How Much Will Your Move Cost? Here’s How to Figure it Out

2025 Local Moving Costs

From 2018 to 2024, we conducted a study of 300,000 local moves in the U.S. based on bookings through HireAHelper.com and our partners. Our 2025 moving cost estimates below are based on 2024 prices adjusted for inflation.

2024 Moving Cost Takeaways for 2025

Here’s a summary of our primary findings from 2024 data:

• Local moving costs increased from 2023 to 2024 in 30 of the 40 states we analyzed (75%).
• Rhode Island and Louisiana witnessed the biggest surge in average local moving costs in 2024, in part due to volatile gas prices in those states.
• The average cost of a local move decreased in a few key states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois.
• San Diego, CA (up 30%) had the most significant average price increase for a local move between 2023 and 2024.

With most states experiencing rising local moving costs in 2024, our data suggests continued price increases in 2025, especially in areas impacted by fuel volatility and high demand. See below for detailed projections.

2025 Local Moving Costs

*This is the actual average that HireAHelper customers paid for labor-only moves in 2024 and takes into account moves that have both loading and unloading labor as well as moves that are only one or the other. **This is the average for a move under 50 miles, but it could vary quite a bit based on the details of your move.

The chart above breaks down moving costs by the three main types of moving services for local moves:

• DIY moves: These “do-it-yourself” moves entail renting and driving the truck as well as loading and unloading it yourself.
• Labor–only moving: Also known as “hybrid” moving, this is a cross between DIY moving (where you do everything) and full-service moving (where the mover does everything). Essentially, you hire hourly moving labor to just load and unload your rental truck or moving container —no transport is included.
• Full-service moving: This is like “calling in the troops” for your move — the moving company provides their own truck, and takes care of all the loading, transport, and unloading too. Sometimes, they'll even handle the packing and unpacking!

Not surprisingly, the more you do yourself, the cheaper a local move is. However, it’s best not to overlook the hidden costs involved with a DIY move (namely, your time and effort) which is why a full-service experience remains a popular choice for those seeking convenience and efficiency.

2025 Long Distance Moving Costs

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move (500 miles or greater) based on move type.

You’ll note that there are four types of long-distance moving services. In addition to DIY, portable container solutions, and full-service movers, freight trailers are a popular and budget-friendly option.

With a freight trailer solution, a trailer is dropped off at your current home for you (or hired moving labor) to load, and then it’s transported by a freight carrier to your new home for unloading before it’s picked up.

2025 Long-Distance Moving Costs: 2–3 Bedroom Home

*Portable container costs based on PODS data.

The data shows that the price increases significantly for full-service and longer-distance moves. This is due to increased labor costs, gas prices, and other operational expenses. Of course, there’s a trade-off when it comes to using full-service movers: Your time and effort decrease significantly.

If you’re looking to save on moving costs, labor is optional for “hybrid” solutions like renting a rental truck, freight trailer space, or portable container. Alternatively, you may opt for labor help for just the loading or the unloading. At the same time, including labor is a great way to create what feels close to a full-service moving experience for less.

Sample Long-Distance Move Cost for a 2–3 Bedroom Home, NYC to Miami (1,280 miles)*

Portable container costs based on PODS data.

As you can see with this sample move from New York City to Miami, prices can vary quite a bit, and it depends mostly on household size/how much stuff you’re moving, and what type of moving option you use. As you can see DIY tends to be only marginally cheaper than some of the other options, and all other options are quite more affordable than a full-service move.

How to Calculate Your Moving Costs

As the data above (and their wide ranges) tells us, moving costs can vary considerably depending on the circumstances of your unique situation.

If you want to know how much you should budget for your move, you’ll want to have the following information as clear as possible before you start gathering quotes. It’s okay if you haven’t settled on a moving solution yet — crunching the numbers first can help you make a final decision.

1. Distance

How far you’re moving is one of the biggest factors in determining moving costs, with long-distance moves usually carrying much higher price tags than in-town or local moves.

Whether you’re going the DIY route or opting for a full-service experience, longer distances mean higher fuel, labor, and travel expenses, which all add up. Even with local moves, costs can vary depending on how far you're moving your belongings.

2. Household Size

The size of your home —which roughly correlates to how much stuff you have — plays a major role in determining moving costs. After all, the more stuff you have, the more space it takes up and the heavier the truckload will be.

Moving companies often calculate costs based on the total weight of your items, and moving trucks are usually rented according to the square footage of your home.

3. How You Move

One of the most important factors in determining the cost of a move is the move type. In other words, what service do you opt for? Convenience often comes at a higher price, and conversely, if you’re willing to exert more effort yourself, you could bring your moving costs down significantly.

Here are some pros and cons to consider for the most common moving types to help you find the one that best fits your needs:

• Pros: It’s usually the cheapest solution, and you have total control over every aspect of your move.
• Cons: What you save in money you’ll pay for with time and effort, and you’ll have to drive the moving truck yourself.

• Pros: You still retain a lot of the control of a DIY move, and you’ll save yourself time and effort — not to mention your back.
• Cons: It’s pricier than a DIY move, and you still have to sort out the transportation logistics and drive the rental truck yourself.

• Pros: Someone else does all the work on moving day — and they do it quickly, efficiently, and with professional experience behind them.
• Cons: This is generally the most expensive option, so be prepared to pay a pretty penny, especially for a long-distance or cross-country move.

4. Labor Costs

If you’re doing a hybrid move or hiring movers to help you load your PODS container, labor costs can be a big expense. Unlike full-service moves, where labor is typically included in the overall price, a hybrid move requires you to pay separately for the movers' time.

So how much does it cost to hire movers?

• The average rate for a team of two movers is typically around $100–$120 per hour in most parts of the U.S.
• In major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, rates can range from $120–$150 per hour or more due to higher local wages.
• These rates usually cover labor, but you may need to pay extra for travel time, packing, equipment fees, handling specialty items, or moves involving stairs.

5. Timing

As they say, timing is everything. Summer is the peak moving season, which makes it the most expensive. Likewise, due to higher demand, moving on the weekend rather than during the week can also be more expensive.

6. Special Scenarios

Some moves involve special logistics, like stairs, elevators, and narrow streets. These all require more time, labor, or special equipment and carry higher costs or extra fees.

7. The Extras

When planning your moving budget, don't forget to look beyond the basics. From securing additional storage to getting a sitter for your pets or kids, these costs can add up quickly, making a big impact on your final costs.

Here are a few of the additional moving services to factor in:

• Packing services: $280–$2,200
• Specialty items (like a safe or piano): $200–$1,000
• Temporary storage: $75–$300/month

Other miscellaneous costs involved with moving include:

• Babysitting or pet care
• Travel accommodations
• Cleaning services (for your old or new home)
• Disposal of unwanted items
• Moving insurance
• Fuel costs
• Parking permits or fees for moving trucks
• Transporting personal vehicles

How to Save on Moving Costs

While moving costs are on the rise, with planning and the right strategies in place, it’s still possible to save on your move.

If you’re concerned about mounting moving costs and want to pay a more reasonable amount for moving expenses, these tips can help you save:

1. Do the packing yourself

The average cost for a team of movers is $100–$120 an hour, and packing up a standard two-to-three-bedroom home takes about six hours. This means the average cost for a mid-size home could range from $600 to $720, not including packing materials or a tip. If you’d rather keep this money in your pocket, consider packing up your house yourself or bribing your friends with pizza to help.

2. Move during the off-season

Avoid the high costs of peak moving season (May to September) by planning your move for the winter months, when demand is lower and prices are more competitive. If this isn’t an option, aim for mid-week or mid-month moving dates, which are typically less expensive than weekends or month-end rushes.

3. Get rid of stuff

The more stuff you get rid of pre-move, the less stuff you have to pack, haul, and pay for during the move itself. For instance, moving one bedroom’s worth of stuff versus three bedrooms could be a difference of, on average, nearly $1,000. If you start decluttering now, there’s a chance you could save hundreds or even thousands.

4. Compare quotes

Taking the time to compare moving quotes could save you hundreds of dollars in the end. Just be aware of suspiciously low price tags —moving brokers or shady moving companies may offer subpar services or hidden fees at attractive prices. Do your research and read customer reviews.

Looking for more ways to save? Check out our guide, What’s the Cheapest Way to Move?

2025 Local Moving Costs By State

While the national average moving cost provides a good general estimate, local moving costs can differ greatly state by state, according to factors like cost of living, demand, and fuel prices.

Here’s a snapshot of the states with the highest and lowest moving costs.

States with the Highest Moving Costs

States with the Lowest Moving Costs

For a full picture of 2024 U.S. moving trends, read our 2024–2025 migration report.

Final Thoughts: Managing Moving Costs

As you can see, a lot of variables go into calculating the cost of a move. Due to regional variations in pricing as well as other factors, the best way to find out the cost of moving is to collect quotes for your specific situation.

At HireAHelper, we help you find affordable, professional movers near you, backed by real customer reviews. Get a quote today to compare prices and see what others are saying before you make your move.