Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your total moving cost based on the size of your move, distance, labor rate, and truck rental.
How labor hours are estimated
This calculator estimates roughly 1.5 hours per room as a general rule of thumb for a moving crew, which is a reasonable starting point for typical household rooms with average furniture density — heavily furnished rooms, homes with lots of stairs, or particularly large items (pianos, heavy furniture) can extend this considerably.
For a more precise estimate, many moving companies provide a free in-home or virtual walkthrough quote based on your actual belongings, which will be more accurate than any general room-based formula.
Other costs this estimate doesn't include
This calculator covers the core costs of labor, fuel, and truck rental, but a full move budget often includes packing supplies (boxes, tape, padding), moving insurance, tips for the moving crew, and temporary storage if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Long-distance moves handled by professional moving companies (rather than a DIY truck rental) are often priced differently — typically based on total weight and distance rather than an hourly local-move rate — so this calculator is best suited for local or regional moves rather than long-distance interstate relocations. For a deeper breakdown of what drives moving costs, see our moving cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does this estimate include packing supplies or moving insurance?
No — this covers core labor, fuel, and truck rental costs. A complete moving budget should also account for packing supplies, insurance, tips, and any temporary storage needs.
Is this calculator suitable for long-distance moves?
It's best suited for local or regional moves. Long-distance moves handled by professional movers are typically priced differently, often based on total shipment weight and distance rather than an hourly local-move rate.
How much do movers cost on average?
Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom home. Long-distance moves cost $2,000–$7,500+ depending on distance and volume. Full-service (packing + moving + unpacking) costs 30-50% more than transport-only services. Get at least 3 quotes from licensed movers.
What factors affect moving costs?
The main factors are: distance (local vs long-distance), home size (number of bedrooms/weight of items), time of year (summer and month-end are pricier), additional services (packing, unpacking, storage, specialty items), floor access (stairs or elevator), and insurance coverage level.
How much does it cost to hire movers?
Local moves (under 50 miles) typically cost $800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom home, based on hourly rates of $100–$200 for 2 movers plus a truck. Long-distance moves cost $2,000–$7,500+ depending on weight and distance. Full-service moves (packing + moving + unpacking) cost 30–50% more. Always get at least 3 binding quotes.
How do I estimate moving costs?
Key factors: distance (local vs interstate), home size (number of rooms or cubic feet of belongings), time of year (June–August and month-end cost 20–40% more), floor access, packing services, and specialty items like pianos or safes. Use this calculator to get a rough estimate, then get binding quotes from licensed movers for your actual move.
What is the cheapest way to move?
Renting a truck and moving yourself is cheapest — typically $200–$800 for a local move. Portable storage containers (PODS) are mid-range at $1,000–$3,000 for long distance. Hiring movers is most expensive but saves time and protects your belongings. Moving during off-peak times (fall/winter, mid-month) saves 10–30%.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?
A 3-bedroom local move typically costs $1,200–$3,500 with professional movers (4–6 hours at $150–$200/hour for 3 movers). A long-distance 3-bedroom move costs $3,500–$8,000+ depending on distance. Add 20–30% for packing services. Summer moves cost significantly more than winter.