Local Moving Cost by Home Size
Typical hourly-rate ranges for US local moves (under 50 miles). Rates vary by city and market.
| Home Size | Est. Hours | Crew | Truck | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2–4 hrs | 2 movers | 10–14 ft | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3–5 hrs | 2 movers | 14–17 ft | $350 | $550 | $800 |
| 2 Bedroom | 4–7 hrs | 2–3 movers | 17–20 ft | $550 | $850 | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedroom | 5–9 hrs | 3 movers | 20–24 ft | $800 | $1,200 | $1,900 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 7–12 hrs | 3–4 movers | 24–26 ft | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,800 |
* Estimates for US markets. Rates in major metros (NYC, LA, Chicago) can run 20–40% higher.
What Affects Your Local Moving Cost
Number of Hours
Most local movers charge by the hour. Crew size, travel time, and loading speed all affect total hours billed.
Crew Size
A 2-person crew is standard for 1–2 bedrooms. Larger homes typically need 3–4 movers to stay on budget.
Truck Size
An undersized truck means multiple trips and extra hours. Proper truck matching reduces overall cost.
Hourly Rate
Local moving rates typically range from $80–$200/hr for a 2-person crew depending on your city and market.
Surcharges
Stairs, long carries, elevators, disassembly, and packing services are billed as add-ons by most movers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do movers calculate a local move?
Most local movers charge an hourly rate multiplied by total hours worked. The clock typically starts when the crew arrives and stops after the truck is unloaded. Travel time to your origin is often included.
Is there a minimum charge for local moves?
Yes. Most companies have a 2–3 hour minimum, even if your move takes less time. Factor this into your total cost comparison.
What is a fair hourly rate for movers?
A 2-mover crew typically runs $90–$150/hr in most US cities. Add $40–$60/hr per additional mover. Major metros like NYC, LA, or Boston skew higher.
Should I tip my movers?
Tipping is customary but not required. Industry standard is $20–$50 per mover for a standard job. For a large or difficult move, $50–$100 per mover is common.