Moving Cost Guides
Estimated 2026 moving costs by home size and distance — what local crews charge by the hour, how interstate carriers price by weight and mileage, and how full-service movers, portable containers, and DIY rentals compare on real moves.
Curated by Daniel Harper, Senior Editor, Moving Costs · Reviewed by Melissa Grant, Pricing & Estimates Reviewer · Last updated April 2026
What's driving moving cost in 2026
Diesel prices, driver wages, summer demand, and the choice between full-service van lines, portable containers, and DIY rentals are the four biggest cost drivers. The good news: most households can cut 15–35% by adjusting service type, date, and how much they pack themselves — without compromising on a licensed, insured carrier.
Browse cost guides
Realistic 2026 price ranges to move a 1-bedroom apartment locally, interstate, or cross-country — with examples and ways to lower the bill.
What a 2-bedroom move actually costs in 2026 — local hourly rates, interstate flat-rate ranges, and the variables that move the price up or down.
Typical price ranges to move a 3-bedroom home in 2026, including realistic interstate examples and savings tips for full-service moves.
How long-distance moving prices are calculated in 2026 — weight, mileage, services, and how movers, containers, and DIY rentals stack up.
Estimated cost by home size
Typical 2026 ranges. Actual quotes depend on weight, distance, service level, date, and availability.
| Home size | Local | Interstate | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $450 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $4,800 | $2,800 – $6,200 |
| 2-bedroom | $900 – $2,000 | $2,200 – $7,200 | $4,500 – $9,800 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,800 – $11,500 | $7,000 – $14,500 |
| 4-bedroom+ | $2,200 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $16,500 | $9,500 – $19,500 |
Estimated cost by distance type
How carriers price each tier — and the typical 2026 quote ranges across home sizes.
| Move type | Pricing basis | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | Hourly × crew size | $450 – $5,500 |
| Short interstate (100 – 500 mi) | Weight × mileage | $1,400 – $7,500 |
| Long interstate (500 – 1,500 mi) | Weight × mileage | $2,200 – $11,500 |
| Cross-country (1,500+ mi) | Weight × mileage | $2,800 – $19,500 |
Want a faster estimate?
Try the moving cost calculator — get a price range in under a minute based on home size, distance, and service type. No email required to see your estimate.
5 fastest ways to lower a moving bill
- Get at least three written estimates after an in-home or video survey.
- Move mid-week, mid-month, off-peak season.
- Pack your own non-fragile items — keep mover-pack for fragiles only.
- Declutter before the survey; lower weight = lower interstate bill.
- Compare a portable container quote alongside full-service quotes.
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