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How Much Does Moving Cost in 2026? Local & Long-Distance Prices
InstantLocalQuote Team Feb 12, 2026 8 min read
Moving Costs in 2026
A local move averages $800-$2,500, while a long-distance move runs $2,500-$7,500. The exact cost depends on distance, volume of belongings, and time of year.
Local Moving Costs (Under 50 Miles)
- Studio/1 bedroom: $400 – $1,200
- 2 bedroom: $600 – $1,800
- 3 bedroom: $800 – $2,500
- 4+ bedroom: $1,200 – $4,000
Local movers charge $80-$150 per hour for a team of 2-3 movers with a truck. Most local moves take 3-8 hours.
Long-Distance Moving Costs (500+ Miles)
- Studio/1 bedroom: $1,500 – $3,500
- 2 bedroom: $2,500 – $5,000
- 3 bedroom: $3,500 – $7,500
- 4+ bedroom: $5,000 – $12,000+
Long-distance pricing is based on weight (typically $0.50-$0.80 per pound) plus distance.
Additional Moving Costs
- Packing services: $300 – $1,000
- Piano/specialty items: $200 – $800 per item
- Storage (monthly): $100 – $300
- Moving insurance: $50 – $200
Peak vs. Off-Peak
Moving between May-September and at month-end costs 20-30% more. Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead during peak season, or move mid-month/mid-week for the best rates.
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