How Much Does It Cost to Move a Studio Apartment? (Local & Long-Distance)

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Studio Apartment?

A full-service studio apartment move costs about $881 to $1,224 locally or $4,234 to $5,880 long-distance. These estimates are based on averages of 50 miles for a local move, 1,400 miles for a long-distance move, and 700 square feet for the apartment itself.

Studios usually have less furniture, fewer boxes, and a lighter overall load than larger homes, so they tend to cost less to move. But distance still makes a big difference. Local moves are usually priced by the hour, while long-distance pricing reflects the size of your shipment, the mileage, and the route.

The table below gives you a quick comparison. For an estimate based on your exact square footage and distance, you can also use HireAHelper’s moving cost calculator.

Source: HireAHelper proprietary cost database, 2026.

Local Studio Move Cost

A local studio move of about 50 miles costs $881 to $1,224 with full-service movers. Local moving companies generally charge by the hour, so the final total depends on how many movers you book, how long the job takes, and whether the truck is included in the rate.

A few things usually shape the bill:

• Crew size: Most studio moves only need two movers.
• Time: With straightforward access, loading or unloading usually takes about two to three hours.
• Hourly rate: What you pay depends on where you live, when you move, and which provider you book.
• Truck and equipment: The truck, dollies, furniture pads, or other equipment may be built into the rate or listed separately.

Studios with easy parking and elevator access usually take less time than those with multiple staircases, a distant loading area, or several bulky pieces can stretch the job out.

For a lower-cost option, labor-only movers that just handle the loading and unloading cost about $296 to $362. Pairing that help with a local rental truck brings the typical combined cost to about $403.

Long-Distance Studio Move Cost

A 1,400-mile studio move costs about $4,234 to $5,880 with full-service movers. Long-distance pricing works differently from local hourly pricing because the company has to account for both the size of your shipment and how far it travels.

You can think of the price this way:

Shipment size + distance + service and route costs = long-distance moving price

A studio’s smaller inventory helps keep the shipment weight down, but the mileage still adds driver time, fuel, and transportation days. Pricing also tends to increase by distance band. That means a long interstate trip can create a noticeable jump from a long-distance but still regional route’s costs.

A rental truck for the same 1,400-mile move costs about $1,047 to $1,280. A moving container costs about $1,936 to $2,366. You can also check outHireAHelper’s guide to preparing for a long-distance move, which can help you plan the timing and logistics around the trip.

What Counts as a Studio Move: Size, Boxes, Time

A typical studio apartment is about 700 square feet, which is significantly smaller than most homes. While this makes packing and loading easier, there are still a few things to keep in mind when preparing for a move.

A studio move may include:

• About 15 to 25 moving boxes
• A bed and mattress
• A small couch or loveseat
• A dresser or wardrobe
• A desk or small table
• A television and a few shelves
• Basic kitchen and bathroom items

Two movers can often handle this inventory, and a local loading or unloading job may take a few hours when access is simple.

Of course, not every studio is lightly furnished. A large sectional, exercise equipment, oversized shelving, or a storage locker can make the move feel closer to a one-bedroom apartment.

These guides can help you plan your supplies:

• Moving box price comparison
• How movers handle moving boxes
• Where to get free moving boxes
• Moving box size guide

Cost by Move Type: Full-Service, Labor-Only, or DIY

A DIY move with a rental truck is usually the least expensive way to move a studio, while full-service moving costs the most. Labor-only help gives you a middle-of-the-road way to keep transportation costs under your control while still bringing in movers for the loading or unloading.

Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, how comfortable you are driving a rental truck, and how much of the work you’re able to handle yourself.

You can read more about the different types of moving services before deciding.

Source: HireAHelper proprietary cost database, 2026.

Full-Service Movers

Full-service movers cost about $881 to $1,224 for a local studio move or $4,234 to $5,880 for a 1,400-mile move. That price generally includes the moving crew, truck, transportation, loading, and unloading.

Full service can be worth the extra cost when you don’t want to drive a truck, your building has difficult access, or you’d rather have one provider coordinate the move from beginning to end.

Keep in mind that packing is often available for an added fee rather than included automatically. Local movers may also have a two- or three-hour minimum, even when the apartment itself doesn’t take that long to load.

Labor-Only Movers

Labor-only movers cost about $296 to $362 per booking for a studio apartment. Unlike full-service movers, they don’t provide the truck or transportation. You rent the truck or moving container, and the crew handles the loading, unloading, or both. This often costs less because you’re arranging the transportation separately.

For a local studio move, labor plus a rental truck has a typical combined cost of about $403. For a 1,400-mile move, the typical combined cost is about $1,459. Keep in mind that these figures reflect one booking. A long-distance move may require separate crews at your old and new addresses, which would add another labor charge.

Labor-only help works especially well when you’re comfortable driving the truck but would rather not carry a mattress down three flights of stairs or figure out how to load everything securely.

DIY

A DIY move with a rental truck costs about $96 to $117 for a local studio move or $1,047 to $1,280 for a 1,400-mile move. This covers the estimated truck cost, but the final rental bill may include more than the base rate, like these common expenses:

• Fuel and mileage
• Damage protection or rental coverage
• A dolly or hand truck
• Furniture pads
• Boxes, tape, and packing paper
• Tolls and parking
• Hotels and meals during a long trip
• Extra mileage or late-return charges

DIY can work well for a lightly furnished studio, especially when you have a friend or two who can help. It becomes less appealing when stairs, large furniture, or a long drive make the move harder to manage safely.

HireAHelper’s DIY moving guide walks through the planning process, while the moving box calculator can help estimate how many supplies you’ll need.

A moving container is another self-move option. Containers cost about $423 to $517 locally or $1,936 to $2,366 over 1,400 miles. You handle the packing and loading, while the container company handles the drive.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Studio Move?

Distance usually has the biggest effect on the price, but building access, packing needs, and your moving date can also move the final total up or down. A studio may not have much furniture, but the job can still take longer when the truck has to park far away, or the crew has to wait for a shared elevator.

Distance

Distance is usually the main cost driver for a studio move. Local moves are commonly billed by the hour, but a longer distance in-town still will take more time and be more expensive than just moving down the block.

Long-distance moves are priced according to mileage, shipment size, and route. A 1,400-mile move includes several days of travel, more fuel, and additional planning, even when the shipment itself is small.

Stairs, Elevators, and Access

Where your apartment is located can matter almost as much as how much stuff you own. A ground-floor unit with parking near the door is usually faster to move than a walk-up or a building with one shared elevator. Any extra time may show up on the bill, along with possible stair, elevator, or long-carry fees.

Sharing the building details when you request a quote helps the mover estimate the job more accurately. Useful information includes:

• Your floor number
• Whether the building has an elevator
• Elevator reservation times
• Loading dock access
• The distance between the apartment and the truck
• Narrow hallways, tight corners, or steep stairs

That extra context can help you avoid a quote that changes significantly once the crew arrives.

Packing Services and Supplies

Adding professional packing will raise the cost because you’re paying for both the packing time and the materials. For a small studio, a full packing service may be most useful when you’re moving on short notice or have fragile belongings that need extra care.

Packing yourself costs less, although supplies still add to the budget. Boxes, tape, wrapping paper, and mattress protection may cost around $50 to $100 for a studio, depending on how much you own and how many free boxes you can find.

Time of Year

Moving prices are usually higher in summer because more people are moving and demand is high. Weekends and the end of the month are also popular times, since they’re easier to fit around work schedules and many leases begin or end at that time.

A midweek move in the middle of the month may cost less simply because fewer people are competing for the same crews and time slots. You can also lower your costs by booking early, since it gives you more options and more lead-up time. This is especially useful during summer or when you need a specific date.

Hidden Costs and Surcharges to Watch For

Some costs may come as a surprise to you when you get your final bill. They aren’t necessarily hidden, but they may be listed separately or mentioned only in the booking terms.

When you compare quotes, it helps to look for:

• Minimum hours: Local movers may charge for two or three hours even if the move finishes sooner.
• Travel time: Some movers include the drive to and from the job in the bill.
• Fuel or mileage: These charges may apply to both truck rentals and moving services.
• Stairs and elevators: Extra time or difficult access may come with an added fee.
• Long carries: A distant parking spot can increase labor time.
• Packing materials: Mattress bags, tape, wrap, and boxes may be added to the invoice.
• Valuation coverage: More protection generally costs more than the basic included coverage.
• Tips: Tipping is optional, but many people include it in their moving budget.
• Parking or permits: Some buildings or cities require paid permits or reserved loading spaces.
• Cancellation or rescheduling: Changing the date close to moving day may come with a fee.

Before booking, you can ask the provider to confirm the minimum, travel charges, equipment fees, and possible access surcharges in writing. HireAHelper’s guide to unexpected moving costs covers a few more expenses that are easy to overlook.

How to Save Money on a Studio Move

In general, the more you do yourself and the less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. Downsizing is especially effective. Because a studio apartment is small, even a little decluttering can reduce the number of boxes, the truck size, and the time movers spend on the job.

Here are a few more options that may help lower costs:

• Pack your own boxes before moving day.
• Rent a truck and book labor only for loading or unloading.
• Move on a weekday rather than a weekend.
• Choose a move in the middle of the month when your schedule allows it.
• Use free boxes for clothing, linens, and other non-fragile items.
• Reserve the elevator or loading area in advance so you don’t waste time on moving day waiting for other people.
• Return the rental truck on time and at the required fuel level.
• Compare the full price rather than focusing only on the hourly rate.
• Think about whether a smaller truck or cargo van will hold your inventory.

HireAHelper lets you compare local moving labor by price, availability, and verified customer reviews. That makes it easier to book the help you need without paying for a full-service package that may be more than your studio requires.

You can find more ideas in HireAHelper’s guide to moving on a budget.

Why Trust HireAHelper

HireAHelper has helped people complete more than one million moves over nearly two decades. As a moving-labor marketplace, HireAHelper connects customers with local movers for loading, unloading, packing, and other moving-day help.

The prices in this guide come from HireAHelper’s proprietary 2026 cost database and moving cost calculator. We compared costs for a typical 700-square-foot studio using a 50-mile local move and a 1,400-mile long-distance move. That gives you a consistent starting point for comparing full-service movers, rental trucks, labor-only help, and moving containers.