Short answer: local movers typically charge $90–$210 per hour for a standard 2-person crew and truck. Total job cost for a 2–3 bedroom home usually lands between $1,200 and $3,800, based on 2026 published industry cost surveys.
Cost by home size
| Home size | Typical local cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $500 – $1,500 |
| 2 bedroom | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 3 bedroom | $1,800 – $3,800 |
| 4+ bedroom | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Ranges synthesized from 2026 published industry cost surveys. Get a range for your exact move with the calculator.
Why hourly, not flat-rate, for local moves
A short local drive barely changes the mover's cost to do the job — what actually drives their time (and your bill) is how long loading and unloading take, which comes down to your inventory volume and how easy or hard access is at both ends. Hourly pricing reflects that reality more accurately than a flat rate would.
What's usually NOT in the hourly rate
- Packing materials and labor — often billed per box or as a separate line item.
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly for large items like beds or sectional couches.
- Long-carry or stair fees if the truck can't park close, or there's no elevator.
- A minimum hour charge — many companies bill a 2-3 hour minimum even for a small job.
How to keep the bill near the low end
Declutter before moving day — less volume directly means fewer billed hours. Have everything boxed and ready when the crew arrives rather than packing while they wait. And if your schedule allows it, book a weekday, mid-month slot; weekends and end-of-month dates are in higher demand and often priced accordingly.