How much does movers cost in 2026?

Local and long-distance moving crews for homes and apartments.

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.

Movers handle packing, loading, transport and unloading for local and long-distance moves. Local moves are usually priced by the hour for the crew and truck, while long-distance moves are priced by distance and the size of the load. Some companies also offer packing, storage and specialty handling for pianos or large furniture. This page explains typical costs, how to plan a move, and how to choose a reliable moving company.

Typical movers prices in the US

JobTypical rangeNotes
Local move$800-$2,500Typical range for a local move, 2-3 bedroom home
Long-distance move$4,000-$10,000+By distance and load size
Hourly crew$100-$200 for 2-3 moversTypical hourly rate for a crew of 2-3 movers with a truck

Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, move distance and load size -- always get 2-3 written quotes.

What affects the price?

Price level by city

Labour is the biggest variable. These are broad levels, not quotes — the national ranges above are the starting point, and the direction below tells you which way your city usually moves them.

CityTypical price level vs US average
New York, NYHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Los Angeles, CAAbout average for a big US city
Chicago, ILAbout average for a big US city
Houston, TXAbout average for a big US city
Phoenix, AZAbout average for a big US city
Dallas, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Antonio, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Diego, CAAbout average for a big US city
Austin, TXAbout average for a big US city
San Jose, CAHigher — big-city labour runs well above the US average
Local expert note: Get the estimate in writing and ask whether it is binding. For a long-distance move, an in-home or video survey gives a far more accurate price than a phone guess, and it protects you from a surprise bill on delivery day.

How to keep the cost down

  1. Confirm the company is licensed and insured, and check its USDOT number for interstate moves
  2. Ask for a written estimate that states whether it is binding or non-binding
  3. Check reviews for care with belongings, punctuality and honest pricing

Frequently asked questions about movers costs

A local move for a 2-3 bedroom home typically costs $800-$2,500. Most local movers charge $100-$200 per hour for a crew of 2-3 movers with a truck. The total depends on how much you have and how long the move takes.

A long-distance move typically costs $4,000-$10,000 or more, depending on the distance and the size of the load. Get a written estimate based on an in-home or video survey, and ask whether the price is binding.

They are typical US ranges from published cost guides (HomeAdvisor, Angi, Thumbtack), checked November 2026. They are planning figures, not quotes — your actual price depends on your city, your home and the job. Always get two or three written quotes.

Read the full movers guide ›

✓ We don’t provide services — we research them, so you can choose with confidence.