Get a personalized moving estimate in 60 seconds. Compare DIY vs. full-service movers, and calculate exactly how many boxes and supplies you need.
DIY moves always cost more than anticipated once you factor in truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, equipment, meals, and the value of your time. Professional movers for a 2-bedroom local move average $800-$1,500. Long-distance moves can run $3,000-$10,000. Get at least three quotes from licensed movers and check reviews on FMCSA.dot.gov for interstate moves, moving scams are unfortunately common.
Moving costs in 2025 depend on four primary factors: the size of your home, the distance of your move, the level of service you hire, and the time of year you move. National averages provide a starting point, but actual costs vary significantly based on your specific circumstances. Understanding the full cost picture, including many expenses most people forget to budget, is the difference between a smooth move and a financial surprise.
| Home Size | Local Move | Long Distance (500 mi) | Cross-Country (2,000 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-room | $300–$800 | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $500–$1,200 | $1,800–$3,500 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | $700–$1,800 | $2,500–$5,500 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,000–$2,800 | $4,000–$8,500 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,500–$4,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $2,500–$6,000 | $9,000–$18,000 | $18,000–$30,000 |
Local moves (under 50 miles) are typically charged by the hour. In 2025, the national average for a two-person moving crew with a truck is $100–$150 per hour, with the total depending on how many hours the job takes. A studio apartment typically takes 2–4 hours including loading, travel, and unloading. A two-bedroom apartment runs 4–7 hours, and a three-bedroom home can take 6–10 hours. Most companies have a minimum charge of 2–3 hours, and fuel charges of $50–$150 are standard. If you're on the third floor with no elevator, expect to add 1–2 extra hours to your estimate.
Long-distance moves (over 50 miles) are typically priced based on the weight of your shipment and the distance traveled, not hourly rates. The average price per pound ranges from $0.40 to $0.70 per pound per 1,000 miles. A typical two-bedroom apartment weighs approximately 5,000–6,000 pounds, at 500 miles, that works out to roughly $2,500–$4,200 before add-ons. For cross-country moves of 2,000+ miles, the same shipment might cost $8,000–$12,000. Long-distance quotes should always include a binding estimate based on an in-home survey of your actual belongings, not a rough guess over the phone.
The decision between renting a truck yourself and hiring full-service movers is rarely as simple as it appears. Full-service movers seem expensive, and they are, but DIY moves have significant hidden costs most people underestimate. Truck rental for a local move runs $20–$50/day plus $0.99–$1.29 per mile, plus fuel (moving trucks get 8–12 mpg). Add packing supplies ($150–$400), equipment rental for dollies and moving pads ($30–$80/day), and meals for any helpers. Then factor in the value of your time: loading and unloading a two-bedroom apartment takes 6–10 hours of hard physical labor. If your time is worth $30/hour, that's $180–$300 just in personal opportunity cost. Full-service movers often make more financial sense than their sticker price suggests once you do the full math.
The single biggest lever for reducing moving costs is timing. Moving in the middle of the month (rather than at the beginning or end, when most leases turn over) can reduce labor costs by 10–15%. Moving on a weekday instead of the weekend saves another 5–10% with most moving companies. Moving in the off-season, October through April, reduces costs by 15–25% compared to summer peak pricing. If you have any flexibility in your move date, these choices save real money.
Getting at least three binding quotes from licensed, insured moving companies is non-negotiable. The variation in quotes for identical moves is often 30–50%. Sites that facilitate competitive quotes from multiple movers at once often produce the best results. Verify that any mover you hire has a USDOT number (required for interstate moves), is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and carries both liability insurance and cargo insurance. Rogue movers (who provide a low quote, then hold your belongings hostage for additional payment) are a documented scam that costs consumers millions each year.
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View on Amazon →| City | Avg Hourly (2 movers) | Avg Local 2BR Move | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $140–$200/hr | $1,500–$3,000 | Elevator waits, parking fees add cost |
| Los Angeles | $120–$180/hr | $1,200–$2,500 | Traffic delays common |
| Chicago | $110–$160/hr | $1,100–$2,200 | Weather surcharges in winter |
| Houston | $100–$140/hr | $900–$1,800 | Large homes common, longer jobs |
| Phoenix | $95–$130/hr | $850–$1,600 | Heat surcharges June–Aug |
| Philadelphia | $110–$155/hr | $1,000–$2,000 | Row homes create access challenges |
| San Francisco | $130–$190/hr | $1,300–$2,800 | Hills, small streets, parking issues |
| Dallas | $95–$135/hr | $850–$1,700 | Below-average costs for major metro |
| Atlanta | $95–$130/hr | $850–$1,600 | Suburban sprawl adds drive time |
| Denver | $100–$140/hr | $900–$1,800 | High-altitude considerations |