New York City is an intense city that never sleeps. It is quite exciting that you have the chance to move here, so let us help you get ahead of the game as it can be a complex and costly thing, whether you’re relocating within the city, across state lines to a new adventure, or across the USA.
The cost of hiring a professional moving service varies based on a few factors. The distance of the move in miles, the size of your home, the time of year, and the type of services you choose. You can affect these factors by changing your preferences when booking your move.
Understanding the costs and price factors will help you make an informed decision on your NYC move and help to reduce your overall moving costs so you can save for that bagel with salmon and cream cheese.
Average Cost of Hiring Local Movers in NYC
For a local move within NYC which is usually defined as less than 45-50 miles away, the average cost ranges between $500 for a tiny studio to $1,500 for a two-bedroom place, depending on the size of the apartment, the number of boxes, and the time it takes to complete the move with any challenges taken into account.
Local movers will charge you on an hourly rate, which will run $100 to $150 per hour for two movers and a truck without all the extras.
If you need additional workers to lift bigger items or have heavy furniture or an awkward entrance, expect to pay more.
NYC is one of the trickiest cities in the US to get a moving truck navigating around, so consider this when you book your move.
| Move Type | Cost Range | Additional Costs |
| Studio Move (Small) | $500 – $600 | Extra fees for parking, stairs, or complex access |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment Move | $700 – $1,000 | Additional labor or special handling for large items |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment Move | $1,000 – $1,500 | Extra charges for heavy or awkward furniture, stairs |
| Hourly Rate for 2 Movers & Truck | $100 – $150 per hour | May increase with extra labor, long carry distances, etc. |
| Extra Labor (Per Hour) | $50 – $75 per additional mover | For moving heavier items or navigating tight spaces |
| Travel/Access Fee | $50 – $100 (varies by company) | May apply if parking is far or if elevators are involved |
| Additional Services | $100 – $250+ | Costs for special items (artwork, pianos, fragile items) |
Average Cost of Hiring Long Distance Movers in NYC
Good for you for planning responsibly ahead for your long-distance move from NYC. When you are coming or going from out of state, expect costs to skyrocket quickly.
On average, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,500 for moves within a 500-mile area, but this is a very basic and wide range of course. The price may rise even further for longer moves (if you need to move cross-country expect to pay $5,000 and $10,000 or more.
Costs for long-distance moves are calculated based on the weight and volume of your items, the distance, and any additional services you choose. Moving APT would be happy to get you a binding quote.
| Move Type | Cost Range | Additional Costs |
| Move Within 500 Miles | $2,000 – $7,500 | Extra charges for packing, fragile items, or storage services |
| Cross-Country Move (NYC to West Coast) | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Extra fees for gas, tolls, and insurance |
| Move to Nearby States (Up to 500 Miles) | $2,500 – $6,000 | Possible additional cost for heavy or bulky items, storage, etc. |
| Move to a Distant State (Over 500 Miles) | $4,000 – $7,500 | Charges for fuel, tolls, permits, insurance, and delivery options |
| Packing Services (Optional) | $300 – $1,000+ | Costs can vary depending on amount of packing materials used |
| Storage Services (If Needed) | $100 – $300 per month | Depends on size of items and duration of storage |
Estimated Moving Costs for Specific Routes from NYC
Let Moving APT break it down for you a few of our classic frequently traveled routes so you can get an idea of estimated costs. It all depends on distance in the end, but here’s a rough breakdown for common cities:
- NYC to Boston (215 miles): $2,000 to $3,500.
- NYC to Jersey City (100+ miles): $1,500 to $2,500.
- NYC to Miami (1,280 miles): $4,000 to $6,500.
- NYC to Los Angeles (2,800 miles): $6,500 to $10,000.
All these prices will vary depending on the time of year, the number of items, and whether additional services are required. These are prices based on a three-bedroom average-size home move. We urge you to put in your real info and get a binding quote on Moving APT’s website.
Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Moving Costs in NYC
Movers offer two pricing structures: hourly or flat-rate. Hourly rates are standard for local moves and range from $100 to $150 per hour for two movers and a truck in the heart of the city. Extra movers will increase the hourly rate quickly as they don’t come cheap here.
Flat-rate pricing is sometimes used for long-distance moves, where you pay a set fee for the entire move based on a quote of all the items you have.
Flat rates are based on the distance, weight, and services needed and can be more transparent than hourly rates as you don’t know how many hours the workers will take and their speed of work.
Cost to Rent a Moving Truck and PODS in NYC
Making moves is all about understanding what is right for you in your situation. You can create a DIY successful moving plan or simply hire professionals. Make a compare and contrast sheet to understand what makes sense in your situation.
Renting a moving truck in NYC costs between $70 and $180 per day for a basic truck, with fees not included per mileage, gas, and insurance. These things add up fast.
Truck rental companies like U-Haul or Budget typically charge $1.00 per mile. For those looking for more flexibility, Portable On-Demand Storage or PODS as it’s known is a popular option to move at your own pace.
The cost for renting a PODS container is $200 to $500 per week for local moves, depending on the size of the container and the length of time you want it. You can fill it as you go and move at your own pace then have it delivered to your new home.
Long-distance PODS moves are more expensive and can range from $1,000 to $5,000 with delivery.
Don’t forget to take into account opportunity costs of your time lost at the office, childcare and more factors that quickly add up! Sometimes the pros wind up cheaper than a DIY move.
| Option | Cost Range |
| DIY Move: Renting a Moving Truck | $70 – $180 per day |
| One-Way Rental for Long-Distance Moves | $1,000 – $2,500 (varies by distance) |
| Portable On-Demand Storage (PODS) – Local Moves | $200 – $500 per week |
| PODS for Long-Distance Moves | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
| Insurance for Truck Rentals | $10 – $30 per day |
| Fuel Costs for Truck Rentals | Varies ($3 – $5 per gallon) |
Key Factors Influencing Movers' Costs in NYC
Below, you will find the factors that influence moving costs drastically in the city and across the USA:
- Distance: Local moves are always cheaper as movers drive less miles, while long-distance moves are more expensive due to fuel, time, and logistics. If there is an overnight needed, expect prices to jump.
- Time of Year: Peak moving season in the summer months and weekends drives prices higher due to higher demand movers can simply charge more. Winter and mid-week moves tend to be cheaper. Families love to move before the start of the new school year to settle in which also causes prices to jump.
- Size and Weight of Your Move: The more items you have, the more expensive the move will be, as movers charge based on volume and weight. If you can declutter even a few rooms, you can expect to save and will feel better in your new space.
- Access: If your building has difficult access issues like narrow stairways where your furniture won’t be able to pass through, no elevator, or limited parking for the truck, expect additional fees.
- Extra Services: You can have it all VIP style or do it all on your own, its a matter of budget and preference. Packing, unpacking, handling fragile items, disassembling/reassembling furniture, or moving heavy objects will add significant costs to the move.
How to Save on NYC Moving Costs
To save on moving costs in NYC, start by booking your move during off-peak times; that means avoiding all the weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months as tempting as it is! You can also reduce costs by packing your boxes on your own and decluttering before the move. If you want to take it a step further, source free moving materials from stores.
Make sure to get multiple quotes from moving companies to get the true best rate, and be sure there are no hidden fees. Consider renting a truck and moving yourself, but weigh the costs of truck rentals, tolls, and parking against the price of hiring professional movers.
FAQ's
Are there additional fees when hiring NYC movers?
Sometimes, depending on which moving company you use, additional fees can include elevator or building fees, extra mileage charges, and costs for packing materials if you need your mover to provide them. You may also be charged extra for heavy items, long-distance caries, or parking fees in NYC, which can be problematic. Ask what is and is omitted (hidden costs) when you receive a final quote.
How can I reduce the cost of hiring movers in NYC?
To reduce costs and save on the overall moving costs, schedule your move during off-peak seasons, avoid weekends or the start/end of the month when everyone wants to move, pack your own home up, and declutter before the move to reduce the volume. These easy tips make big differences in price.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself in NYC?
It depends on if you have the real ability to do a DIY move without paying extra costs. While hiring movers is more expensive at first, it can save you time, pain, and stress, especially in a city like NYC, where things get complex and expensive very fast.
DIY moving seems cheaper at first to the eye, but rental fees for bigger moving trucks, tolls, and parking can add up quickly when you don’t have experience.
DIY will not be cheaper if you have a lot of things and lack the experience and tools for a safe, efficient move. You will end up spending more. Compare quotes for everything a professional move includes to understand why.
What’s the best time to hire movers in NYC to get the lowest cost?
The best time to hire movers for the cheapest prices is during the winter (November to February) and mid-week when people are at work. Avoid weekends, holidays, and the first or last weekend of the month when demand is highest. Be sure to lock down those movers well in advance to get the best price.
How do I choose the right moving company in NYC?
Look for moving companies with strong reviews, proper licensing, and insurance. Get at least three quotes to compare pricing and ask about any hidden fees. Make sure the company has experience navigating NYC’s logistics, especially with heavy items and tricky parking.
Conclusion
Moving to and from NYC adds up quickly. Don’t worry, with Moving APT on your side we will help you save together. We hope our tips and tricks helped you to better financially plan for your upcoming move. As a reminder, try to be flexible with your moving date coming up; some companies offer discounts for last-minute bookings or moves during less busy times. No matter what you need or when you need it, Moving APT will make your NYC dreams come true.
