How Much Does Local Move Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Local Move Include?
A local move (under 50 miles) is typically charged by the hour for labor plus a truck fee. Two to three movers can handle most apartments and small homes in 3-6 hours.
The national average cost for local move is $1,200 per move. Most homeowners pay between $400 and $2,500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Home Size
Studio: $400-$800. 1-2 bedroom: $600-$1,500. 3-4 bedroom: $1,000-$2,500
Hourly Rate
2 movers + truck: $100-$180/hour. 3 movers: $150-$250/hour
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Home size
- ✓Number of movers
- ✓Distance
- ✓Floor level (stairs/elevator)
- ✓Packing services
- ✓Time of month
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Move mid-month and mid-week for the lowest rates
- 2.Pack everything yourself
- 3.Declutter before the move to reduce load size
- 4.Get at least 3 in-home estimates
📈 Local Move Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $1,019 | — |
| 2023 | $1,062 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $1,131 | +6.5% |
| 2025 | $1,163 | +2.8% |
| 2026 | $1,200 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Local Move Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $328 | $984 | $2,050 |
| Alaska | $512 | $1,536 | $3,200 |
| Arizona | $380 | $1,140 | $2,375 |
| Arkansas | $320 | $960 | $2,000 |
| California | $540 | $1,620 | $3,375 |
| Colorado | $432 | $1,296 | $2,700 |
| Connecticut | $488 | $1,464 | $3,050 |
| Delaware | $420 | $1,260 | $2,625 |
| District of Columbia | $500 | $1,500 | $3,125 |
| Florida | $392 | $1,176 | $2,450 |
| Georgia | $360 | $1,080 | $2,250 |
| Hawaii | $568 | $1,704 | $3,550 |
| Idaho | $368 | $1,104 | $2,300 |
| Illinois | $420 | $1,260 | $2,625 |
| Indiana | $352 | $1,056 | $2,200 |
| Iowa | $344 | $1,032 | $2,150 |
| Kansas | $340 | $1,020 | $2,125 |
| Kentucky | $336 | $1,008 | $2,100 |
| Louisiana | $348 | $1,044 | $2,175 |
| Maine | $408 | $1,224 | $2,550 |
| Maryland | $460 | $1,380 | $2,875 |
| Massachusetts | $520 | $1,560 | $3,250 |
| Michigan | $368 | $1,104 | $2,300 |
| Minnesota | $408 | $1,224 | $2,550 |
| Mississippi | $312 | $936 | $1,950 |
| Missouri | $348 | $1,044 | $2,175 |
| Montana | $380 | $1,140 | $2,375 |
| Nebraska | $352 | $1,056 | $2,200 |
| Nevada | $408 | $1,224 | $2,550 |
| New Hampshire | $448 | $1,344 | $2,800 |
| New Jersey | $500 | $1,500 | $3,125 |
| New Mexico | $360 | $1,080 | $2,250 |
| New York | $528 | $1,584 | $3,300 |
| North Carolina | $360 | $1,080 | $2,250 |
| North Dakota | $360 | $1,080 | $2,250 |
| Ohio | $360 | $1,080 | $2,250 |
| Oklahoma | $332 | $996 | $2,075 |
| Oregon | $440 | $1,320 | $2,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $408 | $1,224 | $2,550 |
| Rhode Island | $460 | $1,380 | $2,875 |
| South Carolina | $348 | $1,044 | $2,175 |
| South Dakota | $340 | $1,020 | $2,125 |
| Tennessee | $344 | $1,032 | $2,150 |
| Texas | $372 | $1,116 | $2,325 |
| Utah | $380 | $1,140 | $2,375 |
| Vermont | $432 | $1,296 | $2,700 |
| Virginia | $420 | $1,260 | $2,625 |
| Washington | $460 | $1,380 | $2,875 |
| West Virginia | $320 | $960 | $2,000 |
| Wisconsin | $376 | $1,128 | $2,350 |
| Wyoming | $368 | $1,104 | $2,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a local move take?
Studio/1BR: 2-4 hours. 2-3 BR: 4-7 hours. 4+ BR: 6-10 hours.
🏙️ Local Move Cost by City
Compare local move costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Local Move
Recent Reports
📐 Local Move Cost Calculator
Get a personalized estimate based on your project details
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers. No obligation.
🔍 Compare Moving Quotes
Get quotes from top-rated movers in minutes. Compare prices and read reviews.
* CostWhale may earn a commission. This doesn't affect our pricing data or recommendations.
💰 Get Weekly Cost-Saving Tips
Join 10,000+ smart homeowners. Unsubscribe anytime.