Average Moving Costs in NYC (2024 Guide)

Budgeting for a move is a wearying process. 

The stress further increases when you prepare to move to a city that never sleeps. Amid your moving plans, how do you calculate and arrive at a reasonable moving cost in NYC? 

Let’s get right to it: The cost of hiring movers in New York City typically ranges from $110 to $145 per hour. 

Hence, the average moving cost in NYC is typically between $440 and $2,850.

Please note that this is only a rough estimate. It can increase when an additional mover or other moving service is added. 

New York City is a home for food and coffee lovers seeking incredible art, diversity, a robust job market, a skyline they long for, and the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square.

This Empire City, indeed, has a lot to offer. 

In this blog, we cover how much movers cost in NYC based on the type of move and your home size.

Please remember that these are not accurate prices, as the cost fluctuates depending on various factors, such as distance, time, number of items, seasonal aspects, etc. 

Here’s a guide that explains all your questions before you pack your bags for the Big Apple!

Moving Cost in NYC by the Size of Your Home

Creating a realistic moving budget before planning your move is necessary to avoid common challenges on the final moving day.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of moving based on your home size. 

The Cost of Moving in NYC Depends on the Type of Your Move

NYC is not a single place; it gives you tons of options.

Whether you are moving within boroughs or out-of-state, the moving cost depends on unique variables, including the type of move.

Local Moving Cost in NYC (Borough to Borough)

If you have shorter distances and the move is within the five boroughs in NYC, the average cost of moving will be somewhere between $440-$2,850. 

While local moves are typically DIY projects, relocating can be overwhelming when it involves long-distance moves.

The five boroughs of NYC include The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, where every county has its own apartment size or rules.

In such cases, choosing the right professional moving company is imperative to minimize packing and unpacking hassle and handle local area restrictions.

Searching for the right apartment mover would also help for a smooth relocation.  

Out-of-State Moving Cost in NYC

New Yorkers often plan to move out of the Big Apple for several reasons.

NYC’s rent is exorbitantly high, and the city has a dense population and cramped apartments.

As a result, people are now moving to other states, most prominently to Los Angeles, where they enjoy the same hustle and bustle but with better weather and a better way of life. 

The average cost of moving from NYC to other states is as follows:

Moving from NYC to LA typically ranges between $4,449 and $10,500.

Moving from NYC to San Francisco usually costs between $4,649 and $9,100.

Moving from NYC to Miami ranges between $3,449 and $8,100.

Please note that the above-mentioned costs are rough estimates and may vary based on mileage, miles covered, fuel, meals, lodging expenses, etc. 

Full-Service Moving 

When you hire full-service movers in NYC, you get an all-inclusive moving package that includes packing your home or office and loading the items at the final destination. 

The average cost of hiring full-service movers and packers in NYC ranges between $110 and $139 per hour.

An additional $60-$80 is charged when an extra crew member or service is added. 

 Full-service moving includes:

• Packing up your home or office in NYC.
• Providing the right moving supplies and equipment
• Coordinating with building and office managers, handling access points such as elevators, parking, and entryways. 
• Taking care of fragile and specialty items 
• Making special arrangements for moving a dog, moving household plants, or planning a garage sale. 
• Offering storage facility to organize storage unit items when moving offices or homes in NYC. 
• Customized solutions for studio apartment moving and condo moving processes. 
• Loading and unloading items to and from moving trucks
• Providing move-out cleaning services
• Addressing post-move concerns 

Renting a Moving Truck in NYC

Renting a moving truck is ideal if you have a tighter moving budget.

Every move is unique, so choose the right size before spending the money. 

If you are moving to a studio or one-bedroom apartment, rent a 12-ft. truck.

If you have big moves with 4 or more bedrooms, go for a 26-ft. truck.

Moving truck rentals in NYC typically will cost you somewhere between $19.90 to $59 per day.

Some also charge you around $0.99 per mile. Remember, this option is not cheaper when you move over the weekends, as the truck rentals go higher.  

6 Factors Impacting the Moving Costs in NYC

The accurate calculation of moving costs is only partially based on home size and distance.

Several other indicators, including the number of items, complexity, and timing of the move, also affect the prices. 

Let us discuss them in detail! 

1. Complex Moves Vs. Straightforward Moves

Local Movers are relieved if you have a service elevator and loading dock access booked on your moving day.

However, certain complexities increase the moving costs, such as multiple moves on the same day, navigating heavy or odd-sized furniture through narrow stairwells, or simply moving pianos or antiques. 

Conversely, a straightforward move involves no rigid local area or building restrictions, smaller furniture pieces, and open entry and exit access points. 

2. Additional Services

Some awkwardly shaped furniture, such as dining tables, ergonomic chairs, office desks, etc., need disassembly and reassembly.

Your bill can also significantly increase if you include other specialty items, such as moving a piano or packing artwork, gym equipment, a pool table, etc.

3. The Cost of Packing Materials 

The cost of packing supplies plays a vital role in moving.

You must arrange all the supplies and equipment when you pack yourself.

There’s a lot to think about, from corrugated boxes to foam packing peanuts, antistatic packing papers, rolling carts, and dollies.

Lack of knowledge in this area may increase your expenses and moving costs. 

Professional moving companies, however, take care of all your packing and unpacking needs. They ensure they bring moving blankets, bubble wrap, and padding materials for fragile items. They also get mattress protectors, floor runners, and wardrobe boxes to pack your unique items and protect your walls and property from damage. 

4. Storage Needs

Some moving companies offer storage facilities for surplus office items, extra household items, framed artwork, and kitchen or garage items.

You can organize your storage unit items by leveraging these storage units without worrying about damage.

These units are climate-controlled, keeping your possessions safe from extreme temperatures.

This benefits you but at a cost. So, renting a storage facility is an added expense alongside moving costs. 

5. Distance of the Move

A local move within 100 miles will cost you between $110-$145 per hour, with $60 extra for each extra experienced mover. A long-distance move above 100 miles will be around $3,100- $8,500. For long-distance moves, the prices increase as you pay for the fuel, mileage, lodging rents, etc. Hence, you must learn some tips to save money on long-distance moves.  

6. Peak-Moving Times 

Since summer is the busiest moving season, your moving costs can spike up to 25-35%. The off-season for moving is fall, winter, and spring when you can save money.  

Moving at the beginning and end of the month and on weekends can increase moving costs due to higher demand. 

Money Saved is Money Earned – Here’s How You Save Money on Moving Costs

You finally arrive at your NYC moving estimate after comparing multiple quotes from moving companies. Yet, you wish to pinch pennies on your move. 

Here are a few tips you can follow:

1. Free Packing Supplies

Borrow packing materials from friends or family and pick boxes from nearby stores and local shops. 

2. Declutter and Donate

Purge broken items, recycle old furniture, donate unused items to charity homes, or sell them online to earn extra cash. 

3. Off-Season Moving

Moving between off-season months (October-May) can help you reduce your moving costs. 

4. Avoid Weekends 

The start and end of every month are peak moving times. Schedule your moves on weekdays or mid-month. 

5. Leverage Discounts

Student discounts, promotions, and special deals for AAA tenants can help you reduce hefty moving rates. 

6. DIY Packing 

Handle the packing yourself and hire professional movers only for heavy lifting, loading, and unloading. 

How to Make Your NYC Relocation a Stress-Free Move

Now that we have discovered all the factors, you should consider a few more things your movers should complete before bringing their moving trucks to your home or office premises.

Final Thoughts

Estimating the moving cost in NYC greatly depends on your home size, distance, volume of your items, time of your move, and the specialty items you are relocating.

Moving and living in the Big Apple is an expensive undertaking.

But with a realistic budget, moving plan, and money-saving tips, you can avoid overspending.

Whether you plan to move yourself or hire a professional moving company, our parting advice is to carry fewer items and declutter your home as much as possible before your move! 

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to live in NYC?

NYC’s primary expense is its skyrocketing rentals, followed by the cost of groceries and leisure.

On average, a single person’s cost of living is close to $4,100.

The cost of living for a family with two children is around $7,100- $8,600.

New York is the most expensive metropolis, and the cost of living is 135.0% higher than that in Toronto. 

2. What is the cheapest time to move to NYC?

January and February are the cheapest months to move to NYC.

During summer, professional movers have busier schedules and full bookings.

Therefore, research the best and the worst months to move before packing. 

3. How much should you tip your movers in NYC?

The industry standard for tipping movers is to pay 10-20% of the final bill amount.

Tipping between $50-$60 is considered good for an out-of-state move, while $30-$40 is considered good for a basic local move. 

4. How much does it cost to move offices in NYC?

NYC is a thriving business market. Hence, office moving costs in NYC are slightly higher than those for residential moves.

Knowing the tips for office moving is essential for a smooth relocation.

Moving a 1500-square-foot office space costs between $549 and $4,500, whereas moving a 10,000-square-foot or larger office space ranges between $5,500 and $30,000 or more.