How Much Does It Cost to Move in New York City?
NYC has the highest moving costs in the US. Building requirements (COI, elevator reservations, loading dock booking), parking permits, and limited access all add fees. Local moves average $1,600. Walkup buildings charge $50–$75 per flight of stairs. Always verify building move-in rules before booking.
New York City, NY Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,600 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $6,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $70/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $160/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Drives Moving Costs in New York City
Hourly billing: Local movers in New York City charge $70/mover/hr with a 2–3 hour minimum. Traffic, parking, and elevator waits all count as billable time.
Cost of living impact: New York City's high cost of living means labor costs for movers track accordingly — this directly affects hourly rates and overall quotes.
Parking and access: In dense urban areas, trucks can't always park at the door. Long carry distances trigger surcharges — typically $75–150 for every 75 feet beyond the standard 50-foot carry.
Booking timing: New York City is a high-demand market. Book movers 4–6 weeks in advance for weekend moves, 2–3 weeks for weekday moves. Last-minute bookings can cost 20–40% more.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving in New York City
Local moves (under 100 miles) are billed by the hour. Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) switch to a weight-plus-mileage pricing model — which is why costs jump so significantly.
| Factor | Local | Long Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Hourly | Weight + miles |
| Average cost (2BR) | $1,600 | $6,500 |
| Typical timeline | Same day | 2–14 days |
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How much does a local move in New York City cost?
Local moves in New York City average $1,600 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $70/hr per mover, and most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move from New York City cost?
Long-distance moves from New York City average $6,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals cost $1,200–2,500 depending on destination and truck size.
How much does a moving truck cost in New York City?
Moving truck rentals in New York City average $160/day for a 16–26 ft truck. Budget an additional $0.20–0.40/mile for fuel, plus any tolls.
What is the cheapest time to move in New York City?
Weekdays in October–April are the cheapest time to move in New York City. Avoid the last 3 days of any month, weekends, and May–September peak season — all add 15–30% to your total.
Do I need to tip movers in New York City?
Tipping movers is standard but not required. A common guideline: $20–40/mover for a local move, $50–100/mover for a full-day or long-distance move. Tip based on care, attitude, and efficiency — not just hours.
What New York City moving costs are easy to miss?
Common surprises: stair/elevator fees ($50–100/flight), long carry charges when trucks can't park close, packing material markups (movers charge 2–3× retail), and last-minute truck shortage premiums if you book late.