How Much Do Moving Companies Usually Cost?

Moving company rates in 2026

Planning a move and choosing a mover comes with a list of questions, and one of the most common ones is “How much will my move cost?” 

Before picking a moving company, especially when relocating to another state, it’s helpful to understand how rates are figured and have an estimated price range for the services offered. 

Let’s review average prices, learn how companies determine rates, and discover how to save money on long-distance moves with U-Pack®, a DIY moving solution.

Average cost of a moving company

Knowing average price ranges can help you budget for an upcoming out-of-state move. 

Long-distance movers typically charge between $1,200 and $30,000, depending on the type of service (DIY vs. full-service), shipment size, moving date and distance.

Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of long-distance moves based on home size:

Actual costs will vary based on your moving details.

What is the typical cost of local moves?

Local moving fees are usually between $300 and $3,000, depending on the type of service, shipment size, moving date and distance. U-Pack does not service local moves.

How moving company prices are figured

All movers will have different rates and service offerings, but they typically figure prices based on the factors below.

Date of the move

Many people move during the summer months, and peak-season moves can be more expensive due to increased shipping volume. Additionally, weekends and end-of-month reservations are in high demand, which can drive prices up.

Moving during non-peak months and during the middle of the month can usually decrease your moving expenses.

Distance (transportation and fuel)

The farther apart your old home and your new one are, the higher the moving rate will be due to transportation costs. Learn more about how gas and diesel prices can impact moving costs.

Home or shipment size

Typically, the larger your home, the more stuff you’ll have to move. For example, it will cost more to move belongings from a three-bedroom house than from a studio apartment. Some moving companies charge by weight, while others, like U-Pack®, base rates on equipment or space used.

Labor and additional services

Using a full-service mover will generally cost more than DIY solutions, like U-Pack, since they handle everything from packing to loading and unloading. DIY options are typically more budget-friendly if you can handle the moving labor yourself or only hire labor for some parts of your move (like loading heavy furniture).

While extra services can be convenient, they will add to the overall moving cost. Some other common add-on services include:

• Extra insurance coverage
• Furniture assembly
• Moving supplies
• Navigating obstacles (stairs, tight doorways, etc.)
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage

Discover how U-Pack determines moving rates. 

Check your U-Pack moving rate

Knowing the average rates for hiring a moving company only gets you so far. It’s much more helpful to know your exact moving rate. You can do that with U-Pack with our free online quote form. If you’d prefer to speak to one of our friendly and helpful moving consultants, call 844-362-5303844-594-3077.

Let us know in the comments if you have questions about moving rates or how U-Pack works. We’re happy to help.