000 lbs, but this varies a lot with how much furniture you have.
| 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.
What makes a move cost more
- Peak season. May to September, weekends and the last days of each month are the busiest.
- Access. Stairs, elevators, long walks to the truck and narrow streets that need a smaller shuttle truck.
- Packing. Full packing service often adds roughly 15–30%.
- Special items. Pianos, safes, pool tables, hot tubs and large artwork may need extra crew or crating.
- Storage. If your dates don't line up, storage in transit or warehouse storage adds cost.
- Valuation coverage. The basic released-value protection is included, but full-value protection costs extra.
Ways to lower the cost
- Get rid of things you don't want to move. Weight and volume drive long-distance prices.
- Move mid-week and mid-month, outside the summer peak if you can.
- Pack yourself, and pay for professional packing only for fragile items.
- Compare at least three written estimates based on a survey of your home.
- For long moves, compare full-service movers with moving containers or a rental truck. They cost less, but you do more of the work.
Red flags in a quote
An estimate far below the others, a price given over the phone without seeing your belongings, or a demand for a large deposit are common warning signs. Read how to avoid moving scams.
How we calculate these ranges: estimate methodology. Last reviewed November 2026.