Moving Cost Calculator

Last updated July 2, 2026

Moving costs are consistently underestimated, particularly for longer-distance relocations. The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the average cost of an intrastate move ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on home size, while a long-distance cross-country move typically runs $4,000 to $10,000 for a three-bedroom household. These figures cover professional movers for the labor-intensive portion of the work, but they don't account for packing supplies, temporary storage if the timing between homes doesn't align, hotel stays and meals during transit, vehicle transport if applicable, or the setup costs at the new home — deposits on utilities, minor repairs or cleaning, and the hardware and supplies that every move inevitably requires.

Corporate relocations that include a moving allowance often use a standard formula of 1 to 3 months of salary, which provides context for the true cost of a major move. DIY moves with a rented truck are substantially cheaper on paper — $500 to $2,000 for most local moves — but require significant physical labor and time, carry the risk of damage to valuable items without insurance coverage, and eliminate the professional liability that comes with a licensed mover. For any move that involves high-value items — fine art, antiques, pianos, or specialized equipment — professional specialty movers with appropriate insurance are the only sound choice. Get at least three binding estimates from licensed, insured movers before committing, and verify licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.

Budgeting your move based on three binding estimates from licensed movers, not internet averages. For a long-distance move, plan for $5,000 to $10,000 in combined moving costs including incidentals, and add that to your total purchase transaction cost. Moving costs are rarely part of the closing cost conversation but are a real expense of any home purchase.