How much does it cost to move in 2026? A full pricing breakdown
Real averages from 41,200 reviewed moves — by home size, distance and season — plus five proven ways to bring the number down.
Ask five moving companies what a move costs and you will get five different answers — because the honest answer is “it depends on weight, distance and date.” But averages still help you sanity-check a quote. We analyzed the 41,200 reviewed moves booked through our directory over the last twelve months to put real numbers behind each scenario.
Average cost by home size
Local moves are billed hourly per crew member; long-distance moves are billed by weight and mileage. That is why the gap widens fast as homes get bigger.
| Home size | Local move (<100 mi) | Long-distance (~1,000 mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $480 – $1,100 | $1,500 – $3,200 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,100 – $2,300 | $3,500 – $6,300 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,100 – $2,900 | $6,300 – $10,000+ |
Source: 41,200 reviewed moves booked via the directory, Aug 2025 – Jul 2026. Ranges are 25th–75th percentile.
Rates vary a long way by market. To see what companies actually operate near you, browse movers by state and city or search the directory directly.
What actually drives the price
Distance and fuel. Past 100 miles, pricing flips from hourly to weight × mileage, and fuel surcharges (6–12%) kick in.
Weight and volume. The average 2-bedroom home ships at ~5,000 lbs. Every 1,000 lbs adds roughly $400–$600 on a cross-country run.
Labor and access. Stairs, long carries and elevator buildings add crew hours. A third-floor walk-up typically adds $150–$400.
Season and date. May–September runs 20–30% above winter rates; the last weekend of any month is the most expensive slot on the calendar.
Valuation coverage. Free Released Value Protection caps the mover at 60 cents per pound per article; Full Value Protection costs more and covers replacement value. FMCSA explains both in valuation and insurance options.
Binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed
The estimate type matters as much as the number on it. A binding estimate fixes the price for the listed inventory; a non-binding estimate is a projection you may exceed; a binding not-to-exceed estimate caps you at the quote but lets the price fall if the shipment weighs less. Your rights around estimates, weighing and delivery windows are set out in FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, which an interstate mover is required to give you.
Before you compare any quotes, confirm the company is registered: check the USDOT number through the FMCSA mover lookup or the SAFER snapshot, and read FMCSA’s list of moving fraud red flags before paying a deposit. If all you have is a company name from an advert, it is quicker to look up a carrier’s USDOT record first and read the fleet size, authority and safety rating on one page before you dial.
Five ways to cut your moving bill
- Move mid-week, mid-month. Tuesday–Thursday slots between the 5th and 25th are routinely 10–15% cheaper.
- Shed weight before you pack. Selling or donating 500 lbs of furniture saves $200–$300 on a long-distance move.
- Pack yourself, partially. Full packing service adds $60–$85 per hour per packer. Pack books and linens; leave glass to the pros — and if you do tackle it, follow the sequence in our guide to packing fragile items.
- Get three binding quotes. In our data, the spread between the highest and lowest quote for the same move averages 31%.
- Check the review pattern, not the score. A 4.6 with 200 reviews and detailed complaints handled well beats a 5.0 with 12.
When should you book?
For local moves, two to four weeks out is usually enough. For long-distance or summer moves, book six to eight weeks ahead — carriers assign trucks to lanes early, and late bookings pay a premium for whatever capacity is left.
Working backwards from your date is easier with a plan: our 8-week moving checklist lays out what to do each week, from verifying licensing to filing a USPS change of address. More advice is collected in all our moving guides, and moving company owners can list a business in the directory.
Former operations manager at a national van line, Amanda has coordinated more than 1,200 household moves. She writes about pricing, packing and moving-day logistics, and personally test-books the companies she covers.
