Average cost of a moving company
A full-service interstate move averages roughly $3,500–$6,500 for a typical 2-3 bedroom household — but the real range runs from about $1,800 for a small studio move up to $12,000+ for a large home moving cross-country. "Average" is a useful anchor, not a quote for your specific move.
What drives cost above or below average
- Distance — the single biggest factor after home size; a 300-mile move and a 2,500-mile move aren't remotely comparable even for identical households
- Home size / total weight — see our full cost by home size breakdown
- Time of year — summer and month-end moves run meaningfully above average; off-season, midweek moves run below it
- Services included — full packing, storage-in-transit, and specialty-item handling all add to the baseline transport cost
- Access and logistics — stairs, long carries, and limited truck access at either end add labor time and sometimes fees
Local vs. interstate averages
| Move type | Typical average |
|---|---|
| Local move (hourly, under ~100 miles) | $900–$2,500 |
| Interstate move (500-1,000 miles) | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Interstate move (1,000+ miles / cross-country) | $5,000–$9,000+ |
Why published "averages" don't always agree
Different sources calculate averages from different data sets — some blend DIY and full-service pricing together, others only survey full-service quotes; some weight by region, home size, or season differently. Use any published average as a rough starting point, then get real quotes for your specific move using the moving cost calculator and written estimates from actual movers.
Average cost isn't limited to full-service movers
"Average cost of a moving company" usually refers to full-service pricing, but it's worth comparing against moving containers, freight trailers, and DIY truck rental, which can run significantly below these averages for the right household — see our full method-by-method cost comparison if a full-service average is above your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What's the average cost of a local move?
A local move (under ~100 miles, billed hourly) typically averages $900-$2,500 for a 2-3 person crew working 3-6 hours, depending on home size and how much packing is included.
What's the average cost of an interstate move?
An interstate move averages roughly $3,500-$6,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home, but ranges from about $1,800 for a small studio moving a short interstate distance up to $12,000+ for a large home moving cross-country.
Why do average cost figures vary so much between sources?
Different sources average different data — some include DIY and container moves, others only full-service quotes; some weight by region or home size differently. Treat any 'average' as a rough anchor, not a quote, and get real estimates for your specific move.
Is a quote way below average a good deal or a red flag?
It depends on whether it's binding and includes the same services as other quotes you've gotten. A dramatically low non-binding estimate is more often a sign of an eventual price increase than a genuine deal — compare line by line, not just the bottom-line number.