Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate a local move: movers × hours × hourly rate, truck rental and mileage, fuel, packing materials, valuation coverage, markup and tax.

people
h
Loading, driving and unloading. Many movers bill a minimum number of hours.
$per mover per hour
Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per job
Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Total, including the trip back to the depot if charged.
$per mile
Rental companies often charge per mile on local rentals. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Box trucks often manage around 8–12 mpg; check the rental company’s figure.
$per gallon (per litre if L/100 km)
Example rate — enter your own. EIA publishes weekly U.S. average fuel prices.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$
Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$
Optional full-value protection. Basic carrier liability is often limited (for example per pound), so read what your mover offers.
%
Added to direct costs (materials + labor + fees) to cover overhead and profit. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Your combined state + local rate. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Whether labor and services are taxable depends on your state. Check with your state revenue department.
Estimated TOTAL
$818.38
Total worker-hours
10.00 h
Fuel used
4.0 gal
Movers (10 worker-hours)
$500.00
Truck rental / fee
$100.00
Truck mileage (40 mi)
$40.00
Fuel
$17.88
Packing materials
$150.00
Valuation coverage
$0.00
Direct cost (before markup)
$807.88
Overhead & profit (0%)
$0.00
Subtotal
$807.88
Sales tax (7% on materials at cost)
$10.50

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/moving-cost-estimator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

A local move is mostly labor: the crew size times the hours on the clock times the hourly rate. Truck, mileage, fuel and materials are added on top.

Labor = movers × hours × rate Mileage = miles × $/mile; Fuel = miles ÷ mpg × fuel price Direct cost = labor + truck + mileage + fuel + packing + valuation TOTAL = direct cost × (1 + markup%) + tax

Example (default example rates): 2 movers × 5 h × $50 = $500; truck $100; 40 mi × $1 = $40; fuel 40 ÷ 10 mpg = 4 gal × $4.47 = $17.88; packing $150. Direct cost $807.88; no markup; 7% tax on packing materials = $10.50. TOTAL = $818.38.

Movers quoting a job can enter their overhead & profit as the markup; customers comparing a quote can leave it at 0. This is a planning estimate only. It does not include anything not entered above, such as permits, inspections, engineering, site preparation, demolition or disposal (unless entered), access or equipment problems, regional surcharges, contingency or price changes. Get written quotes before committing. For moves that includes stairs, long-carry or shuttle fees, piano or specialty items, storage, tips and long-distance (weight-based) tariffs.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours will my move take?

It depends on the amount of furniture and boxes, stairs and elevators, parking and the drive. Ask movers for a time estimate after they see your home, and remember most charge a minimum.

How are long-distance moves priced?

Interstate moves are usually priced by shipment weight and distance rather than by the hour. The U.S. FMCSA’s Protect Your Move site explains estimates, your rights and how to check a mover’s registration.

What does basic liability cover?

Basic released-value protection is often limited to a small amount per pound per item, far below replacement value. Full-value protection costs extra; enter it as valuation coverage.

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your own website. Copy the code below into your page’s HTML:

Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

Spotted a mistake or missing option? Report a problem · GitHub issue· Suggest a calculator

Related calculators

Mileage Cost CalculatorWork out what a drive really costs: fuel from distance and fuel economy, a per-mile wear rate and tolls, compared with the IRS standard mileage rate.Hourly Job Quote CalculatorBuild a quote for any trade: crew hours × your hourly rate, plus materials, equipment, travel, markup and sales tax, with a line-item breakdown.Fuel Cost CalculatorEstimate the fuel used and cost of a trip from distance, fuel economy (mpg or L/100 km) and fuel price.Sales Tax CalculatorAdd sales tax to a price, or work backwards from a tax-inclusive total to the pre-tax price and the tax included.Appliance Electricity Cost CalculatorWhat an appliance costs to run: watts × hours of use × your electricity rate, per day, month and year, with optional standby power.Asphalt Paving Cost EstimatorEstimate an asphalt driveway or lot: tons of hot mix from area, thickness and density, priced with your $/ton, labor, mobilization, markup and tax.