Moving quotes vary wildly — and most online estimators ask for your phone number before showing a price. This moving cost calculator gives you a ballpark first, so you can spot an inflated quote before you sign anything. It estimates local professional moves, long-distance moves, and DIY truck rentals from the same inputs, so you can compare all three side by side. Everything runs privately in your browser; nothing is uploaded or stored.
Local movers bill by the hour — typically $80–$120 per hour for a two- to three-person crew — which is why home size drives the price: a studio might take 3–4 hours while a 4-bedroom home can take a full day. Long-distance movers charge by shipment weight and mileage, so this calculator converts your home size into an estimated weight (about 1,800 lbs for a studio up to 7,500 lbs for a 4-bedroom) before applying a per-pound-per-mile rate. DIY moves skip labor entirely — you pay for the truck, mileage, and fuel.
Add-ons matter. Full packing service adds $200–$800+ and is the most common reason quotes double; storage averages $100–$300 per month. Budget 10–15% above any base quote for extras like stairs, long carries, bulky items, and mover tips of $20–$50 per person.
How to use the Moving Cost Calculator
- Select your home size — this sets the estimated shipment weight and labor hours.
- Choose the move type: local movers, long-distance movers, or DIY truck rental.
- Enter the distance and add packing or storage if needed, then click Estimate My Move.
Tips for cutting your moving bill
- Move mid-month and mid-week to avoid peak pricing.
- Declutter first: movers charge by weight and hours.
- Get three written quotes; confirm what’s included.
Why moving estimates are ranges, not prices
No calculator can see your third-floor walk-up or the piano that needs crating — real quotes come from an in-home or video survey. Use this estimate as your baseline and let competing movers bid against it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a local move cost in the US?
Local movers charge $80–$120 per hour for a 2–3 person crew. Expect roughly $400–$600 for a studio, $500–$800 for a 1-bedroom, $700–$1,100 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,100–$2,200 for a 3–4 bedroom home in 2026.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
Pricing is based on shipment weight and mileage. A 1,000-mile move of a 2–3 bedroom home typically runs $3,500–$6,500; larger cross-country moves can reach $7,000–$10,000.
Is a DIY move cheaper than hiring movers?
Usually yes — a truck rental often costs $100–$300 locally and $1,000–$2,500 long-distance with fuel, versus several times that for full-service movers. The trade-off is your time, labor, and damage risk.
What hidden moving costs should I budget for?
Packing service ($200–$800+), storage ($100–$300/month), stairs or long-carry fees ($50–$150), bulky-item surcharges, and tips of $20–$50 per mover. Budget 10–15% above the base quote.
Rough estimates for budgeting only — not financial advice.