Moving Company Cost Calculator
Professional movers charge $100–$200/hour for a crew of 2–3 movers on local moves, with most jobs running $400–$3,200 total. Long-distance moving companies charge $0.50–$0.80 per pound, with costs of $4,200–$8,500 for a typical 3-bedroom interstate move. Full-service moves (including packing) cost 30–50% more than labor-only.
Moving Company Cost = (Crew Size × Hourly Rate × Hours) + Travel Fee + Packing + Materials + Insurance + Fuel Surcharge
Hiring a professional moving company is the most convenient but also most expensive way to move. Understanding how moving companies structure their pricing helps you compare quotes accurately, negotiate better rates, and avoid surprise charges on moving day. Our moving company cost calculator estimates what licensed movers will charge based on your home size, distance, crew requirements, and service level.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 35 million Americans use professional moving services each year. Knowing the market rate ensures you're paying a fair price.
What This Means
Your estimate reflects the typical range from budget to premium movers in your area. Budget movers offer basic load-transport-unload service, while premium movers include added protections, dedicated crews, and guaranteed delivery windows. Always get a binding estimate and verify the company's USDOT number before booking. If a quote is significantly below the range shown, exercise caution — lowball estimates are a common tactic used by less reputable operators.
How Moving Companies Charge (2026 Rates)
Local Moves (Under 50 Miles) — Hourly Pricing
| Crew Size | Hourly Rate | Best For | Typical Job Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 movers + truck | $100–$160/hr | Studio, 1-bedroom | 3–5 hours |
| 3 movers + truck | $140–$210/hr | 2–3 bedroom | 4–7 hours |
| 4 movers + truck | $180–$260/hr | 3–4 bedroom | 5–8 hours |
| 5+ movers + truck(s) | $220–$350/hr | 4+ bedroom, large home | 6–10 hours |
Most companies enforce a 2–3 hour minimum and charge for travel time (usually 1 hour) to and from their depot.
Long-Distance Moves (Over 100 Miles) — Weight-Based Pricing
| Shipment Weight | 500 Miles | 1,000 Miles | 2,500 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 lbs (1-BR) | $2,200–$3,200 | $2,800–$4,200 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| 6,000 lbs (2-BR) | $3,200–$4,800 | $4,000–$6,500 | $5,500–$8,000 |
| 10,000 lbs (3-BR) | $4,500–$6,500 | $5,500–$8,500 | $7,500–$11,500 |
| 14,000 lbs (4-BR) | $6,000–$8,500 | $7,200–$11,000 | $9,500–$14,500 |
Additional Service Costs
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing service | $25–$50 per box | Includes materials. 3-BR home: $600–$1,500 |
| Partial packing (fragiles only) | $150–$500 | Kitchen, china, glassware, electronics |
| Unpacking service | $200–$800 | Remove items from boxes, remove debris |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | $100–$300 | Beds, tables, shelving units |
| Appliance servicing | $50–$150/appliance | Disconnect/reconnect washer, dryer, gas stove |
| Stair carry | $75–$150/flight | Per flight, each location |
| Long carry (over 75 ft) | $150–$300 | Distance from truck to door |
| Shuttle service | $300–$800 | When 18-wheeler can't access location |
| Storage in transit | $150–$300/month | Temporary storage between pickup and delivery |
| Full Value Protection | 1–3% of declared value | Repair, replace, or cash settlement for damage |
Worked Example: Hiring Movers for a 3-Bedroom Local Move
The Kim family is moving from a 3-bedroom home in suburban Dallas to another home 22 miles away. They're comparing two service levels:
Option A: Labor-Only (You Pack)
| Component | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crew (3 movers) | $170/hr × 6 hours | $1,020 |
| Travel fee | 1 hour | $170 |
| Fuel surcharge | 8% | $95 |
| Stair carry (origin) | Stairs to/from basement | $100 |
| Packing supplies (self) | 60 boxes + materials | $200 |
| Total (Labor-Only) | $1,585 | |
Option B: Full-Service (They Pack)
| Component | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crew (3 movers) | $170/hr × 8 hours (includes packing) | $1,360 |
| Travel fee | 1 hour | $170 |
| Packing materials | 60 boxes, paper, tape, bubble wrap | $350 |
| Fuel surcharge | 8% | $150 |
| Stair carry (origin) | Stairs to/from basement | $100 |
| Total (Full-Service) | $2,130 | |
The difference between labor-only and full-service is $545 — a 34% premium. For the Kim family, the time savings (2 full weekends of packing vs. 0) made full-service worth the extra cost.
How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company
- Verify USDOT registration. Every interstate mover must be registered with the FMCSA. Search their database to verify. Local movers should have a state-issued license.
- Check reviews carefully. Look for patterns in negative reviews, not just star ratings. Common red flags: price increases on moving day, held-hostage belongings, damaged items without compensation, and missed delivery dates.
- Get 3+ binding estimates. The FMCSA recommends at least three estimates. Request binding or not-to-exceed estimates only — avoid non-binding.
- Avoid large upfront deposits. Legitimate movers typically collect payment at delivery, not before. A small deposit ($100–$300) to reserve your date is normal; a demand for 25–50% upfront is a red flag.
- Understand the difference between movers and brokers. A broker sells your job to a carrier. You may not know who actually moves your items until moving day. Direct carriers provide their own trucks and crews.
- Ask about subcontracting. Some companies subcontract to independent crews. Ask if the crew will be their employees or contractors — employee crews are generally more accountable.
Sources and Methodology
Our moving company cost calculator uses:
- Hourly rate data from 500+ licensed local moving companies across all 50 states.
- Per-pound tariff rates from FMCSA-registered interstate carriers, updated quarterly.
- Additional service pricing from American Moving & Storage Association member companies.
- Regional cost adjustments based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for movers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a moving company charge for a local move?
A local moving company charges $100–$200/hour for a crew of 2–3 movers in 2026. Most local moves take 3–8 hours depending on home size. A 2-bedroom apartment takes 4–6 hours ($400–$1,200), while a 4-bedroom home takes 6–10 hours ($900–$2,600). Add travel time ($100–$200), fuel surcharge (6–10%), and any stair or access fees. Most companies have a 2–3 hour minimum charge.
What is the most expensive part of hiring movers?
For local moves, labor hours are the largest cost (60–70% of total). For long-distance moves, the transportation/line-haul charge based on weight and distance is the largest component (50–65%). Packing services are the most expensive add-on, increasing total cost by 30–50%. Insurance upgrades (Full Value Protection) add 5–10% but are highly recommended for valuable belongings.
How do I negotiate with a moving company?
Effective negotiation strategies: (1) Get competing quotes and ask each company to match or beat the lowest reputable bid. (2) Be flexible on dates — movers often discount midweek and mid-month moves. (3) Ask about current promotions, military/senior/AAA discounts, and off-peak pricing. (4) Bundle services — companies may discount packing if you also book the move. (5) Offer to do a partial pack (you pack clothes and non-fragiles, they pack the kitchen). Typical savings from negotiation: 5–15%.
Should I tip my movers?
Tipping is customary but not required. The standard tip is $20–$50 per mover for local moves and $50–$100 per mover for long-distance moves. Base your tip on the quality of service — tip more for crews who are careful, efficient, and handle your belongings with care. Tips should be given in cash directly to each crew member at the end of the job. Some moving companies prohibit tips, so ask beforehand.
What's the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?
A moving company (carrier) owns trucks, employs crews, and physically transports your belongings. A moving broker sells your move to a carrier and takes a commission (10–30%). Brokers can offer competitive rates but add a layer between you and the actual mover. Risks with brokers include: less accountability, price changes when the carrier arrives, and difficulty resolving disputes. To identify brokers, check their USDOT profile — brokers have "Broker" authority while carriers have "Carrier" authority.