Tool
Moving cost calculator
A ballpark estimate based on origin state, destination state, home size, and service level. The detailed PDF report — line items, optional services, and tipping guidance — is sent by email.
Pick an origin and destination state above to see your ballpark range instantly — no email required.
Average moving costs by home size and distance
Full-service industry-estimate ranges, consistent with the weight and per-pound math the calculator uses. DIY truck rental runs 40–70 percent below these numbers; hybrid and container moves land in between — the method-by-method ranking shows the trade-offs.
| Home size | Local (<100 mi) | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | $240–$600 | $900–$1,800 | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $525–$1,260 | $1,400–$2,800 | $1,800–$3,800 | $2,500–$5,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $980–$2,400 | $2,200–$4,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | $4,000–$8,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,300–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $4,200–$8,000 | $5,500–$11,000 |
Local figures follow crew-and-hours math (hourly rates decoded); long-haul figures follow weight times per-mile rates (what your household weighs). Timing moves every cell — January–February and mid-month dates price at the bottom of each range (cheapest time to move). For specific routes, the state-to-state corridor table pre-computes 1BR and 3BR ranges for the 50 busiest interstate moves.
How we calculate moving costs
The calculator above combines three industry-standard inputs to produce a ballpark range. The methodology mirrors how van-line agents and FMCSA-licensed carriers price interstate moves under the Surface Transportation Board's 49 CFR Part 375 disclosure framework.
Distance is computed as the great-circle distance between the population centers of the origin and destination states (US Census ACS data). Real shipments travel slightly farther on the interstate network — typically 5–15 percent more than the great-circle distance. That gap is absorbed into the per-mile rate band, so the ballpark already accounts for it.
Shipment weightuses the American Trucking Associations' standard household-goods weight estimates: roughly 1,500 lbs for a 1-bedroom move, 3,500 lbs for 2 bedrooms, 6,000 lbs for 3 bedrooms, and 9,000+ lbs for 4 or more bedrooms. Real weights vary with how furniture-heavy the household is — a sparse 3BR can come in at 4,000 lbs; a fully furnished 2BR with a piano and home gym can hit 6,000 lbs.
Service level determines the rate band applied. DIY (you rent a truck and drive) is the cheapest but loads all logistics and liability on you. Hybrid (you pack, movers load and drive, or you use container services like PODS) splits the work. Full service (door-to-door, packing optional) is the most expensive but the lowest-effort and includes valuation coverage and accessorial services baked in.
What affects moving cost beyond distance and size
Eight surcharges that real bills include and ballpark estimates exclude:
- Season: May–September peak demand raises rates 15–30 percent versus October–April. Last week of any month sees lease-turnover surcharges of 10–20 percent.
- Valuation coverage: Released-rate liability (60¢/lb, the federal default) is free but barely covers anything. Full-replacement valuation runs 1–3 percent of declared shipment value — for a $50,000 household this is $500–$1,500.
- Packing services: Adds $0.50–$1.00/lb for full packing, or $25–$50 per packed-by-mover box if priced piecemeal. Packing 200 boxes adds $5,000–$10,000 to the bill.
- Stair carries: Above the first floor, movers charge $75–$150 per flight per trip. A 4th-floor walkup with no elevator can add $500–$1,500 to the labor line.
- Long carry: If the truck cannot park within 75 feet of the door, a long-carry fee of $1–$2 per foot per 100 lbs applies. Urban moves frequently trigger this.
- Shuttle fee: When a 53-foot trailer cannot access the address (narrow streets, low bridges, weight-restricted roads), the carrier transfers to a smaller truck. Shuttle fees run $300–$1,200 depending on shipment size.
- Storage-in-transit (SIT): If the destination address is not ready, carriers hold the shipment in their warehouse. Typically free for the first 90 days under interstate tariffs but $0.50–$2.00/lb per month afterward.
- Gratuity: Industry norm is $5–$10 per mover per hour for a satisfactory job. A 4-mover, 8-hour move runs $160–$320 in tips, paid in cash at completion.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?
A typical 3-bedroom move runs $2,000–$5,000 for a local move and $4,000–$10,000 for a long-distance interstate move when hiring a full-service mover. Weight is the main driver: a 3BR home averages 6,000 pounds. Hybrid and DIY options reduce cost substantially — see the calculator above for a tailored ballpark.
Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers?
DIY moves with a rented truck average 40–70 percent less than full-service moves for the same shipment. The trade-off is your time, the physical effort, and assumed liability for the goods. For long distances (over 500 miles), the per-mile fuel and truck rental costs narrow the gap — full-service can become competitive once driver pay and lodging are factored in.
When is the cheapest time to move?
Mid-October through early April is the off-peak window for interstate movers — rates can drop 15–30 percent versus the May–September peak. Weekday moves cost less than weekends, and mid-month dates are cheaper than month-end. Avoid the last week of any month: that's when lease turnovers cluster and carriers raise prices.
How far in advance should I book a mover?
For peak season (May–September) book 6–8 weeks ahead. For off-peak, 3–4 weeks is usually enough. Last-minute moves (under 2 weeks) cost 20–40 percent more and limit you to whichever carrier has trucks available — that's the booking pattern most associated with consumer complaints.
Why are moving quotes so different?
Three legitimate reasons: scope variations (some quotes include packing, valuation, or stairs and others don't), carrier mix (van-line agents quote line-haul rates while local movers quote hourly), and binding type (a non-binding estimate can increase up to 110 percent of the quote under federal rules). Anything outside ±20 percent of three competing quotes is a flag: too low usually means scope is missing; too high usually means upcharge buffer.
What does the calculator above NOT include?
The ballpark covers transportation, basic labor, and shipment weight. It does NOT include: packing-material purchase, full-replacement valuation coverage (typically 1–3 percent of declared shipment value), storage-in-transit, long-carry surcharges (over 75 feet from truck to door), stair carries above the first floor, shuttle fees when the truck cannot reach the address, and gratuity. Budget an additional 10–25 percent for these line items on a full-service move.