For all the excitement and anxiety that comes with moving, a firm understanding of the logistics will ensure a seamless relocation.
As you begin to plan your move, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably, ‘How much do movers cost?’
While it would be great to have a straightforward answer, that is not the case.
Moving costs vary depending on a lot of factors. For instance, the cost of a local, interstate, or international move is not the same.
When you consider special services and the many other elements that affect final prices, you’ll discover that understanding your peculiar situation can help determine an estimate of your moving costs.
So, without any further rambling, let’s examine the average cost of hiring movers in the U.S. and see how it can change under various conditions.
Average Moving Costs in the U.S.
Starting with the basics, how much to hire movers in the United States?
Recent industry data places the average cost between $884 and $2,570. However, this only applies to local moves, not interstate or international moves.
Although, even for local moves, the final price depends on whether it’s a short-distance move or a long-distance one.
Note: “Local” usually means under 100 miles, while “long-distance” means over 400 miles across states or time zones.
Hiring a moving company can cost as low as $200 for small homes and short distances. But here’s a breakdown of the average moving costs in the U.S for different distances:
- Local moves under 50 miles typically cost about $25 to $50 per hour and moves within a 100-mile radius typically cost between $920 and $2,530.
- Interstate moves over 100 miles cost from $2,700 to $10,000, based on the distance and, sometimes, the weight of your household goods or shipment. On average, this cost is between $0.50 to $0.80 per pound weight.
- International moves will set you back between $5,000 to $15,000. Again, the final cost will depend on your final destination, mode of transport, shipment/cargo size, and customs requirements.
Average Moving Costs by State (2024-2025)
As much as this national average serves as some sort of guide to the cost of movers, the pricing varies by state.
Different states have varying costs of living, which invariably impact the price tag attached to hiring movers and labor in general.
So, how much do movers cost across different states?
Here’s a breakdown of moving costs in some of the most popular states in the U.S.
| State | Local Move (Avg.) | Interstate Move (Avg.) |
| Florida | $1,200 – $2,300 | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| California | $1,400 – $2,800 | $3,500 – $7,200 |
| Texas | $1,000 – $2,100 | $2,800 – $6,200 |
| New York | $1,500 – $2,900 | $3,800 – $7,800 |
| Illinois | $1,200 – $2,400 | $3,200 – $6,700 |
| Ohio | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $5,800 |
| Nevada | $1,100 – $2,200 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Massachusetts | $1,400 – $2,800 | $3,600 – $7,000 |
Note:
These costs are for local and interstate moves and reflect averages for a 3-bedroom house.
International Moving Costs
If you are moving overseas, you have to buckle up!
International moves are more expensive due to shipping logistics, customs fees, and packing requirements.
So, how much is it to hire movers for international moves?
The average cost for an international move ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.
However, what you pay depends on the following:
- Destination — Moving to Europe from the U.S. is cheaper than moving to Australia.
- Shipment size — Larger shipments mean higher costs.
- Mode of transport — Sea freight is cheaper than air freight but slower.
Note:
You should expect additional costs for customs clearance, insurance, and specialty packing materials for fragile items.
Factors That Determine Moving Costs
As mentioned earlier, moving costs are not always straightforward.
Several factors determine moving company rates, and these factors include:
Distance of the move
Local moves are typically charged by the hour, while long-distance moves include mileage, fuel costs, and maybe even the toll for crossing state lines.
The cost of long-distance moves is based on weight and distance. For example, a 10,000-pound move over 1,000 miles might cost between $5,000 and $8,000.
Size of your move
The bigger your home, the more belongings you will have; in turn, the higher the cost of moving.
A studio apartment? Easy-peasy.
A five-bedroom house with a grand piano and 30 plants? Prepare to pay more.
Movers consider the number of items, their weight, and any awkward maneuvers, such as disassembling furniture or hoisting a couch through a window.
How much do movers cost for different move sizes?
A 1-bedroom apartment might cost around $700 to $3,000, while a 4-bedroom house could easily reach $10,000, depending on the weight of your items.
Time of year
Moves during peak seasons such as summer, weekends, or the end of the month will cost you premium prices.
But if you want to save money on moving, you should book during the off-season, like winter or mid-week, when movers are less in demand.
Specialty items
If you have a hot tub, antique grandfather clock, or pool table, you should expect extra fees for those tricky, heavy, or fragile items.
Specialty items often require expert handling and can add an extra $300 to $1,500+ to your total bill.
Here’s a little overview of what some specialty items could cost you:
| Item | Average Cost |
| Piano | $260 – $580 |
| Pool table | $50 – $4,000 |
| Hot tub | $200 – $1,000 |
| Motorcycle | $200 – $2,000 |
| Wine Collection | $10 per case |
Additional Services (Add-ons)
Before you call movers, there are a few “hidden” fees movers may charge that may not be a part of the charge for moving services. This is especially the case if you opt for a full service.
Full-service movers cost extra, and these costs include:
- Depending on your home size, professional packing services can stretch your moving expense by another $200 to $1,000.
- Moving supplies such as boxes, tape, and padding can cost between $2 and $20 each, adding another $50–$200 to your budget.
- Storage — If you need to store your belongings for a bit before or after moving, storage fees range between $100 and $300 per month.
- Tipping the movers to the industry standard of $5–$10 per hour per mover or 10–20% of the total cost can also be added to your final bill.
Tips to Save on Moving Costs
Now that you know what to expect when the question, “How much do movers cost?” comes up, moving should not be costly.
So, here are a few tips that you can adopt to keep your costs in check:
- Declutter before you pack. The less belongings you have, the less you have to pay.
- Book movers early. Secure your movers about 4 to 8 weeks in advance to lock in the best rates. Discounts usually apply for early booking.
- DIY where you can. Pack your belongings yourself, enlist the help of friends, or rent a truck for a partial DIY move.
- Compare Quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable movers to find the best deal.
Endnote — Estimating the Final Bill
How much do movers cost?
While moving can be expensive, and because of variable factors such as rising fuel and labor costs, there is no fixed price for relocating.
It depends on whether you are staying local, venturing interstate, or heading overseas. You may be paying as little as $300 to upwards of $10,000.
Remember…
You can save money by booking your movers early, moving during the off-season, and doing some parts of your move yourself.
Recent Comments