What a move costs in 2026
The biggest factors are distance and how much you’re moving. These estimates from moveBuddha’s 2026 moving cost data are for professional movers; renting a truck and doing it yourself usually costs less (moveBuddha).
| Home size | Local move | 150–250 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | ~$340 | $1,165–$2,650 |
| 1 bedroom | ~$460 | $1,165–$2,650 |
| 2 bedrooms | ~$725 | $2,650–$4,385 |
| 3 bedrooms | ~$1,625 | $2,650–$4,385 |
| 4 bedrooms | ~$1,860 | $2,860–$6,230 |
| 5+ bedrooms | ~$2,850 | Varies |
Estimates from moveBuddha’s 2026 moving cost guide. The long-distance ranges for studios and one-bedrooms are combined in the source, as are two- and three-bedroom homes. A cross-country move of 1,500–2,500 miles for a two- to three-bedroom home is estimated at $4,375–$6,750.
Build your moving budget
The moving truck is often not the biggest bill. When you rent a new place or buy a home, several costs tend to come due in the same few weeks. List them all before you decide how much, if anything, to borrow.
- Movers or truck rental, fuel, tolls and insurance coverage for your things
- Packing supplies, or a packing service
- Security deposit and first month’s rent (some landlords also ask for last month’s rent)
- Application fees and any pet deposits or fees
- Utility deposits, connection fees and internet installation
- Travel: gas, flights, hotel nights and meals on the road
- Storage, if your move-out and move-in dates don’t line up
- Basics for the new home, and a buffer of 10% or so for surprises
Once you have the list, sort it into what must be paid before you move, what’s due on moving day and what can wait until you’ve settled in. Only the first two groups usually need to be covered up front. Things like new furniture can often wait a few paychecks, which keeps the amount you borrow smaller and the loan shorter.
Ask about relocation help. If you’re moving for a job, ask whether your employer pays for any moving costs. Even a partial reimbursement can shrink what you need to borrow.
Timing the money
Moving costs come in waves, and a loan funds as one lump sum. Plan so the money arrives before the biggest payments are due.
- Get mover quotes and book a date
- Price out deposits and rent
- Check rates and apply if you need to borrow
- Pay the mover deposit
- Sign the lease and pay deposits
- Schedule utilities at the new place
- Pay the movers or truck balance
- Keep cash for travel and tips
- Track your spending against the plan
Choose a mover carefully
Borrowing for a move only makes sense if the move itself goes as planned. A dishonest mover can hold your belongings until you pay far more than the quote. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates interstate movers, lists warning signs to watch for (FMCSA):
- No on-site or video inspection, with an estimate given sight unseen by phone or online
- No written estimate, or a promise to set the price after loading
- A demand for cash or a large deposit before the move
- A request to sign blank documents
- A claim on moving day that you have more belongings than estimated
For interstate moves, movers must give you FMCSA’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Check that the company is registered in FMCSA’s mover database before you pay a deposit, and pay the deposit by card or another traceable method rather than cash.
Borrow against the written quote. Base your loan amount on a written estimate from a mover who inspected your home, plus a buffer. If the final bill comes in far above the estimate, ask why before you pay.
Ways to pay for a move, compared
| Option | Typical cost | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings | No interest | Any move you can cover | Keep some cash for after you arrive |
| Employer relocation help | Free | Job-related moves | Repayment terms if you leave early |
| Personal installment loan | 11.90% bank avg (Fed G.19); higher with fair credit | Larger moves paid off over 1–2 years | Origination fees; funding time |
| Credit card | 22.36% avg on balances charged interest (Fed G.19) | Small moves paid off quickly | Variable rate; utilization can lower your score |
| Payday loan | ≈ 400% APR | Avoid | Fees that roll over and grow |
Payment examples for common moves
Fixed-rate loans with no origination fee and on-time payments, using the moveBuddha estimates above. Try your own numbers in the loan payment calculator.
| Move · term | APR | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| $725 local 2 BR · 6 mo | 24.99% | $129.79 | $53.75 |
| $1,625 local 3 BR · 12 mo | 15.54% | $147.08 | $140.01 |
| $1,625 local 3 BR · 12 mo | 24.99% | $154.44 | $228.27 |
| $4,385 long distance · 24 mo | 15.54% | $213.74 | $744.78 |
| $4,385 long distance · 24 mo | 19.99% | $223.16 | $970.76 |
| $4,385 long distance · 24 mo | 24.99% | $234.01 | $1,231.29 |
The 15.54% rate is LendingTree’s average best offer for borrowers with scores of 740–799 (LendingTree). Your rate depends on your credit, income and the lender.
Moving loan vs. credit card
Put the $4,385 long-distance move on a card charging the average 22.36% APR and pay the same $213.74 a month as the 15.54% loan. The card takes 27 months to clear and costs $998.20 in interest, about $253 more than the loan, which is paid off in 24 months.
The math flips for small moves you can pay off fast. If you can clear a $725 balance within a month or two, a card, especially one with a 0% intro APR, may cost less than a loan with an origination fee. The right choice depends on how long you’ll need to repay.
Ways to spend less on the move
- Move midweek or mid-month, when demand for movers is usually lower.
- Sell or donate what you don’t want to pay to move.
- Compare full-service movers with a truck rental or moving container.
- Get free boxes from local stores or neighbors.
- Ask your landlord how to get your full deposit back from your old place.
Step by step: budgeting and paying for a move
- Get at least three quotesAsk movers for written estimates based on an inventory of your home.
- List every upfront costInclude deposits, first month’s rent, utilities, travel and supplies.
- Subtract savings and relocation helpAsk your employer whether it covers any moving costs.
- Compare loan offers by APRLook at total cost, fees and the funding time.
- Borrow only the gapPick the shortest term with a payment that fits your new budget.
Pros and cons of a moving loan
Pros
- Covers several costs that come due at once
- Fixed payment that’s easy to fit into a new budget
- Can cost less than a card for larger moves
- No collateral required
Cons
- Adds a monthly bill while your expenses may be changing
- Origination fees can raise the APR
- A hard inquiry may affect a rental or mortgage application in progress
- Not worth it for small moves you can pay off quickly
Moving loan FAQ
Can I get a personal loan for moving expenses?
Yes. Personal loans can be used for movers, truck rental, deposits, travel and setting up your new home. You get a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments.
How much does it cost to move in 2026?
It depends on distance and home size. moveBuddha’s 2026 estimates put a local move with professional movers at about $460 for a one-bedroom and $1,625 for a three-bedroom. A long-distance move of 150–250 miles runs about $2,650–$4,385 for a two- to three-bedroom home.
Is a moving loan better than a credit card?
For a larger move you’ll pay off over a year or more, a lower-rate personal loan can cost less. In our example, a $4,385 balance at 15.54% over 24 months costs $744.78 in interest. Paying the same monthly amount on a 22.36% card takes 27 months and costs $998.20. For a small move you can pay off in a month or two, a card may be simpler.
How much should I borrow for a move?
Add up the mover or truck quote, deposits, first month’s rent or closing-related costs, utility hookups, travel and a buffer for surprises. Subtract what you can cover from savings and any employer relocation help, and borrow only the gap.
Can I get a moving loan before I start a new job?
Lenders look at your income and ability to repay. Some accept an offer letter for a new job; others want to see current pay. If you’re between jobs, ask the lender what income it accepts before you formally apply.
How fast can I get the money?
Many online lenders fund within one to a few business days after approval. Apply a couple of weeks before your deposit or mover payment is due so a delay doesn’t push back your move.
- moveBuddha, Moving cost estimates 2026
- Federal Reserve, G.19 Consumer Credit
- LendingTree, personal loan marketplace data
- CFPB, What is a payday loan?
- FMCSA, Protect Your Move: Red flags
Payment examples and the credit card comparison are calculated by Riverstone for fixed-rate, fully amortizing loans with on-time payments and no fees. They are illustrations, not offers.