Moving Costs NYC: A Budgeting Guide

Moving Costs NYC: Key Points

• At Imperial Movers, local NYC moving costs start as low as $130 per hour when the crew consists of two movers, $200 per hour for a team of three, and $230 for four movers.
• You can also choose our flat rates starting at $300 for a studio, with most one-bedroom relocations falling between $500 and $1,000, and two-bedroom moves ranging from $1,000 to $2,000
• The costs include insurance, gas, a moving truck, professional labor, and wrapping supplies — everything you might need for a move in NYC
• Long-distance moves from other U.S. states typically start at $2,000, with final pricing based on mileage, volume, and whether you choose full-service or freight-style moving options
• International moves to NYC start around $8,000, with costs varying depending on container size and customs handling
• Key factors that affect your moving cost include distance, load size, building access (elevator vs. walk-up), time of year, and additional services

Moving to New York from across the river or across the globe? The first thing you might want to know is how much that will cost you.

In this guide, we break down:

• What it really costs to move to NYC
• What affects those costs
• How Imperial Movers can help make your relocation easier

Need help to move to New York? Contact Imperial Movers

What Are the Moving Costs to NYC

When it comes to moving from one NYC borough to another or within the same neighborhood, your expenses will depend on the size of the move and whether you hire professional movers or opt for a DIY approach with truck rental.

Professional Moving Services

Every moving company has a different price list based on their experience, services, and location logistics.

While some providers quote flat fees and others work strictly by the hour, knowing the average range — and what’s included — can help you prepare for your move without unpleasant surprises

At Imperial Movers, we believe that quality should go hand in hand with transparent pricing.

We offer hourly rates to give you flexibility and control over your budget. Whether your move takes one hour or half a day, you’ll only pay for the time you need — a perfect option for smaller moves or tight schedules.

• Two movers: $130/h
• Three movers: $200/h
• Four movers: $230/h

All hourly rates include:

• Gas
• Insurance
• Moving
• Wrapping of your itemsThis model is ideal for clients who want efficient, customized service without paying for a full day when the job takes just a few hours.

For clients who prefer to know the total cost up front, flat-rate pricing is also available based on the size of your home:

• 1 bedroom: $500-1,000
• 2 bedrooms: $1,000-$2,000
• Studio: $300-$500

For clients who prefer to know the total cost up front, flat-rate pricing is also available based on the size of your home. Whether you’re moving a few blocks or a few boroughs, Imperial Movers offers honest pricing with no last-minute hidden fees. You’ll get a custom quote based on your actual needs — no guesswork, no upselling.

Using a Rental Truck

While professional moving companies offer full support and peace of mind, some prefer handling the move themselves with a rental truck. If you’re taking the DIY route, here’s what you can expect.

• Moving a studio: $40–$84
• Moving a one-bedroom residence: $48–$104
• Moving a two-bedroom residence: $50–$120

Moves From Other Cities or States

If you’re relocating to New York City from out of state, your moving costs will depend on moving distance, how much you’re bringing, and whether you choose professional movers or DIY.

Professional moving services for long-distance relocations typically start around $2,300, with prices getting higher for longer distances, bigger inventory sizes, and service levels.

Using Professional Movers

• Moving a studio from Miami to NYC: $2,300–$4,500
• Moving a studio from Chicago to NYC: $2,100–$3,900
• Moving a studio from Los Angeles to NYC: $3,000–$5,500
• Self-service freight options (where you pack and load and professionals oversee transportation) start at $1,100.

Using Freight (You Load, They Drive)

• Moving a studio from Miami to NYC: $1,500–$2,400
• Moving a studio from Chicago to NYC: $1,150–$1,900
• Moving a studio from Los Angeles to NYC: $2,000–$4,000

While costs for DIY options may seem attractive because they are lower, long-distance moves to NYC are typically complex, and hiring experienced movers ensures your items arrive safely and on time with no stress.

International Moves

International moves are logistically complex due to larger distances, customs document management, and the need for secure cargo containers.

Costs for international relocations to New York typically start around $3,500 and can reach higher numbers if you are using large containers and need full-service support.

Here are some examples of how much your move to New York may cost if you live abroad.

• Moving from London to New York and using 20ft container: $8,700–$11,000
• Moving from Singapore to New York and using 20ft container: $3,430–$10,400
• Moving from Germany to New York and using 20ft container: $5,000–$14,500

Your moving costs will vary depending on the place you are moving from, whether locally, between states, or from abroad

How Much Do Movers Cost in NYC: Factors Affecting the Price

What determines your moving cost? Here are some factors that play a significant role:

• Your distance and location; for example, if you are moving in the same borough, between boroughs, or coming from another state
• The volume and weight of your belongings: Larger moves with more boxes will increase transportation cost
• The range of moving services you are using, for example, packing and unpacking, disassembling and assembling
• The nature of items moved, whether furniture, antiques, aquariums, fine art, or a piano
• Which floor are you moving from or to? Higher floors, especially in tall buildings, may require more time and a larger team.
• Your storage needs: If you require short- or long-term storage solutions between moves, added storage expenses can increase the overall price.
• The season and day of the week: Moving during peak season (May through August), on weekends, or at the end of the month typically costs more due to high demand and limited availability. (For more details, check out what’s the best time to move to New York.).
• Whether there’s elevator access or it’s a walk-up building, buildings without elevator access increase moving time and labor.
  – Walk-ups (3–5 stories, no elevator) often lead to higher costs as movers need to manually haul your items.
  – Brownstones and townhouses typically have narrow staircases, front stoops, and parking challenges, which can increase the duration and price of your move.
  – Luxury high-rises with elevators and loading docks provide easy access for movers but may require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or move-in fees.
  – Lofts are usually open plan, but you may need to disassemble large pieces of furniture or use freight elevators, which require advanced scheduling.

From distance to move date and accessibility, there are various factors that affect your average moving costs

Moving Costs to NYC: Key Takeaways

• Local NYC moves with Imperial Movers start at $130 per hour for two movers, $200 per hour for two movers, and $230 per hour if the crew includes four people.
• Flat rates are also available, starting at around $300 for a studio, $599 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
• Hourly rates vary by crew size, beginning at $130 for two movers and increasing with additional team members.
• All pricing includes essentials like labor, truck, fuel, insurance, and protective wrapping.
• Out-of-state professional moving services typically begin at $2,300, with final costs based on distance, service level, and shipment size.
• International relocations start around $8,000 but can become more expensive based on container size, customs logistics, and where you’re moving from.
• Several factors impact your final cost, including how far you’re moving, the amount you’re relocating, building access (walk-up vs. elevator), seasonality, and any extra services like packing or storage.

Considering a Move to NYC? Trust Imperial Movers

If you’re thinking of moving in, out of, or around New York City, Imperial Movers is the company that locals and newcomers trust for a hassle-free relocation.

Our team of licensed, insured, and trained professionals understands the challenges you may have — whether you’re changing boroughs, arriving from another country, or simply moving your business headquarters.

We specialize in:

• Local residential and commercial moves, ensuring your things arrive safely despite tight spaces, walk-up buildings, or lack of elevators.
• International relocations, taking care of customs clearance, freight logistics, and final delivery.
• VIP moving services for clients who value discretion offer a dedicated project manager, premium packing materials, and 24/7 move coordination.

Ready to make your move to or within NYC? Call Imperial Movers for a free quote

Moving Costs to NYC: FAQs

Have more questions? Check out the section below.

Which is better: hourly rates or flat rates when hiring movers?

It depends on your situation. Hourly rates are a favorable choice for small or local moves. Flat rates work well when you’re moving more items or if your relocation includes more complex tasks.

Can I save money by moving to New York mid-month or mid-week?

Yes! Mid-month and mid-week moves, especially between Tuesdays and Thursdays, are usually more affordable due to lower demand. You can often save 10%–20% compared to peak days.

How much does packing add to a move?

Packing services typically add $200–$500+ for a studio/1-bedroom and $500–$1,500+ for larger homes. The cost depends on the number of items you have and whether you want full or partial packing.

Why is moving to New York more expensive than relocating to other cities?

Higher prices in NYC are based on the complexity of the move, including tight street access, building regulations, walk-ups, traffic congestion, and limited elevator access, which increase labor time and coordination.

What does a full-service move cost include?

A full-service move includes loading, transportation, unloading, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and often packing/unpacking services. At Imperial Movers, we offer all these services to fit your specific needs.

Looking for a reliable moving company? Contact Imperial Movers