BLS OES wage model · planning ranges
How much does it cost to move?
PlainMove models moving costs from BLS OES 2023 mover wages and route distance across 32 covered states. These are planning anchors, not carrier quotes.
- States covered
- 32
- Routes modeled
- 2450
- 2BR medium avg
- $1,397
- Peak metro 2BR
- $5,156
The short answer
Oklahoma City has the highest modeled metro 2BR average at $5,156. 10 states share the highest state-level 2BR average at $879 (a regional wage band, not a unique state peak). A medium-distance 2BR move averages $1,397.
- $1,397
- 2BR medium avg
- 32
- states in model
- $5,156
- Oklahoma City peak
- $734
- VA state floor
Always get at least three binding estimates from FMCSA-registered carriers before booking.
Quick answer: moving cost ranges
Moving costs vary by distance, home size, timing, and the mover you hire. These federal-data-based estimates are planning bands:
Local Move (2BR)
$600-1,200
under 50 miles
Long-Distance (2BR)
$3,000-6,000
500+ miles
Mover Median Wage
$17.88 /hr
BLS OES 2023
Peak Season Premium
20-30 %
May-Sep
| Home Size | Local (<50 mi) | Medium (100-500 mi) | Long (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 |
What drives moving costs?
Five main factors determine what you will actually pay:
40% of long-distance move cost
25% of total cost
20% wage variation by region
15% peak-season premium
1. Distance
Distance is the biggest cost driver for long-distance moves. Long-distance movers typically charge by weight plus mileage. Local movers charge hourly. The break-even point where long-distance pricing kicks in is typically around 50-100 miles.
2. Volume/Weight
Interstate movers charge by actual weight (measured on certified scales) or by cubic feet. A 2-bedroom home typically weighs 3,000-5,000 lbs. Every 1,000 lbs adds roughly $200-$400 to long-distance costs depending on mileage.
3. Regional Wages
BLS OES data shows mover wages vary significantly by region. Western markets (CA, WA, OR) are about 20% above the national median. Northeast is about 15% above. Southern states are about 10% below the national median of $17.88/hr. That wage gap shows up in the live state averages above.
4. Season and Timing
Peak season (May-September) costs 20-30% more than off-peak. Moving mid-month and mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) saves an additional 10-20% vs weekends and month-end. The cheapest window is usually a midweek day in January or February.
5. Additional Services
Packing services add $300-$2,000+ depending on home size. Specialty items (pianos, safes, art) add $150-$500 each. Storage-in-transit adds $50-$200/month. Stair carries and long-carry fees apply when trucks cannot park close.
Our cost model
PlainMove estimates use this formula from BLS data:
Where hourly_rate is the BLS OES 2023 regional median wage for SOC 53-7062 (Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers), and total_hours includes both loading/unloading and driving time.
Always get multiple quotes. Federal data provides a baseline, but actual prices from movers depend on their pricing model, availability, and operating costs. Get at least 3 binding estimates from FMCSA-registered carriers before booking.
What to do with these averages
Use the live metro spread, then get binding quotes
- Oklahoma City has the highest modeled metro 2BR average at $5,156. Open that city page before treating a quote as typical.
- 10 states share the highest state-level 2BR average at $879 because the model uses regional wage bands, not a unique state peak. A medium-distance 2BR move averages $1,397.
- Get at least three binding estimates from FMCSA-registered carriers. PlainMove does not publish carrier records. See methodology.
Every figure on PlainMove is computed directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data and the live PlainMove state/route matrices; no figure is invented by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.