How Much Does It Cost to Move in New York?
New York City moves are among the most expensive in the country — elevator fees, stair fees, and permit costs add $200–600 to any NYC move. Statewide local average is $1,600. Upstate New York runs significantly cheaper at $900–1,100.
Average Moving Costs in New York — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,600 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $5,200 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $75/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $160/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in New York
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($75/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense New York cities can add $50–150.
New York Moving Cost by City
New York's largest moving markets are New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, Syracuse. Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages above.
- New York City
- Buffalo
- Rochester
- Albany
- Syracuse
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How much does it cost to move locally in New York?
Local moves in New York average $1,600 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $75/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from New York cost?
Long-distance moves to or from New York average $5,200 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in New York?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $160/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in New York?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in New York. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in New York are most expensive for moving?
New York City and Buffalo typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is New York gaining or losing residents?
New York is currently experiencing net outmigration, which can mean more mover availability and negotiating room on quotes.