Short answer: a 1-bedroom apartment typically costs $600–$1,500 to move locally, or $1,800–$3,200 to move 500–1,500 miles, based on 2026 published industry cost surveys.
Quick facts
Local move $600 – $1,500
Long-distance (500–1,500 mi) $1,800 – $3,200
Typical crew, local 2 movers
Typical box count 20 – 40 boxes
Local vs. long-distance breakdown
| Move type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Local (<100 mi) | $600 – $1,500 |
| Regional (100–500 mi) | $1,350 – $2,400 |
| Long-distance (500–1,500 mi) | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| Coast-to-coast (1,500+ mi) | $2,340 – $4,160 |
Ranges synthesized from 2026 published industry cost surveys. Get a range for your exact move with the calculator.
Full-service vs. doing it yourself
At this size, the math genuinely favors DIY more often than it does for larger homes — a rented truck plus a few hours of hired labor to load and unload can run well under the full-service range above. Full-service still makes sense if your timeline is tight, you're moving long-distance and don't want to drive a truck yourself, or you simply don't want to deal with the logistics.
What drives the cost at this size
- Stairs and elevators. A walk-up on a higher floor adds real time even for a small apartment.
- Furniture, not floor space. A furnished 1-bedroom with a full bed frame, couch, and dining set costs more to move than a sparsely furnished one, regardless of square footage.
- Parking and building access. Buildings that require a certificate of insurance or a reserved loading dock slot can add friction and occasionally a fee.