Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a household move based on distance, home size, and services needed.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|
Compare Move Types
| Type | Estimated Total |
|---|
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use the Moving Cost Calculator
This calculator estimates the total cost of a household move based on your specific situation. Here is how to use it:
- Enter the distance. This is the driving distance between your current and new home. Moves over 100 miles are classified as long-distance, which uses a different pricing model (weight-based rather than hourly).
- Select your home size. This determines the estimated weight of your belongings, which is the main cost driver for long-distance moves.
- Choose a move type. DIY (rent a truck), hybrid (container/pod shipped for you), or full-service (movers handle everything).
- Add optional services. Professional packing, temporary storage, full-value insurance, and special items each add to the cost.
- Compare options. The comparison table shows estimated costs for all three move types so you can make an informed decision.
About Moving Costs
The average cost of a local move (under 100 miles) ranges from $400 to $2,500 depending on home size and services. Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) typically cost $2,000 to $8,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) can run $4,000 to $12,000 or more with full service.
Why This Matters
Moving costs are often underestimated. Beyond the movers or truck rental, there are packing supplies, insurance, tips, storage, and the cost of setting up a new home (deposits, utility connections, new furniture). A 2-bedroom cross-country move with full service, packing, and storage can easily exceed $6,000. Understanding the full cost helps you budget accurately and decide whether DIY, hybrid, or full-service is the right choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move across the country?
A cross-country move (2,000-3,000 miles) typically costs $3,000-$7,000 for a 2-bedroom home with full-service movers, or $1,500-$3,000 for DIY truck rental. The main cost factors are distance, weight of belongings, and services chosen. Long-distance moves are priced by weight (typically $0.40-$0.60 per pound) plus a distance factor.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
DIY is typically 50-70% cheaper than full-service movers. However, you do all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Hybrid options (containers or pods) fall in between: the company delivers a container, you load it, and they transport it. The right choice depends on your budget, physical ability, time constraints, and the value of your belongings.
When is the cheapest time to move?
Moving costs are lowest from October through April (off-season), and during mid-month weekdays. Summer (June-August) is peak season and can cost 20-30% more. End-of-month and weekend moves are also more expensive due to higher demand. If you have flexibility, booking during the off-season can save hundreds to thousands of dollars.
How much should I tip movers?
The standard tip for movers is 15-20% of the total bill, or $4-5 per hour per mover. For a full-day move with a crew of 3, this typically works out to $100-$200 total. Tip more for exceptional service, difficult moves (stairs, narrow hallways), or extreme weather conditions. This calculator includes a 15% tip estimate in the total.