Moving Cost Calculator
Calculate your moving cost instantly — local, long-distance, or cross-country. Get accurate estimates from real moving company data across all 50 states.
Moving Cost by Distance (2025)
| Move Type | Low | Average | High | Pricing Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $800 | $1,400 | $2,500 | Charged by the hour |
| Long Distance (50–500 mi) | $1,500 | $2,800 | $5,000 | By weight & distance |
| Interstate (500–1,500 mi) | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | Includes fuel surcharges |
| Cross Country (1,500+ mi) | $4,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 | Up to 2–3 weeks transit |
Moving Cost by State (2025)
Average cost for a typical 2-bedroom home interstate move, including labor and transportation.
| State | Low Estimate | Average Cost | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,700 | $2,700 | $5,500 |
| Alaska | $4,800 | $7,700 | $14,000 |
| Arizona | $2,000 | $3,200 | $6,200 |
| Arkansas | $1,600 | $2,600 | $5,200 |
| California | $3,200 | $5,100 | $9,500 |
| Colorado | $2,400 | $3,700 | $7,000 |
| Connecticut | $2,800 | $4,400 | $8,200 |
| Delaware | $2,500 | $3,900 | $7,400 |
| Florida | $2,100 | $3,300 | $6,400 |
| Georgia | $1,900 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| Hawaii | $5,800 | $9,300 | $16,000 |
| Idaho | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,700 |
| Illinois | $2,400 | $3,800 | $7,300 |
| Indiana | $1,900 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| Iowa | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,700 |
| Kansas | $1,700 | $2,800 | $5,500 |
| Kentucky | $1,700 | $2,700 | $5,400 |
| Louisiana | $1,900 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| Maine | $2,500 | $3,900 | $7,500 |
| Maryland | $2,700 | $4,200 | $8,000 |
| Massachusetts | $3,300 | $5,200 | $9,700 |
| Michigan | $2,100 | $3,300 | $6,400 |
| Minnesota | $2,200 | $3,500 | $6,700 |
| Mississippi | $1,600 | $2,600 | $5,000 |
| Missouri | $1,900 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| Montana | $2,000 | $3,200 | $6,200 |
| Nebraska | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,600 |
| Nevada | $2,100 | $3,400 | $6,600 |
| New Hampshire | $2,600 | $4,100 | $7,900 |
| New Jersey | $3,100 | $4,900 | $9,300 |
| New Mexico | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,700 |
| New York | $3,400 | $5,400 | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | $1,900 | $3,100 | $6,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,700 |
| Ohio | $2,000 | $3,200 | $6,200 |
| Oklahoma | $1,700 | $2,700 | $5,300 |
| Oregon | $2,600 | $4,200 | $8,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,300 | $3,600 | $7,000 |
| Rhode Island | $2,800 | $4,400 | $8,200 |
| South Carolina | $1,900 | $3,100 | $6,000 |
| South Dakota | $1,700 | $2,800 | $5,500 |
| Tennessee | $1,800 | $2,900 | $5,700 |
| Texas | $2,100 | $3,300 | $6,400 |
| Utah | $2,100 | $3,400 | $6,500 |
| Vermont | $2,600 | $4,100 | $7,800 |
| Virginia | $2,400 | $3,700 | $7,100 |
| Washington | $2,900 | $4,600 | $8,700 |
| West Virginia | $1,700 | $2,700 | $5,400 |
| Wisconsin | $2,100 | $3,400 | $6,500 |
| Wyoming | $1,900 | $3,100 | $6,000 |
How Much Does Moving Cost in 2025?
The cost to move varies dramatically based on distance, home size, and whether you use professional movers or DIY. Local moves (under 50 miles) typically cost $800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom home with professional movers. Long-distance moves run $2,500–$8,000, and cross-country moves cost $5,000–$15,000 or more. The national average for a typical interstate move is around $3,500.
What Factors Affect Moving Costs?
1. Move Distance
Distance is the biggest cost driver for long-distance moves. Local movers charge by the hour ($100–$200/hour) regardless of distance. Long-distance movers charge per pound per mile — typically $0.30–$0.70 per pound per hundred miles. A 7,000-lb household moving 1,500 miles might cost $4,500–$7,500 in transportation alone.
2. Home Size and Volume
More belongings = more weight = higher cost. A studio apartment might weigh 1,500–2,000 lbs. A 3-bedroom home weighs 5,000–8,000 lbs. A 5-bedroom home can exceed 12,000 lbs. Decluttering before your move is one of the best ways to reduce your moving bill — donating or selling unwanted items can cut your shipment weight by 20–30%.
3. Packing Services
Professional packing services add $400–$1,500 to your moving cost depending on home size. Movers pack your entire home in boxes with proper materials. While expensive, professional packing typically means better protection for your belongings and faster unpacking. Partial packing (just fragile items or a specific room) is also available.
4. Time of Year and Day
Peak moving season runs June through August, with prices 20–40% higher than off-season rates. Moving in October through April offers the best deals. Mid-week moves (Tuesday–Thursday) are cheaper than weekends. Avoiding the 1st and 15th of the month (when most leases turn over) also helps secure better availability and rates.
5. Additional Services
Specialty items like pianos ($150–$400 extra), pool tables ($300–$600), and grandfather clocks ($200–$400) cost more to move due to special equipment and expertise required. High-rise deliveries above the 3rd floor, long carries (over 75 feet from truck to door), and storage-in-transit (if your new home isn't ready) all add to the final bill.
How to Save on Moving Costs
Get at least 3 in-home estimates from licensed movers. Book early — movers fill up 4–6 weeks in advance during peak season. Declutter aggressively before the move to reduce shipment weight. Consider a portable storage container (PODS, U-Pack) as a middle-ground option between full-service movers and DIY truck rental — you pack, they drive. Finally, check whether your employer offers relocation assistance, as many companies pay part or all of moving costs for job transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local moves (under 50 miles) cost $800–$2,500 for most households. Long-distance moves cost $2,500–$8,000. Cross-country moves for a 3-bedroom home run $5,000–$12,000 including packing services. The national average for a typical interstate move is around $3,500.
Local movers charge by the hour — typically $100–$200/hour for 2 movers and a truck. Long-distance movers charge based on shipment weight (pounds) and distance (miles). An 8,000-lb household shipment moving 1,000 miles costs approximately $4,000–$6,500. Time of year and availability also affect pricing significantly.
Moving costs are lowest from October through April (especially November–February). Summer months (June–August) are peak season with prices 20–40% higher. Moving mid-week and mid-month is cheaper than weekends or the 1st/15th of the month when leases typically turn over. Booking 4–8 weeks in advance also helps secure better rates.
Renting a moving truck costs $200–$2,000 depending on distance, but you provide all labor. Full-service movers cost more but handle everything from packing to unloading. For local moves, truck rental is cost-effective if you have friends to help. For long-distance or large homes, professional movers are usually worth the premium — especially for protecting valuable items.
Full-service moving includes packing your belongings into boxes (typically $400–$1,000 extra), loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. Many movers also offer furniture disassembly and reassembly. Valuation protection (limited liability coverage) is typically included; full replacement value protection costs extra but is worth it for valuable items.
Always get 3+ written quotes. Be wary of movers who require a large deposit upfront, give quotes over the phone without seeing your belongings, or offer prices significantly below competitors. Verify the mover is licensed at FMCSA.dot.gov (look up USDOT number). Avoid "rogue movers" who hold your belongings hostage for inflated charges — a real risk with cut-rate companies.