How Much Does It Cost to Move in Seattle, WA?
Seattle's hills, narrow streets, and high labor costs push moving prices above the national average. Local moves average $1,250. Many Seattle buildings require a Certificate of Insurance from movers — confirm this before booking. Rain is year-round, not seasonal.
Seattle, WA Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,250 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $5,200 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $60/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $135/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Drives Moving Costs in Seattle
Hourly billing: Local movers in Seattle charge $60/mover/hr with a 2–3 hour minimum. Traffic, parking, and elevator waits all count as billable time.
Cost of living impact: Seattle'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: Seattle 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 Seattle
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) | $1,250 | $5,200 |
| Typical timeline | Same day | 2–14 days |
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How much does a local move in Seattle cost?
Local moves in Seattle average $1,250 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $60/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 Seattle cost?
Long-distance moves from Seattle average $5,200 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 Seattle?
Moving truck rentals in Seattle average $135/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 Seattle?
Weekdays in October–April are the cheapest time to move in Seattle. 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 Seattle?
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 Seattle 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.