How Much Will Your Move Cost

Moving costs can vary significantly based on a variety of factors. Here are detailed tables for moving costs by state and by the number of rooms being moved. Following these tables, you’ll find a list of factors that determine moving costs and those that can affect prices.

Table 1: Average Moving Costs by State (for a 2-3 bedroom home, 1000-mile move)

State Average Cost (Local Move) Average Cost (Long-Distance Move)
Alabama $1,000 – $1,400 $4,000 – $6,000
Alaska $1,200 – $1,800 $5,000 – $7,000
Arizona $1,100 – $1,500 $4,200 – $6,200
California $1,200 – $1,600 $4,500 – $6,500
Colorado $1,100 – $1,500 $4,200 – $6,200
Florida $1,000 – $1,400 $4,000 – $6,000
Georgia $1,000 – $1,400 $4,000 – $6,000
Illinois $1,100 – $1,500 $4,200 – $6,200
New York $1,200 – $1,600 $4,500 – $6,500
Texas $1,100 – $1,500 $4,200 – $6,200
Washington $1,200 – $1,600 $4,500 – $6,500

Table 2: Average Moving Costs by Number of Rooms (Local Move)

Number of Rooms Average Cost
1 Room $300 – $500
2 Rooms $500 – $800
3 Rooms $800 – $1,200
4 Rooms $1,200 – $1,800
5+ Rooms $1,800 – $2,500

Factors Determining Moving Costs

  1. Distance of the Move: Long-distance moves are more expensive than local moves.
  2. Volume and Weight of Items: More items or heavier items increase the cost.
  3. Number of Rooms: More rooms generally mean more items to move.
  4. Packing Services: Professional packing services add to the cost.
  5. Specialty Items: Moving items like pianos, antiques, or artwork can increase costs due to the need for special handling.
  6. Accessibility: Difficult access to either location (e.g., stairs, narrow streets) can increase costs.
  7. Insurance: Higher levels of insurance coverage will increase the cost.
  8. Time of Year: Moving during peak seasons (summer, weekends, end of the month) is often more expensive.
  9. Labor Costs: Rates for movers can vary by state and city, reflecting local labor costs.
  10. Additional Services: Services like disassembly/reassembly of furniture, storage, and cleaning can add to the total cost.

Factors That Can Affect Moving Prices

  1. Fuel Costs: Fluctuations in fuel prices can impact long-distance moving costs.
  2. Demand: High demand periods can increase costs due to limited availability of movers.
  3. Permits and Fees: Some moves require permits or incur toll fees, adding to the cost.
  4. Time of Day: Moving during certain times can be cheaper (e.g., mid-week versus weekend).
  5. Promotions and Discounts: Availability of discounts or promotions from moving companies can reduce costs.
  6. Complexity of the Move: More complex moves involving multiple stops or handling unique items can increase costs.
  7. Distance from Moving Company: The distance from the moving company’s base to your location can also affect the cost.

These tables and factors provide a comprehensive view of what to expect when planning a move, helping to budget accordingly and understand the variables that might impact the final cost.