Spoiler alert: Local moving costs have exploded in 2025, with even basic studio moves now starting at $650+ in major metros, and family homes easily hitting $3,000-5,000+. Whether you're in expensive NYC or budget-friendly Dallas, this guide breaks down what you'll actually pay, which hidden fees to expect, and how to move for less.
| Home Size | Crew Needed | Time Required | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 3-4 hours | $500-1,400 |
| 1-Bedroom | 2 movers | 3-4 hours | $530-1,800 |
| 2-Bedroom | 3 movers | 4-6 hours | $650-2,200 |
| 3-BR Family Home | 3-4 movers | 6-8 hours | $1,800-4,200 |
| 4+ BR Family Home | 4-5 movers | 8-12 hours | $2,150-6,000 |
Prices include labor, truck, and fuel. Packing, stairs, long carries, or specialty items? All extra.
In 2025, hourly rates vary wildly by metro area. Here's what movers actually charge per hour:
That means the same 2-bedroom move costs $750 in Dallas but $1,600+ in Manhattan.
These "extras" add up fast and catch most people off-guard:
Total Cost = (Hourly Rate × Crew Size × Hours) + Truck/Fuel + Add-Ons + Tips
Real Example: 2-bedroom apartment in Chicago, mid-week move in March:
| Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-BR Family Home | 4+ BR Family Home | Cost Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Metro | $150-280/hr | $650-1,200 | $750-1,400 | $1,100-2,000 | $2,200-3,800 | $3,200-5,500 | Most Expensive |
| Los Angeles Metro | $130-240/hr | $580-1,050 | $650-1,250 | $950-1,750 | $1,900-3,200 | $2,800-4,500 | Very Expensive |
| San Francisco Bay | $140-260/hr | $620-1,150 | $700-1,300 | $1,000-1,850 | $2,000-3,400 | $3,000-4,800 | Most Expensive |
| Boston Metro | $120-220/hr | $550-950 | $600-1,100 | $850-1,550 | $1,700-2,900 | $2,500-4,200 | Expensive |
| Washington DC Metro | $115-200/hr | $520-900 | $580-1,050 | $800-1,450 | $1,600-2,700 | $2,400-3,900 | Expensive |
| Chicago Metro | $105-180/hr | $480-800 | $520-950 | $750-1,350 | $1,500-2,500 | $2,200-3,600 | Moderate-High |
| Philadelphia Metro | $100-170/hr | $450-750 | $500-900 | $700-1,250 | $1,400-2,300 | $2,000-3,300 | Moderate |
| Miami Metro | $110-190/hr | $500-850 | $550-1,000 | $780-1,400 | $1,550-2,650 | $2,300-3,800 | High |
| Atlanta Metro | $95-160/hr | $420-700 | $470-850 | $650-1,200 | $1,300-2,200 | $1,900-3,200 | Moderate |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $85-150/hr | $380-650 | $420-750 | $600-1,100 | $1,200-2,000 | $1,750-2,900 | Best Value |
| Fee Type | Cost Range | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs | $75-100 per flight | Any floor above ground level |
| Long Carry | $125-175 per 75 feet | Truck can't park at door |
| Elevator Wait | $50-150 total | High-rise buildings |
| Assembly/Disassembly | $50-125 per item | Beds, dining tables, desks |
| Packing Services | $75-120/hour | If you choose professional packing |
| Materials | $150-400 total | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, blankets |
| Item | Additional Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Piano (Upright) | $200-500 | Requires 3+ movers, stairs add $5-10 per step |
| Piano (Grand) | $400-800 | May need special equipment, white glove service 50-75% premium |
| Gun Safe (500+ lbs) | $300-600 | Specialized moving equipment required |
| Hot Tub | $600-1,500 | Disconnection/reconnection extra, includes calibration |
| Pool Table | $400-700 | Includes disassembly/setup and re-leveling |
| Large Appliances | $100-250 each | Refrigerators, washers, dryers - hookup/disconnect extra |
| Season | Months | Price Impact | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | May - September | +25-40% | Book 8+ weeks ahead |
| Shoulder Season | April, October | +10-20% | Good availability |
| Off-Season | November - March | Base rates | Best deals available |
| Winter Deep Discounts | January - February | -15-25% | Maximum savings |
🚨 Red Flags That Scream "RUN AWAY":
What Good Movers Actually Provide:
Moving involves 100+ tasks across 8-10 weeks. Don't forget anything important.
Includes: Week-by-week timeline, budget worksheet, emergency kit list, contact sheet, and 50+ specific tasks to ensure nothing gets forgotten.
Q: How much should I tip movers?
A: Industry standard is $4-10 per hour per mover, or about 10-15% of your total labor cost. For a full day, that's typically $20-40 per mover.
Q: Are moving quotes binding?
A: Only if you specifically request a "binding estimate." Most quotes are estimates that can change based on actual time and services needed.
Q: What's included in a "full-service" move?
A: Movers, truck, fuel, basic insurance, loading/unloading, and furniture disassembly/reassembly. Packing, storage, stairs, and long carries are usually extra.
Q: When should I book my move?
A: For summer moves, book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates. Off-season moves can be booked 3-4 weeks out. Cross-country moves need 8-10 weeks advance booking.
Q: How much extra should I budget beyond the quote?
A: Add 25-30% buffer to initial quotes for unexpected complications, additional services needed on moving day, tips, and potential storage if delays occur.
Q: Do I need to buy insurance?
A: Basic coverage only pays $0.60/pound (so that $1,000 TV gets you $21 if broken). Consider full-value protection or third-party insurance for valuable items.
Q: Can I move during bad weather?
A: Most companies will reschedule for severe weather at no charge, but expect delays during winter months.
Stop guessing what your move will cost. Get real quotes from licensed, insured movers in your area.
Why Use LocalMovers.com:
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💡 Pro Tip: The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive move due to hidden fees and poor service. Factor in reviews, insurance coverage, and what's actually included when comparing movers.
Last Updated: July 2025 | Prices reflect current market conditions and 2025 rate increases
