State-By-State Cost to Move Guide (2026)

Summary:

Two homes the same size, moving the same distance, can land thousands of dollars apart once you factor in the season, the amount you’re bringing, and the services you choose.

Blog:

Average moving costs will vary, and generally more than most people expect.

Two homes the same size, moving the same distance, can land thousands of dollars apart once you factor in the season, the amount you’re bringing, the hurdles your movers will need to overcome and the services you choose.

We at Preferred Movers Network know that the number one question you’ll have before a move is “how much will my move cost?” The honest answer is that total cost it depends on the time of year you are moving, where you’re starting, where you’re headed, and how you want the move handled. Do you need packing and unpacking help? Do you need to store your belongings before your new home is ready? Do you need specialty moving services? Do you need packing supplies? 

Generally speaking, peak moving season runs between May and September, so rates will be higher if you are looking to move within that range, particularly if you need to move over a weekend. You should expect friendlier pricing in the fall and winter months, but not always.

This guide for hiring professional movers breaks down general moving cost ranges by state. While these are ballpark figures, they should give you an idea of where you can set your realistic budget before you request a quote. 

A few numbers from real estate firm Opendoor to set expectations:

• The average cost for a local move within the U.S. is about $1,200 for a small, studio or one-bedroom apartment, while moving a 5-bedroom home can cost more than $6,000.
• An average 1,000-mile long-distance relocation of a 5-bedroom home can cost more than $14,000.
• Full-service interstate moves for a typical 2- to 3-bedroom home generally fall between $3,000 and $6,500
• A good rule of thumb for long-distance transportation costs is $0.60 to $1 per mile.

 

Table of Contents:

• California
  
• Florida
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington

 

Cost breakdown for every state the Preferred Movers Network serves

California

Average local move: $1,000 to $2,300

Average in-state long-distance move: $2,000 to $11,400+ 

Average move out of state: $4,500 to $9,750 based on a California to North Carolina cross-country move 

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in California: Distances are long in California, fuel is expensive and urban areas are dense and difficult to navigate. All of these factors will add time and cost to a move.

Local tip: Get a written, itemized estimate after an in‑person (or detailed virtual) walk‑through—and don’t allow loading to start until you’ve signed a “bill of lading” that includes a “not‑to‑exceed” price. 

Local movers in California: 

• Turner Moving & Storage — Napa Valley region, including Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties
• Lompoc Van & Storage — California Central Coast, including Lompoc, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and the Vandenberg Space Force Base
• LAP Movers — Southern California, including Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
• Bekins Central Coast Movers — California Central Coast, including Monterey, Watsonville and Santa Cruz

Florida

Average local move: $1,000 to $2,200

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,530–$8,670+ 

Average move out of state: $3,500 to $7,750 based on a Florida to Maine move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Florida: Like most states, Florida has a peak moving season of roughly May through September, when rates are higher due to demand. Various Florida locations also have “snowbird” seasons. If you want to save money, make sure your move doesn’t fall into either of those seasons.

Local tip: Reserve your building’s elevator and loading dock and get written approval at least 1–2 weeks before move day.  Schedule the move for a weekday morning outside peak “snowbird” and summer windows.

Local movers in Florida:

• Cousins USA Moving & Storage — South Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami
• Ravan Moving & Storage — Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville and St. Augustine

Iowa

Average local move: $1,700 to $3,800

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,335 to $7,565+ 

Average move out of state: $3,500 to $8,000 based on an Iowa to Florida move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Iowa: During harvest season in late summer and early fall, many regional trucking assets shift toward grain and farm-equipment transport. That can tighten the pool of available drivers and trucks for household moves, especially in rural counties and small towns, nudging up rates or creating scheduling surcharges. 

Local tip: If you’re moving in late summer, aim for a Tuesday–Thursday slot and stage your belongings at ground level before the movers arrive; that will cut billable hours on hourly local moves substantially.

Local movers in Iowa:

• Moving Relocation Specialists — Central Iowa, including Des Moines and Humeston

Michigan

Average local move: $1,200 to $2,640

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,380 to $7,820+

Average move out of state: $3,500 to $8,500 based on a Michigan to Florida move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Michigan: During the spring thaw, many roads drop allowable truck weights to prevent pavement damage. That can raise costs by forcing movers to lighten loads, make extra trips, or reroute around restricted segments. 

Local tip: A fall or winter move can save you money, but Michigan’s weather can change fast, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. Check the forecast a few days before moving day, and the night before. You may need to lay tarps or towels at entries and shovel a path if necessary before movers arrive. If a storm hits, talk to your mover about rescheduling before conditions get dangerous.

Local movers in Michigan:

• Guindon Moving & Storage — Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin, including Escanaba, Marquette, Negaunee Houghton and Marinette, WI

 

Nevada

Average local move: $850 to $2,050

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,500 to $8,500+

Average move out of state: $4,750 to $9,750 based on a Nevada to Florida move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Nevada: Moving costs can be affected by Nevada’s summers, which average 96 degree highs, and often reach 100–110 degrees in Las Vegas. Hourly costs can climb at times when slow loading and unloading is required for safety.

Local tip: There are many master‑planned communities in Nevada, particularly around Las Vegas and Reno, including Somersett, Damonte Ranch, Summerlin and Green Valley. HOA rules can restrict large trucks and fine or tow unauthorized vehicles. Make sure you have your HOA/community parking approval and, if needed, a city moving-truck permit before move day, then schedule an early-morning start. 

Local movers in Nevada:

• Sagebrush Movers — West Central Nevada, including Reno, Sparks and Carson City

 

New Mexico

Average local move: $665 to $1,500

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,410 to $7,990+ 

Average move out of state: $4,000 to $9,000 based on a New Mexico to North Carolina move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in New Mexico: A large share of state and local roads are rated poor to mediocre. This can slow travel and sometimes require smaller trucks or extra caution on dirt/gravel approaches. Taking such a route will add time and cost to your move.

Local tip: Much of New Mexico sits at 5,000–7,000+ ft. As you ascend in elevation, lower air pressure can make sealed bottles, jars and aerosol cans leak or even burst during a move. So pack aerosols and sealed containers loosely, vent them if you can, and include them in an early, shaded load.

Local movers in New Mexico:

• APACA Moving & Storage — Central and South New Mexico, including Albuquerque and Alamogordo

New York

Average local move: $1,080 to $2,470

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,500 to $8,500+ 

Average move out of state: $2,750 to $6,500 based on a New York to Florida move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in New York: This one is largely tied to New York City, but applies to some condo and co-op buildings upstate, too. There is a bundle of building-required paperwork and paid reservations that can add fixed fees and delay risks — separate from the mover’s base rate. Those costs can include a Certificate of Insurance fee, freight elevator reservation fees and an after-hours surcharge. As a result, a move can quietly pick up $200–$1,000 in fixed costs depending on the origin/destination building’s rules. 

Local tip: If you are moving into or out of New York City, schedule a weekday, mid-month moving time and avoid street-cleaning windows. It’ll be easier to get permits/elevator time, and you’ll dodge double‑parking tickets and tow risk. 

Local movers in New York:

• Triangle Movers — Hudson Valley region, including Orange, Dutchess and Westchester counties, and New York City

 

Oregon

Average local move: $1,030 to $2,330

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,500 to $8,500+

Average move out of state: $4,500 to $9,750 based on an Oregon to South Carolina move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Oregon: In Portland, particularly in some dense inner neighborhoods, permits are required for reserving curb space, and in major retail/event districts there are right-of-way moratoriums during the Rose Festival, from late May to early June, and the holiday season from mid‑November to early January. If you don’t get a special exemption during those times, you might be forced to park farther than expected. That will add long‑carry fees and extra time to your move.  

Local tip: Assume it will rain. Use plastic bins if they are available, and if you are packing yourself, wrap your boxes in stretch film to keep them dry. 

Local movers in Oregon:

• O’Neill Transfer & Storage — Portland and Northeast Oregon and Southern Washington region, including Eugene and Vancouver, WA

 

Texas

Average local move: $900 to $2,000

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,395 to $7,905+ 

Average move out of state: $3,500 to $8,000 based on a Texas to Montana move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Texas: When oilfield activity ramps up, operators and service companies can tie up trucks of all kinds. That tightens the pool of available drivers and trucks for household moves, especially in smaller markets, nudging up rates or creating scheduling surcharges.

Local tip: Summers can be oppressively hot, and crews can easily be slowed for safety. It’s a good idea to start your move early in summer, at dawn if possible, and if you are moving from or to a large city and don’t have a driveway spot available, check to see if you need to reserve curb space ahead of time. 

Local movers in Texas:

• Duryea Moving and Storage — North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth region
• John Ferguson Moving & Storage — West Texas and El Paso region
• Welch Transfer & Storage — West Texas region, based in San Angelo

 

Virginia

Average local move: $960 to $2,180

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,500 to $8,500+

Average move out of state: $4,000 to $8,500 based on a Virgina to Montana move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Virginia: Multiple parking restrictions and permit requirements in Northern Virginia — including Arlington, Alexandria, cities and towns in Fairfax County and many HOA-managed communites — can add fixed fees, force long carries, or trigger fines or towing.

Local tip: For lowest rates and best availability statewide, target mid‑week or mid‑month moves and always avoid the end of any month and summer weekends. 

Local movers in Virginia:

• Zero Foxtrot — Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Richmond

Washington

Average local move: $1,480 to $3,400

Average in-state long-distance move: $1,725 to $9,775+ 

Average move out of state: $6,000 to $12,500 based on a Washington to Florida move

MoveBuddha estimates based on a 2- to 3-bedroom home

What drives cost in Washington: In some Seattle neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Queen Anne and Magnolia, steep and narrow streets can add time and cost to a move. Also, some areas of Seattle require curb-space permits and restrict some trucks of 30 feet in length or more. Finally, if you have to travel on any Washington State Ferries, be aware there are capacity constraints and frequent delays to deal with.  

Local tip: If you’re moving in Seattle, reserve curb space 5–7 days your move date and post signs 72 hours prior to the day of the move; if you have to travel on a ferry, subscribe to WSF alerts and build a 24–48 hour buffer.

Local movers in Washington:

• A&E Relocation Services — Olympia and Tacoma region
• Lincoln Moving & Storage — Seattle, Everett, Tacoma and Kent
• Mountain Moving & Storage — Tacoma and surrounding region

 

Additional Resources

Take a look at these moving resources from some of the movers in our network

Guindon Moving & Storage: How to Hire Professional Junk Removal Services

Cousins USA Moving & Storage: How to Navigate A Move During Back-To-School Season

O’Neill Transfer and Storage: FREE moving inventory tool

Triangle Movers: Six Tips for Out of State Movers

Lincoln Moving and Storage: 3 Things to make your local move a success

3 tips for finding military moving companies

Turner Moving & Storage: How To Pack Books