Cost guide · Updated 2026
How much does hiring movers cost?
A local move with professional movers costs $900 to $2,800 for a two- or three-bedroom home. A studio or one-bedroom costs $300 to $800, and a long-distance move for a two- or three-bedroom home costs $1,300 to $9,500.
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National averages
Movers · 2026
Local, studio or 1 bedroom
$300–$800
Local, 2–3 bedrooms
$900–$2,800
Local, 4–5 bedrooms
$1,800–$6,000
Long distance, 2–3 bedrooms
$1,300–$9,500
Typical, per local move
$900–$2,800
Typical price
Typical price
$900–$2,800
per local move · source: HomeGuide
- Local, studio or 1 bedroom$300–$800
- Local, 2–3 bedrooms$900–$2,800
- Local, 4–5 bedrooms$1,800–$6,000
- Long distance, 2–3 bedrooms$1,300–$9,500
- Packing service$280–$2,500+
National averages. Labor costs differ a lot from one area to the next, so use these to sanity-check a quote, then compare two or three local pros for the same job.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Local, studio or 1 bedroomHomeGuide | $300–$800 |
| Local, 2–3 bedroomsHomeGuide | $900–$2,800 |
| Local, 4–5 bedroomsHomeGuide | $1,800–$6,000 |
| Long distance, 2–3 bedroomsHomeGuide | $1,300–$9,500 |
| Per moverHomeGuide | $50–$100+ per hour |
| Packing serviceHomeGuide | $280–$2,500+ |
What changes the price
- How much you're moving
- Distance, stairs and long carries
- Packing, crating and specialty items
- Time of year and day of the week
- Where you live. Local labor costs, demand and travel time move prices up or down from the national average.
How to pay less
- Move midweek and mid-month, outside the summer rush, when movers have more openings.
- Get rid of what you don't need before the estimate. Less stuff means fewer hours.
- Pack yourself and pay the movers for loading, driving and unloading only.
- Have everything boxed, labeled and ready before the crew arrives, since most local moves are billed by the hour.
- Compare at least two or three quotes for the same scope. Pros on Job Hound never pay for leads, so no lead fee is built into their price.
FAQ
Movers cost questions
How much does hiring movers cost?
A local move with professional movers costs $900 to $2,800 for a two- or three-bedroom home. A studio or one-bedroom costs $300 to $800, and a long-distance move for a two- or three-bedroom home costs $1,300 to $9,500.
How much do movers charge per hour?
About $50 to $100 or more per mover per hour, usually with a three- to five-hour minimum.
How many movers do I need?
Two movers for a studio or one-bedroom, three or four for two to three bedrooms, and four or five for a four- or five-bedroom home.
How much should I tip movers?
Tipping isn't required but is customary. Many people tip 5% to 20% of the total, or about $5 per mover per hour.
Sources
Published national estimates, last checked 2026-11-11. Your quote depends on your job and your area.
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