Moving costs are one of the most consistently underbudgeted items in a relocation. Most people think of the truck or movers — but the full picture includes packing supplies, insurance, cleaning fees, utility setup deposits, and often a few new items for the new place. This guide breaks down every moving cost category so you can build an accurate budget before you commit.
Before budgeting for moving, make sure you have your new apartment costs figured out too. Use our rent affordability calculator to confirm your new rent fits your income, then add the one-time moving costs below to your total first-month budget.
Local Move Costs (Under 50 Miles)
Local moves are typically charged by the hour. Most moving companies send a team of two to three people and charge per team-hour.
| Apartment Size | Average Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | 3–5 hours | $400–$1,500 |
| 2 BR | 5–8 hours | $800–$2,500 |
| 3 BR | 7–12 hours | $1,200–$4,000 |
These estimates assume full-service movers (loading, transport, unloading). Additional charges may apply for stairs, long carries from the building to the truck, large or specialty items (piano, pool table), and packing service.
Long-Distance Move Costs (50+ Miles)
Long-distance moves are priced by the shipment weight and mileage, not by the hour. Estimates vary enormously based on how much you own and how far you're going.
| Distance | Studio / 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,800–$4,000 | $2,500–$6,000 |
| 500 miles | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,500 | $3,500–$8,000 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,000–$4,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Cross-country | $2,500–$6,000 | $4,500–$9,000 | $6,000–$14,000 |
DIY Moving Options
If you want to save money and have the help, doing it yourself dramatically reduces costs:
Truck Rental (DIY)
- Truck rental: $30–$150/day (local) or $300–$1,500 (one-way long distance)
- Fuel: $0.50–$0.80/mile for truck fuel economy
- Moving equipment rental: $30–$50 (dollies, furniture pads)
- Your time and your helpers' time
Major truck rental companies: U-Haul, Penske, Enterprise Truck Rental, Budget Truck Rental. Compare quotes online for the best rates.
Portable Storage Containers (e.g., PODS)
- Local moves: $300–$700 for container delivery, loading period, and pickup
- Long distance: $1,500–$5,000 depending on distance and container size
- Advantage: You load at your own pace; flexible timing
Freight Trailer
For long-distance moves with significant belongings, freight shipping via a shared trailer (where your items share space with other shipments) can be significantly cheaper than full-service movers — often 40–60% less.
Hidden Moving Costs People Forget
Packing Supplies
- Boxes: $1–$5 each; you'll need 20–50 for a 1BR apartment
- Packing tape and dispenser: $15–$30
- Bubble wrap and packing paper: $20–$60
- Mattress bags and furniture covers: $15–$40
Save on boxes: Liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores give away free boxes. Check Facebook Marketplace and local Buy Nothing groups — people who just moved often give away their boxes.
First Night / Week Setup
- Hotel if the timing doesn't align: $80–$200/night
- Meals while unpacking (eating out): $50–$200
- New apartment essentials (shower curtain, hangers, etc.): $100–$400
Utility Setup and Deposits
- Electric/gas deposit if poor credit: $100–$300 per utility
- Internet installation fee: $0–$100
- Renter's insurance first month: $10–$25
Apartment Cleaning Fees
- Professional move-out cleaning of old unit: $150–$400
- Move-in cleaning of new unit (if desired): $100–$300
Vehicle Costs for Long Distance
- Driving your own car: $0.20–$0.30/mile in fuel costs
- Shipping a vehicle: $700–$1,800 depending on distance
- Hotel en route for long drives: $80–$150/night
How to Save Money on Moving
Timing
- Move on a weekday instead of a weekend: 10–20% cheaper for movers
- Move in October–April instead of summer: off-peak = lower rates
- Avoid the first and last few days of the month when most leases turn over — mover demand is highest
Reduce What You Move
The single biggest lever on moving cost is how much stuff you have. Before packing, declutter aggressively:
- Sell furniture and large items you'd have to reassemble anyway (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist)
- Donate clothes, books, and household items
- Trash or recycle things not worth moving
Moving fewer items saves on both weight (for long-distance) and time (for local hourly billing).
Get Multiple Quotes
Mover prices for the same job can vary 30–50% between companies. Get at least three in-home or video quotes. Beware of unusually low estimates — they sometimes lead to inflated charges later.
The Full Moving Budget Template
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Movers / truck rental | $300 | $5,000+ |
| Packing supplies | $50 | $200 |
| Security deposit (new place) | 1 month rent | 2 months rent |
| First/last month rent | 1–2 months rent | 2 months rent |
| Utility setup / deposits | $0 | $400 |
| Cleaning fees | $0 | $600 |
| First week setup items | $100 | $500 |
| Transportation (food, hotel) | $50 | $500+ |
Also see our first apartment checklist for a complete rundown of what you'll need to set up a new place.
Sources: American Moving and Storage Association cost data · FMCSA interstate moving regulations · Angi (formerly Angie's List) national moving cost surveys. Last verified March 2026.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Cost estimates are averages and vary by market. Last updated: March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a local apartment move cost?
- Local moves (under 50 miles) typically cost $800 to $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,500 to $4,000 for a two-bedroom. Costs depend on the number of movers, hours worked, distance, and whether packing service is included. Most local moves are priced hourly at $100 to $200 per hour for a two-person team.
- How much does a long-distance apartment move cost?
- Long-distance moves (over 50–100 miles) are typically priced by weight and distance. A one-bedroom move of 500 miles averages $2,000 to $4,000. A cross-country move of a two-bedroom apartment can run $4,000 to $10,000 or more. Getting three quotes from licensed interstate movers is essential for comparison.
- What is the cheapest way to move an apartment?
- The cheapest option is to rent a moving truck and do it yourself — a local truck rental costs $30 to $150/day plus fuel. Renting a portable storage container (PODS) is mid-range. Hiring full-service movers is the most expensive but least labor-intensive. Moving during the week and off-peak season (October through April) reduces costs 15 to 25%.