Moving Cost Intelligence
Public-data reference. for PlainMove.
Precomputed moving costs for 2,450 US metro routes (studio-4BR), blending BLS wages, FMCSA carriers, and distance matrices.
Estimate moving costs for any US route using real federal labor data. 2,450 routes calculated from BLS wage data and FMCSA carrier records. Free, no account required.
Quick Route Estimate
2,450
Routes Covered
50
Major US Cities
83
HHG Carriers
$1,381
Avg 2BR Move (100-1000 mi)
Popular Moving Routes
Most-searched interstate routes with 2BR cost estimates
New York
to Miami
1,092 miles · 2BR estimate
New York
to Los Angeles
2,446 miles · 2BR estimate
Houston
to Dallas
225 miles · 2BR estimate
Los Angeles
to Phoenix
357 miles · 2BR estimate
Dallas
to Houston
225 miles · 2BR estimate
Los Angeles
to New York
2,446 miles · 2BR estimate
Dallas
to Austin
182 miles · 2BR estimate
Chicago
to Miami
1,191 miles · 2BR estimate
Miami
to New York
1,092 miles · 2BR estimate
Austin
to Dallas
182 miles · 2BR estimate
Phoenix
to Los Angeles
357 miles · 2BR estimate
Miami
to Chicago
1,191 miles · 2BR estimate
Chicago
to Los Angeles
1,742 miles · 2BR estimate
Los Angeles
to Chicago
1,742 miles · 2BR estimate
Los Angeles
to Denver
830 miles · 2BR estimate
Denver
to Los Angeles
830 miles · 2BR estimate
New York
to Chicago
711 miles · 2BR estimate
Chicago
to New York
711 miles · 2BR estimate
Moving Guides
Practical guides for planning your move, understanding costs, and choosing a reliable mover.
How Much Does It Cost to Move?
Complete cost guide with size and distance tables
Choosing a Moving Company
FMCSA records, red flags, and fraud protection
Local vs. Long-Distance
Different rules, pricing, and timelines
What Affects Moving Costs
Distance, season, hidden fees, and more
Tips for Reducing Costs
Timing, negotiation, and DIY strategies
Moving Cost Breakdown by Home Size — Labor, Transport, Materials per BLS OES 2023, ~800 mi avg interstate route
Average Moving Costs by Home Size
| Home Size | Local Move (under 50 mi) | Medium Distance (100-500 mi) | Long Distance (500+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $300–$600 | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $400–$800 | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | $600–$1,200 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $900–$1,800 | $2,500–$4,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $1,500–$3,000 | $4,000–$7,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
Estimates based on BLS OES SOC 53-7061 wage data with regional adjustments. Actual costs vary by mover, season, access, and specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are moving costs calculated?
Estimates use BLS OES 2023 wage data (SOC 53-7061, national median $17.88/hr) with regional adjustments (Northeast 1.15x, West 1.20x, South 0.90x, Midwest 0.95x). The model factors in crew size, loading hours, driving time at 50 mph, $0.50/mile fuel cost, and packing materials.
Where does FMCSA mover data come from?
Carrier data is drawn from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registry, which tracks DOT numbers, operating authority, safety ratings, complaint history, and insurance coverage for all registered interstate household goods movers.
How accurate are these estimates?
These are baseline estimates derived from federal labor data. Actual quotes depend on the specific mover, seasonal demand, elevator access, specialty items, storage needs, and other factors. Always get 3+ quotes before booking. Estimates typically reflect the middle 50% of market prices.
Is PlainMove free to use?
Yes. All estimates and mover data are completely free. No account, no email required. We do not sell your data or connect you to moving companies.
Related Guides
Editorial context for the plainmove dataset — methodology, comparisons, and deep dives into the underlying records.