2026 Average Moving Cost by State — Full Data Report
Last updated: July 16, 2026 · Data sources: AMSA, FMCSA, major carrier pricing guides
Moving costs vary dramatically depending on which state you're coming from. Labor rates in California ($38-$55/hr) are more than double those in Missouri ($25-$36/hr), creating a cost gap of up to 60% for the same move. This report compiles state-by-state moving cost data to help you budget accurately, whether you're moving locally within your state or planning a cross-country relocation.
All estimates are based on 2026 data from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), FMCSA carrier filings, and pricing from Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, and U-Haul. For a personalized estimate specific to your home size and exact locations, use our Moving Cost Calculator.
National Moving Cost Overview
Average Moving Cost by State (Local 2-Bedroom)
The table below shows estimated local moving costs within each state for a typical 2-bedroom home, including labor, truck, and basic supplies. States are sorted from most to least expensive.
| State | Hourly Rate/Mover | 2BR Local Move | 3BR Local Move | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $38-$55 | $1,100-$2,300 | $1,600-$3,500 | Very High |
| New York | $38-$55 | $1,100-$2,400 | $1,700-$3,600 | Very High |
| Massachusetts | $36-$52 | $1,050-$2,200 | $1,550-$3,300 | Very High |
| Hawaii | $40-$60 | $1,200-$2,800 | $1,800-$4,200 | Very High |
| Alaska | $38-$55 | $1,100-$2,500 | $1,700-$3,800 | Very High |
| Connecticut | $35-$50 | $1,000-$2,200 | $1,500-$3,300 | High |
| New Jersey | $35-$48 | $1,000-$2,100 | $1,500-$3,200 | High |
| Washington | $36-$48 | $1,050-$2,100 | $1,550-$3,100 | High |
| Oregon | $34-$46 | $1,000-$2,000 | $1,450-$3,000 | High |
| Maryland | $34-$46 | $950-$2,000 | $1,400-$3,000 | High |
| Colorado | $34-$46 | $950-$1,900 | $1,400-$2,900 | Moderate-High |
| Arizona | $30-$42 | $850-$1,800 | $1,250-$2,700 | Moderate |
| Florida | $30-$42 | $850-$1,800 | $1,250-$2,700 | Moderate |
| Texas | $28-$40 | $800-$1,700 | $1,200-$2,600 | Moderate |
| Virginia | $32-$44 | $900-$1,850 | $1,350-$2,800 | Moderate |
| Illinois | $30-$42 | $850-$1,750 | $1,250-$2,600 | Moderate |
| Georgia | $28-$40 | $800-$1,700 | $1,200-$2,500 | Moderate |
| Nevada | $28-$40 | $800-$1,700 | $1,150-$2,500 | Moderate |
| North Carolina | $28-$38 | $800-$1,650 | $1,150-$2,500 | Moderate |
| Tennessee | $28-$38 | $750-$1,600 | $1,100-$2,400 | Moderate |
| Michigan | $28-$38 | $750-$1,600 | $1,100-$2,400 | Moderate |
| Pennsylvania | $30-$42 | $850-$1,750 | $1,250-$2,600 | Moderate |
| South Carolina | $28-$38 | $750-$1,550 | $1,050-$2,300 | Moderate-Low |
| Ohio | $26-$36 | $700-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,200 | Moderate-Low |
| Indiana | $26-$36 | $700-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,200 | Low |
| Missouri | $25-$36 | $650-$1,400 | $950-$2,100 | Lowest |
| Kansas | $25-$36 | $650-$1,400 | $950-$2,100 | Lowest |
| Oklahoma | $25-$35 | $650-$1,350 | $900-$2,000 | Lowest |
| Arkansas | $25-$35 | $650-$1,350 | $900-$2,000 | Lowest |
| Alabama | $25-$36 | $650-$1,400 | $950-$2,100 | Lowest |
| Mississippi | $25-$35 | $650-$1,350 | $900-$2,000 | Lowest |
| Kentucky | $25-$35 | $650-$1,350 | $950-$2,100 | Lowest |
* Rates are for 2-3 mover crews. Prices include labor, truck, and basic supplies for within-state moves. Actual costs vary by exact location, time of year, and services required.
Cross-Country Cost by Home Size
For interstate moves of 1,000+ miles, total costs are driven by distance and weight/volume rather than hourly rates. Here are national average ranges for full-service interstate moves:
| Home Size | 500 Miles | 1,000 Miles | 2,500 Miles (Coast to Coast) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,500-$4,500 | $3,500-$6,500 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,500-$4,500 | $3,500-$6,500 | $4,500-$9,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | $4,000-$7,000 | $5,500-$9,000 | $7,000-$13,000 |
| 4-Bedroom+ | $5,500-$9,000 | $7,500-$12,000 | $9,500-$16,000 |
5 Most Expensive vs 5 Cheapest States
🔴 Most Expensive States to Move From
1. California — $1,100-$2,300 for a local 2BR move. High labor costs, strict licensing requirements, and high fuel prices. Moving out of California costs 30-50% more than moving out of the Midwest.
2. New York — $1,100-$2,400. NYC builds add significant costs (elevators, street parking permits, building insurance requirements). Upstate NY is 15-25% cheaper than NYC.
3. Massachusetts — $1,050-$2,200. High cost of living and strict state regulations drive prices up. Boston moves are among the most expensive in the country.
4. Hawaii — $1,200-$2,800 for local moves. Inter-island moves add unique logistical costs. Moving to/from the mainland requires container shipping, adding $3,000-$8,000.
5. Alaska — $1,100-$2,500. Remote location and limited carrier availability drive costs up significantly for interstate moves. Local moves within Anchorage or Fairbanks are more reasonable.
🟢 Most Affordable States to Move From
1. Missouri — $650-$1,400 for a local 2BR. Competitive market with many small carriers. Central location minimizes out-of-state surcharges.
2. Kansas — $650-$1,400. Low cost of living translates directly to lower mover labor rates.
3. Oklahoma — $650-$1,350. One of the cheapest states for both local and interstate moves.
4. Alabama — $650-$1,400. Low labor costs and affordable fuel make this a budget-friendly moving market.
5. Indiana — $700-$1,500. Well-connected interstate highways and many carriers keep prices competitive.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote by State
- Use the Moving Cost Calculator — Start with our interactive calculator to get an instant estimate based on your specific home size, distance, and state.
- Get 3 binding quotes from different carriers — "Binding" means the price cannot change at delivery. Compare quotes from both national carriers (United, Allied, Mayflower) and local companies.
- Verify carrier credentials — Check the FMCSA database (protectyourmove.gov) for interstate movers. Verify USDOT number, insurance, and complaint history.
- Ask about seasonal pricing in your state — Summer peak season adds 20-30% in most states. Winter discounts are larger in cold-weather states. Spring and fall offer the best value in all regions.
- Read the fine print on state-specific fees — Some states charge additional tariffs or taxes on moving services. California and New York have the highest regulatory surcharges.
Why Moving Costs Differ by State
👷 Labor Market
States with higher minimum wages and stronger labor unions have higher mover costs. California's minimum wage ($16/hr in 2026) vs. states that follow the federal minimum ($7.25/hr) creates a natural cost floor difference.
⛽ Fuel Costs
Average diesel prices vary by $0.60-$1.50/gallon across states. California diesel ($6.00+/gal) vs. Texas diesel ($3.50/gal) creates significant operating cost differences that are passed through to customers.
🏘️ Housing Market
In hot housing markets (Texas, Florida, Arizona), more people are moving in than out — meaning more moving trucks are available, which keeps prices competitive. In states with net outflow (California, New York), trucks may return empty, increasing costs.
📋 Regulatory Environment
Some states require movers to carry minimum insurance levels, pay annual licensing fees, and maintain in-state offices. These regulatory costs are passed to consumers. States with lighter regulation have more carriers and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the highest moving costs?
California has the highest moving costs, with labor rates of $38-$55/hour and a typical local 2BR move costing $1,100-$2,300. New York, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Alaska round out the top five.
Which state has the cheapest moving costs?
Missouri has the lowest moving costs at $650-$1,400 for a local 2BR move. Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, and Indiana are similarly affordable, with hourly rates as low as $25-$36/hour.
How much does it cost to move across the country in 2026?
A cross-country move (2,500+ miles) ranges from $3,500-$6,500 for a studio to $9,500-$16,000 for a 4-bedroom home with full-service movers. The cost depends on weight/volume, exact origin and destination, and time of year. Use our Moving Cost Calculator for a state-specific estimate.
Does moving cost more in summer?
Yes — summer (May-September) is peak season with prices 20-30% higher. Winter moves save 10-15% but risk weather delays. The best value is spring (March-April) or fall (October-November) when weather is moderate and demand is balanced.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate in my state?
For interstate moves, check the FMCSA database at protectyourmove.gov. Every interstate mover must have a valid USDOT number. For within-state moves, check your state's Public Utilities Commission or Department of Transportation website.
Sources: American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) 2026 data, FMCSA carrier filings, Allied Van Lines pricing guide, United Van Lines, U-Haul rate data, state public utility commission filings. Actual costs vary by specific location, time of year, and services required. Use our Moving Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.