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packing and moving costs

How Much Do Movers Cost? Local vs. Long-Distance Moves in 2025

Moving in 2025 is more expensive than ever, and one of the first questions people ask is: “How much do movers cost?”The answer depends on whether you’re planning a local move or a long-distance move — and whether you’re hiring full-service movers, renting a truck, or using an AI-powered moving app like Movana

This guide breaks down the average moving costs, highlights hidden fees when hiring movers, and shows you how technology is changing the moving industry.

Average Local Moving Costs in 2025

If you’re moving within the same city or under 100 miles, you’ll need to know the average cost of movers for a local move.

  • Hourly Rates: Local moving companies generally charge $90–$150 per hour for a crew of two movers and a truck.
  • Typical Prices:
    • Moving a one-bedroom apartment: $400–$1,000.
    • Moving a three-bedroom house locally: $1,200–$3,000.

These local moving costs can climb quickly if you require packing services or face building restrictions such as narrow hallways, elevators, or limited parking — something common in cities like Jersey City or New York City.

Packed dresser wrapped in moving plastic with cardboard boxes stacked in a bedroom during a local move.
Neatly stacked moving boxes and plastic bins loaded into a moving trailer for a long-distance relocation.


Average Long-Distance Moving Costs (Cross-Country)

When moving over 100 miles or across state lines, movers charge differently. Instead of hourly rates, long-distance moving costs are usually based on weight and mileage.

  • Per Pound: Movers typically charge $0.60–$0.80 per pound plus mileage.
  • Typical Prices:
    • One-bedroom long-distance move: $2,500–$4,500.
    • Larger home (7,500+ pounds): $7,500–$12,000+.

It’s important to note that moving company estimates vs. actual costs often differ. According to industry data, 65% of customers end up paying 25% more than their initial quote, and for 31%, the final bill can double.

So if you’re wondering, “How much does a cross country move cost in 2025?” — the realistic answer is: probably more than the first quote you receive.10,000.

What’s Included in Moving Company Prices

When comparing moving company prices, make sure you know exactly what’s included. The cost of hiring moversoften comes with more than just loading and unloading.

  1. Labor & Transportation: Movers’ time, truck rental, and fuel.
  2. Packing and Moving Costs: Professional packing can add 25–40% to your total bill.
  3. Specialty Items: Moving pianos, antiques, or fragile items often means extra fees.
  4. Insurance & Liability Coverage: Full-value protection is optional, but recommended.
  5. Storage Fees: If your home isn’t ready, storage can add hundreds to your moving services cost.

These extra services explain why cost of movers with packing services included can vary so widely.

Color-coded moving bins and labeled boxes packed in a kitchen before relocation.

Hidden Moving Fees to Watch Out For

The average moving costs advertised online rarely include hidden charges. Common extra moving costs include:

  • Stairs or long-carry fees for difficult access.
  • Shuttle trucks when streets are too narrow.
  • Congestion pricing and tolls in urban areas like NYC and Jersey City.
  • Overnight or monthly storage charges.

These are the reasons why many people feel their final moving bill doesn’t match their initial quote.

Seasonal and Regional Variations

  • Peak Season (May–September): Costs can be 20–30% higher due to demand.
  • Urban Moves: In dense areas like Jersey City, Manhattan, or Boston, movers often charge more due to parking restrictions, congestion pricing, and longer load times.
  • Off-Peak Discounts: Winter and mid-week moves are usually cheaper.

How to Save Money on Moving Costs in 2025

If you’re asking “What is the cheapest way to move long distance?” or looking to save money on a local move, here are some proven strategies:

  • Declutter Before Moving: Fewer items mean fewer pounds and lower costs.
  • Book Early: Avoid last-minute surcharges by scheduling weeks in advance.
  • Move Off-Peak: Winter or mid-week moves are cheaper.
  • Use a Smart Moving Cost Calculator: Tools like Movana help you avoid surprise fees by providing accurate, AI-driven estimates.
Large furniture wrapped in moving blankets and plastic alongside storage bins in a moving truck.

How AI Moving Technology Is Changing the Industry

The U.S. moving industry is worth $32.7 billion annually, but it has been notoriously fragmented and chaotic. That’s why AI moving technology is disrupting the space.

With Movana.ai, you can:

  • Snap photos or video of your belongings — the AI moving app builds an instant inventory.
  • Use a 3D truck packing plan to prevent wasted space and damages.
  • Get an accurate moving cost estimator app quote before hiring movers.
  • Coordinate with movers using a shared dashboard for real-time updates.

Movana reduces move time by 25% and damages by 30%, saving both customers and movers money

Final Thoughts: How Much Do Movers Cost in 2025?

So, how much do movers cost? In short:

  • Local moving costs: $400–$3,000.
  • Long-distance moving costs: $2,500–$12,000+.
  • Hidden moving fees: Can add 25–100% to your final bill.

Every move is different, but with tools like Movana.ai, you can plan smarter, avoid surprises, and make your next move more affordable.

👉 Ready to plan your next move with confidence? Download Movana on the App Store or Google Play – the only smart moving cost calculator designed for 2025 and beyond.

Built to move you smarter

© 2025 MOVANA