Moving Cost Estimator

Moving cost estimation combines labor, transportation, packing materials, and ancillary fees. The two dominant factors are distance (local vs. long-distance) and volume/weight of belongings.

Local move cost formula (hourly): Total Cost = (Movers × Hourly Rate × Hours) + Truck Fee + Fuel Surcharge

• Average hourly rate per mover: $25–$50/hour
• Typical truck fee: $50–$150 flat
• Time estimate: 1–2 hours per room for a standard move

Long-distance move cost formula (weight-based): Total Cost = (Weight in lbs × Rate per lb per mile × Miles) + Fuel Surcharge + Accessorial Fees

Standard interstate rate: $0.40–$0.70 per pound per 100 miles (binding estimate required by FMCSA).

Weight estimates by home size:

• Studio: 1,000–1,500 lbs
• 1-bedroom: 1,500–2,500 lbs
• 2-bedroom: 3,000–4,500 lbs
• 3-bedroom: 5,000–7,500 lbs
• 4-bedroom+: 8,000–12,000 lbs

Packing materials:

• Small box (1.5 cu ft): $1.50–$3.00 each
• Medium box (3.0 cu ft): $2.50–$4.50 each
• Large box (4.5 cu ft): $3.50–$6.00 each
• Wardrobe box: $8–$15 each
• Full packing service: add $300–$1,000+ to move cost

Cost benchmarks — average US move total:

• Local move (under 50 miles): $300–$1,500
• Long-distance (500 miles): $2,000–$5,000
• Cross-country (2,500+ miles): $4,000–$10,000
• International: $10,000–$30,000+

Accessorial fees to watch for:

• Long carry fee (over 75 ft from truck): $50–$150
• Stair carry fee: $50–$100 per flight
• Elevator wait time: $50–$75/hour
• Storage-in-transit: $100–$300/month
• Specialty items (piano, safe): $150–$500 extra

Worked example: Moving a 2-bedroom apartment locally (within 20 miles). 3 movers needed. Estimated time: 5 hours.

• Labor: 3 × $35/hr × 5 hours = $525
• Truck fee: $100
• Fuel: $50
• Packing boxes and tape (DIY pack): $75
• Total estimated cost: $750
• Tip (15–20% of labor is customary): $525 × 0.18 = $95 tip for the crew

Budget $850–$900 all-in for a comfortable, well-tipped local move of this size.