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Moving Cost Calculator

Home size

Distance

Estimated cost

$2,000

Low end: $1,600
High end: $2,600

HI data benchmark

The estimate above is personalized to your inputs. These are HI's independent market reference figures from its data layer — each shown with its source and confidence.

Where	Measure	Value	Confidence
US national · Local moving service (<50 mi)	Low (USD per local 2BR move)	$400	Modeled estimate
US national · Local moving service (<50 mi)	Median (USD per local 2BR move)	$1,250	Modeled estimate
US national · Local moving service (<50 mi)	High (USD per local 2BR move)	$2,500	Modeled estimate
US national · Long-distance moving service	Median (USD per long-distance 2BR move)	$4,900	Modeled estimate
Los Angeles, CA · Local moving service (<50 mi)	Median (USD per local 2BR move)	$1,600	Modeled estimate
New York, NY · Local moving service (<50 mi)	Median (USD per local 2BR move)	$1,850	Modeled estimate

Methodology: US moving cost estimation (v1)

Sources: U.S. BLS — Consumer Expenditure Surveys U.S. Census Bureau — Geographic Mobility / Migration Flows U.S. BLS — Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics HI Internal Cost Estimation Model

Dataset: US Moving Cost — see data products

v0 values are modeled estimates pending verified collection. Educational use, not financial advice.

Get a rough estimate for a move based on home size and distance.

By Jordan P. · Reviewed by Cara M., Licensed Contractor · Updated 2026-06-03

How to use this calculator

Choose your home size.
Enter the moving distance in miles.
Read the estimate and its low-to-high range.
Get 2–3 written quotes to firm up the price.

Formula

Estimate ≈ size factor × base + distance × size × rate

size factor — rooms-equivalent for the home size
distance — miles (long-haul applies over 100 mi)

Worked example

A 2-bedroom move over 500 miles estimates around $2,000, with a typical range of about $1,600 to $2,600 depending on season, stairs, and access.

Frequently asked questions

Is this for full-service movers?

It approximates professional movers; DIY truck rentals cost less but add your labor.

What drives moving cost?

Home size (volume), distance, season, stairs, and add-ons like packing.

When is moving cheapest?

Mid-week and mid-month in fall or winter tend to be cheaper than summer weekends.

Should I get quotes?

Yes — always get 2–3 in-home or video estimates for an accurate price.

Does this include packing?

No — packing materials and labor are usually extra.

Related calculators

Jordan P. · Author

Reviewed by Cara M., Licensed Contractor · Updated 2026-06-03

Sources

FMCSA — Protect Your Move — Moving consumer guidance.

Methodology · Report an error

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View answer.json (AI feed)

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