How much does it cost to move? 2026 calculator and real ranges

The honest answer to "how much does it cost to move?" is a range — but ranges beat guesswork. Here's what US families actually spend in 2026, plus a free moving cost calculator you can run in 30 seconds.

Quick ranges by move type

| Move type | Typical range (2BR household) | |-----------|-------------------------------| | Local (under 50 mi) | $800 – $4,500 | | Medium (50–500 mi) | $2,000 – $8,000 | | Long distance (500+ mi) | $3,500 – $12,000 | | Cross-country | $5,000 – $15,000+ |

Peak season (May–September) adds 10–25% to mover rates nationally.

The 8 categories people forget

1. Movers / truck / labor
2. Packing supplies
3. Deposits and first-month rent or closing costs
4. Utility setup and transfer fees
5. Travel during the move
6. New-home one-time costs (locks, cleaning)
7. Time off work
8. The miscellaneous tail (DMV fees, mail forwarding, tips)

We built Muve's AI budget engine around these eight buckets — see the full cost breakdown post for line-item detail.

Try the free calculator

Our moving cost calculator estimates a personalized range from your cities, home size, and move type (full-service, container, or DIY).

For a fully personalized budget with 14+ line items and AI adjustments, download Muve free on iPhone.

Related guides

• Long-distance moving checklist
• Moving from NYC to Austin — example corridor guide
• Complete moving checklist