Get Free Quote → Free · No signup · Updated for 2026

Interactive moving cost calculator

Enter your origin, destination, home size, and optional services for an instant, realistic estimate — full-service, container, freight, and DIY — built on the same transparent, distance-based rate model as our route pages. No emails, no lead forms — just honest numbers.

No personal data is collected or stored when you use this tool.
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Where are you moving?

Auto-estimated from your states (road-adjusted). Edit it if you know your exact distance.

Same-state move selected. If it's under ~50 miles, switch to Local above for hourly pricing.

Home size

1 cf ≈ 7.5 lb

Optional services

Specialty items (piano, safe, motorcycle, pool table, ATV)
0

Estimated full-service cost

$0$0

National-average estimate for your move

$0$0
Get a binding quote for your move →

This is a planning estimate, not a quote. The only number you can hold a mover to is a written binding or Not-To-Exceed estimate after an inventory survey. Figures use national-average, distance-based rates — the same model behind our route pages.

Full-service vs container vs freight vs DIY

Same load and distance, priced by how much of the work is yours.

How much does a move really cost in 2026?

Moving costs vary widely — from a few hundred dollars for a small local job to over $12,000 for a full-service, long-distance household move. The exact price depends on distance, home size, services, and timing. Our calculator uses transparent, distance-based pricing and clearly-labeled add-ons so you can see how each choice moves your total.

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Quick cost overview by move type

Move typeTypical cost rangeBest for
Local move$435 – $2,550Same city or under 50 miles
Long-distance (full-service)$1,400 – $17,000+Interstate (500+ miles)
Moving container$422 – $8,900+DIY packing + professional drive
Rental truck (DIY)$29 – $5,900+ (plus gas)Smaller / local moves

Ranges span studio through 4-bedroom and short through cross-country lanes. Run the calculator above for your specific move.

Average local moving costs

Local moves are usually charged hourly, based on crew size and hours.

Home sizeCrew sizeEst. hoursAverage cost
Studio / 1 BR23$480 – $950
1–2 BR apartment2–34–6$640 – $1,800
3 BR home3–46–8$1,440 – $2,800
4+ BR house4+7–10$2,240 – $4,500

Based on roughly $80–$120 per mover per hour. Peak season, stairs, or long carries add extra.

Average long-distance moving costs (2026)

Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance. These full-service ranges are modeled the same way as our route pages.

Distance1–2 bedroom3 bedroom4+ bedroom
250–500 miles$1,900 – $3,800$4,100 – $8,100$5,500 – $10,950
500–1,000 miles$2,300 – $4,450$4,900 – $9,450$6,600 – $12,800
1,000+ miles$3,050 – $5,700$6,450 – $12,150$8,750 – $16,450+

Pro tip: Use the calculator above for a lane-specific estimate based on your exact states and shipment weight.

Containers & DIY options

Moving containers

$400 – $8,900+

You pack, they drive. Lower than full-service, on your own timeline.

Freight trailer

$2,650 – $7,350

You load, they drive. Pro driving without full-service labor cost.

Rental truck (DIY)

$29 – $5,900+

Cheapest upfront, but it's your time, fuel, and muscle.

City-to-city examples (2026)

RouteDistanceFull-service range (studio → 4BR)
New York → BostonShort$1,100 – $6,400
Los Angeles → San DiegoShort$800 – $5,600
Los Angeles → DallasLong$1,800 – $11,800
Seattle → PhoenixLong$1,900 – $12,700

Ranges span home sizes; smaller homes at the low end, larger at the high end. Browse your exact lane →

How movers calculate your price

Five levers move almost every quote.

1

Distance & lane

The single biggest factor for interstate moves — longer hauls cost more per pound.

2

Volume / weight

Cubic feet or pounds of your belongings. Declutter and the number drops fast.

3

Services

Packing, stairs, long carry, shuttle, and storage each add labor and cost.

4

Timing

Summer and weekends cost more; mid-week and off-season are cheapest.

5

Special items

Pianos, safes, and vehicles carry their own added fees.

Always request a binding estimate and verify the mover's FMCSA licensing before you book.

Smart ways to save on your move

Small choices add up to real money.

Hiring pros vs. DIY — which saves more?

Professional movers

Peace of mind and speed. Worth it for larger homes, tight timelines, and fragile or high-value items.

Container / freight

A middle path — you pack and load, a pro drives. Often meaningfully cheaper on long lanes.

DIY truck

Lowest out-of-pocket if you have the time, help, and muscle. Remember fuel, lodging, and your hours.

Toggle the calculator's method comparison to see all four side by side for your load.

Why use the Consumer Moving Reviews calculator?

Ready to see your number in a binding quote?

Tell us your origin, destination, home size, and timeline, and we'll match you with CMR-vetted carriers that actually run your lane.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this estimate accurate?

It's a strong starting point based on current, distance-based industry rate models — the same approach we use across our route pages. Your final price depends on an in-home or video survey of exactly what you're moving.

Do I need to enter my email?

No. The calculator is completely private and requires no signup. Nothing you type is collected or stored.

How can I get the best deal?

Run the calculator to set your expectation, then get three or more binding quotes and read reviews here on Consumer Moving Reviews before you book.

Why is my estimate a range, not one number?

Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance, and both vary until a mover surveys your inventory. The range reflects the low and high of national averages for your load and lane.

Does the calculator include packing and specialty items?

Yes — toggle full packing, stairs, long carry, storage, a car, or specialty items like a piano or safe, and the breakdown updates live so you can see each one's impact.