How We Calculate Moving Costs
Transparency matters. Here's exactly how we generate our moving cost estimates so you can understand what drives the numbers and make informed decisions.
Our Approach
Every estimate on MoveCostGuide is calculated using a model that factors in five core variables:
- Distance between origin and destination cities
- Home size (which determines shipment weight and labor hours)
- Seasonal pricing factors based on time of year
- Local cost index reflecting regional wage and cost differences
- Move type: full-service, partial-service, or DIY truck rental
We produce a low-to-high range for each estimate, reflecting the natural variation in real-world moving costs depending on the specifics of your move.
Data Sources
Our cost model is informed by a combination of public data and industry research:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — regional wage data for moving laborers
- U.S. Census Bureau — housing data and metropolitan area statistics
- Industry rate surveys — aggregated pricing data from moving companies
- Public moving company pricing — published rate sheets and advertised ranges
Cost Factors Explained
Distance
Moves under 100 miles are classified as local moves, priced primarily by hourly labor rates plus a short-haul transportation fee. Moves of 100 miles or more are long-distance, priced by shipment weight and mileage. The 100-mile threshold is the industry-standard dividing line.
Home Size
Larger homes mean more weight and more labor hours. We use standard industry estimates: a studio averages around 2,000 lbs while a 5+ bedroom home can exceed 14,000 lbs. Labor crew size and hours scale accordingly.
Seasonal Pricing
Moving demand peaks in summer (May–August) when prices can be 20–30% higher. Winter months (December–February) are the cheapest. We apply a monthly multiplier to reflect these swings. See the full table below.
Local Cost Index
Labor rates vary significantly by metro area. A mover in San Francisco costs more per hour than one in Memphis. We assign each city a cost index (1.0 = national average) and use the average of the origin and destination indexes to adjust labor costs.
Move Type
Full-service includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and basic insurance. Partial-service (labor-only) skips packing — you pack, they load and haul. DIY is truck rental only: you handle everything yourself, paying only for the truck, fuel, and equipment.
Seasonal Pricing Multipliers
The table below shows how the time of year affects moving costs. A multiplier of 1.0 represents the baseline. Values above 1.0 mean higher prices; below 1.0 means savings.
| Month | Multiplier | Impact | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.85 | -15% | Cheapest |
| February | 0.90 | -10% | Off-Peak |
| March | 0.90 | -10% | Off-Peak |
| April | 1.05 | +5% | Shoulder |
| May | 1.20 | +20% | High |
| June | 1.25 | +25% | Peak |
| July | 1.30 | +30% | Peak |
| August | 1.25 | +25% | Peak |
| September | 1.10 | +10% | High |
| October | 0.95 | -5% | Off-Peak |
| November | 0.90 | -10% | Off-Peak |
| December | 0.90 | -10% | Off-Peak |
Disclaimer
All costs shown on MoveCostGuide are estimates based on publicly available data and industry averages. Actual moving costs vary based on specific circumstances including the exact items being moved, access conditions at both locations, special handling requirements, and individual company pricing.
We strongly recommend getting at least three written quotes from licensed movers before making a decision. Our estimates are meant to give you a helpful starting point — not a guaranteed price.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on MoveCostGuide are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you request a quote or make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Affiliate relationships do not influence our rankings, recommendations, or cost estimates. Our editorial content and calculations are independent of any partnerships. We only recommend services that we believe provide genuine value to our users.