What is the Average Cost of Hiring a Moving Company

In a nutshell, the average cost of hiring a moving company is between $480 and $2,880 for local moves. Long-distance moves can range from $1,500 to $6,885, depending on how far you’re going and how much stuff you’re moving.

Later in this article, you'll find more detailed information about the cost of hiring movers. But for now, here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay when hiring professionals to help pack and move your belongings to your new home.

Here’s the Average Cost for Different Home Sizes in 2025

Note: These prices are rough estimates, and the actual cost of your move depends on how far you're moving, how much stuff you have, what services you need, and if you're moving during peak season (don’t move in summer if you can avoid it!).

Now, you're probably thinking, "What does this really mean for me?!" Let me break it down for you:

How Much Will It Actually Cost to Hire Movers?

First, you should know that moving companies generally use one of two pricing methods: hourly rates or flat fees.

Hourly Rates

For local moves, most moving companies will charge by the hour.

The average rate for two movers and a truck is between $80 and $120 per hour.

So, if you’re moving a 1-bedroom apartment and the move takes 4 hours, you’re looking at around $500. But remember, the more stuff you have, the longer it’s going to take.

If you're wondering, "How much do movers charge per hour in my area?" check out a few companies near you.

They offer a moving cost calculator online, so you can get an estimate before you even call them.

Flat Fees

For long-distance moves, the pricing model shifts to a flat fee based on the distance and the weight of your belongings.

Moving companies will send out a representative to your home to give you an estimate.

On average, for a 1-2 bedroom apartment, expect the cost of hiring movers for a long-distance move to range between $2,000 to $5,000.

 

Need moving tips and hacks? Check out our moving guides to help you plan your perfect move!

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers Per Hour?

Let’s talk about how much it costs to hire movers per hour.

Generally, moving companies charge between $80 and $120 per hour for two movers and a truck for local moves.

The total cost will depend on how long the move takes and how much stuff you’re moving.

If your move is quick and easy, you might only pay for a couple of hours of labor.

But if you’re moving a 3-bedroom house, it can take longer and cost more.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for moving costs per hour:

There are some things that can impact the hourly rate:

Number of Movers: The more movers you need, the higher your hourly cost will be. Most moving companies provide a team of two movers, but if you have a bigger home, they might send more movers to speed things up. This could cost you from $25 to $50 per additional mover per hour.

Time of Year: If you’re moving during peak season (summer or weekends), prices might be higher because demand is greater.

Location: The hourly rate might differ depending on where you live. For example, movers in larger cities might charge more due to higher operational costs than movers in smaller towns.

Additional Services: Some moving companies might charge extra for specific services, like packing your items, disassembling furniture, or moving specialty items like pianos or heavy appliances

 

Wondering if full-service movers are worth the extra cost? Check out our comparison of full-service vs. self-service moving to help you decide!

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers Across States? 

When you're moving across state lines, it is a different thing than a local move.

Long-distance movers charge based on the weight of your belongings and the distance being traveled.

The average cost to hire movers for a long-distance move can range from $2,000 to $7,500 or more.

A smaller move, such as a 1-2 bedroom apartment, is on the lower end of that range, while larger moves (like a 4+ bedroom home) can push you to the higher end of that scale. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for 250 Miles?

A 250-mile move is considered a shorter long-distance move, but it's still a bit more expensive than local moves.

For a move of this distance, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 on average.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Smaller moves (1-2 bedroom apartments): $1,000 - $1,500
• Larger moves (3+ bedroom homes): $1,800 - $2,500

This range includes basic moving services like loading, transportation, and unloading, but you could face additional charges if you need extra services.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for 500 Miles?

When you’re moving 500 miles, you’re getting into the territory where fuel, distance, and driver time start to make a significant impact on the price.

For a 500-mile move, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 on average.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• 1-2 bedroom apartments: $1,500 - $2,000
• 3-4 bedroom homes: $2,500 - $4,000

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for 1,000 Miles?

A 1,000-mile move is considered a substantial long-distance move, and as such, it will be on the pricier side.

Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 for a move of this distance.

The factors that will influence your price include:

• The size and weight of your load
• The moving services you request (packing, special handling, etc.)
• Peak vs. off-peak season

For a 1,000-mile move:

• Studio apartments or 1-bedroom apartments: $2,000 - $2,500

• 2-3 bedroom homes: $2,500 - $4,000
• 4+ bedroom homes: $4,500 - $6,000

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for 2,000 Miles?

A 2,000-mile move is definitely a long haul, and as expected, it’s one of the more expensive options for long-distance moving.

The cost of a move this distance can range from $3,000 to $8,500 or more.

The exact cost depends on:

• The size of your home and how much stuff you need to move

• Additional services like packing, insurance, or storage

• Seasonal factors

For a 2,000-mile move:

• Studio apartments or 1-bedroom apartments: $3,000 - $4,000
• 2-3 bedroom homes: $4,000 - $6,500
• 4-5 bedroom homes: $6,500 - $8,500

Note: For the most accurate estimate, always get a moving quote from a few different companies and factor in any special requirements you might have.

 

Curious about the cost of moving an entire house? Learn more in our detailed guide on how much it costs to move a house!

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Moving a 1-bedroom apartment is usually pretty straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s always cheap!

On average, you can expect to pay $400 to $1,500 for professional movers, depending on the distance, the amount of stuff you have, and whether you need any extra services.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Local Move: If you're moving within the same city or nearby (say, under 50 miles), the cost will typically range from $400 to $800.
• Long-Distance Move: If you’re moving to a different state or more than a few hundred miles, the cost will be higher, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 2-Bedroom Home?

When you move from a 1-bedroom apartment to a 2-bedroom home, things tend to get a little more complicated.

On average, moving a 2-bedroom home will cost between $800 and $2,500 for local moves and a bit more for long-distance moves.

For a local move (under 50 miles), you’re looking at:

• $800 - $1,500 for basic services, like loading, transportation, and unloading.

For a long-distance move (over 250 miles), the cost can climb:

• $1,500 - $2,500 for moving a 2-bedroom home across state lines or further.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 3-Bedroom House?

A 3-bedroom house is typically where things start to get more expensive.

For local moves, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to $4,000:

• Local Move (under 50 miles): Typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the volume of stuff you have.
• Long-Distance Move: For a 3-bedroom house moving more than 250 miles or across states, expect to pay $3,000 to $4,000 or more.

Breakdown of Moving Services Costs

Some moving companies break down the cost by charging for each individual service.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for each:

• Professional Cleaning: $30–$50 per hour or $200–$500 for move-out cleaning

• Storage Unit Rental: About $240 per month

• Packing Supplies: $2–$20 each

• Moving Truck Rental: $30–$3,500

• Loading/Unloading Service: $45–$80 per hour

• Packing/Unpacking Service: Around $1,000

• Furniture Disassembly: $50–$150 per hour

• Shipping: $800–$3,000

• Moving Insurance: $0.60 per pound

 

Not sure if you need professional packers? Find out in our detailed guide and whether it’s worth the investment or not. how much they cost

Cost to Move Specialty Items

Some items require special handling and will cost extra on top of your basic moving fees. Below are the typical costs for common specialty items:

What Other Costs Should You Be Aware Of?

Let’s say you’ve already got the movers and the truck, but that doesn’t mean you’re done paying.

There are some other costs you should be aware of.

• Insurance: Most moving companies offer basic insurance coverage, but you might want to purchase additional coverage if you have expensive items.

• Tipping the Movers: It’s customary to tip your movers, especially if they’ve done a good job. Most people tip about $20 to $40 per mover.

• Stair Fees: If your new place has no elevator and you’re moving to a higher floor, some companies charge an extra fee for stairs.
• Fuel Surcharge: Especially for long-distance moves, you may see a fuel surcharge added to your bill. Keep an eye on that.

 

Ready to make your move stress-free? Find the moving companies near you and get

Tips to Reduce Moving Costs

Nobody wants to get hit with a huge bill after the move.

So, here are some pro tips to help reduce moving costs and make sure your wallet doesn’t take too much of a hit:

Declutter Before the Move: The fewer things you move, the cheaper it’ll be. Go through your stuff, donate, sell, or throw away anything you don’t need.

Pack Yourself: You can save a ton of cash by packing your own things. Sure, it takes time, but it’ll save you a couple hundred bucks to over a thousand.

Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t just settle for the first moving company you find. Get a few quotes and compare prices.

Move on a Weekday or Off-Season: As we mentioned before, moving companies are super busy during weekends and in the summer months. If you can, try moving on a weekday or during the winter months to get a better deal.

 

Looking for a budget-friendly move? Get free quotes from top-rated movers and save big!

Recommended Resources

• How to Find the Best Short Distance Movers

• How To Find Cross-Country Movers

• How Auto Transport Services Work

• Moving Labor – Everything You Need to Know