Moving Cost Calculator

Estimate your total moving costs based on distance, home size, and services. Compare professional movers to DIY and see a detailed cost breakdown.

mi
items
Estimated Moving Cost
$3,750
Range: $3,000 — $4,875
Labor: $2,250
Truck/Transport: $1,500
Low Estimate
$3,000
High Estimate
$4,875
Distance
500 mi
Packing Cost
$0

How to Use This Moving Cost Calculator

Enter your Moving Distance in miles (one-way), select your Home Size by bedrooms, and choose between Full-Service Movers or DIY truck rental. Add packing services and any specialty items (pianos, safes, hot tubs) that require special handling.

The calculator provides a range (low to high) because moving costs vary significantly by season, exact inventory, stairs, long carries, and mover availability. Get at least 3 in-home quotes from licensed movers to get accurate numbers.

How Moving Costs Are Calculated

Full-Service Cost = Base Labor × Distance Factor + Transport + Packing + Specialty
DIY Cost = Truck Rental × Distance Factor + Fuel (≈$0.35/mi) + Packing Supplies

Distance Factors:
Local (under 50 mi): 1.0x base
250 miles: ~1.9x base
1,000+ miles: ~4x base

Specialty Items: ~$300 each (piano, hot tub, gun safe, etc.)

Example: 3-Bedroom Move 500 Miles

Comparing Full-Service vs DIY for 500-Mile Move

Full-Service Movers (no packing)$3,500–$5,500
Full-Service Movers (full packing)$4,800–$7,200
DIY Truck Rental$1,200–$2,000
DIY + Fuel (500 mi at $0.35/mi)+$175–$350
Packing Supplies (DIY)+$200–$400
Specialty Piano (if applicable)+$300–$500

For a 500-mile move, DIY typically saves $2,000–$4,000 compared to full-service movers, but requires 1–2 days of physical labor and managing the truck. Full-service movers are often worth the premium for large homes or long distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Local movers (under 50 miles) typically charge $100–$200/hour for a crew of 2–3, with a 3-bedroom move taking 4–8 hours ($400–$1,600). Long-distance movers charge by weight and mileage — typically $2,500–$7,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home moved 500+ miles.
Get at least 3 in-home estimates (or virtual walk-throughs) from licensed movers. Binding estimates lock in the price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery. Check FMCSA.dot.gov to verify movers are licensed and insured. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true — moving scams exist.
Renting a truck and driving yourself is cheapest. Portable storage containers (PODS, U-Pack) are a middle option — they drop a container, you load it, they drive it. Freight carriers (ABF U-Pack) charge by linear foot and can be 30–40% cheaper than full-service movers for cross-country moves.
Moving on weekdays (especially Tuesday-Thursday) and mid-month saves 15–25% vs weekends and month-end. Summer (May–September) is peak season with higher rates and less availability. Fall and winter moves can save 10–20%. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best rates.
Basic mover liability ("released value protection") covers only $0.60/lb — far less than actual value for most items. For real coverage, purchase "full value protection" from the mover, or check if your homeowners/renters insurance covers items in transit. Valuables should be transported by you personally.

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