Moving Cost Calculator
A moving cost estimator that shows its working. Pick local, long distance or a rental truck, and every assumption stays on screen for you to change.
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How the estimate is built
Local move. Hours of work x crew size x the hourly rate per mover, plus a truck and fuel fee, travel time billed at the crew rate, and any stairs, packing and supplies.
Long distance. Shipment weight (from the size of your home) x a rate per pound for your distance band, plus a fuel surcharge, stairs, packing and supplies. The optional full value protection line uses a percentage of a declared value.
Do it yourself. Truck day rate x days, plus a mileage fee, gas from miles and fuel economy, a damage waiver, a dolly and pads, and any hired loading help.
Each line shows its low and high. The total adds the lows and adds the highs, so the range is honest about how much the answer can move.
Where the numbers come from
No public price list fits every city and every season, so this calculator does not pretend to know the average cost in your town. The starting ranges are our own rough national assumptions, chosen to be easy to inspect. They are not a survey. Replace them with figures from your quotes: type your mover’s hourly rate in the rate row, and the estimate follows. The share link keeps your edited assumptions.
Basic valuation or full value
On an interstate move, the basic coverage that comes with the price pays by weight, around $0.60 per pound per article. A 50 lb TV that is destroyed pays about $30, however much it cost. Full value protection costs extra and pays to repair, replace or settle at current value, up to the declared value, under the carrier’s terms. The calculator shows both side by side for long-distance moves. Check the exact terms in your contract.
Ways to bring the number down
- Move on a weekday and outside the busy summer weeks, when many companies have open slots.
- Pack yourself and use the box calculator to buy the right amount.
- Give every company the same inventory so the quotes compare.
- Reduce weight before a long-distance move: you pay by the pound.
Related: how much it costs to move, moving budget sheet, truck size calculator.
Questions
How accurate is a moving cost estimator?
It is as accurate as its assumptions. This one shows every assumption and gives a low to high range, which is more honest than one number. Real quotes vary, so ask several companies for written quotes.
What is the difference between a local and a long-distance move?
A local move is usually billed by the hour for a crew and a truck. A long-distance move is usually billed by weight and distance, plus fees.
Does the estimate include a tip?
Only if you tick the optional tip box. It then uses the same guidance as the tip calculator.
Is a rental truck always cheaper?
Not always. Add mileage, gas, the damage waiver, equipment and any helpers you hire, then compare. The do-it-yourself option in the calculator puts all of those in one range.
Can I change the numbers?
Yes. Every rate, fee and hour in the assumptions table can be edited, and the result updates as you type.
Is it free?
Yes. Every calculator works on screen without an account, and the share link and a basic printout are free. The Move Planner ($4.99, one time) adds the full budget workbook, packing checklist, named tip envelopes and a room-by-room inventory.
Does it store what I type?
No. The numbers stay in your browser. The site records anonymous usage events, such as which calculator was used, but not your hours, bill, addresses or names.