How Much Do Movers Cost in Boston?
Boston Movers Cost (Quick Answer – 2026)
✔ Local moves: $100–$200 per hour (2–3 hour minimum)
✔ Studio–2BR local move: $350–$1,500
✔ Long-distance from Boston (200–1,000 miles): $1,200–$4,500+
✔ Cross-country (1,000+ miles): $2,000–$10,000+, depending on home size
Actual pricing varies based on inventory, building access, parking, packing services, and move date.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Boston? Whether you’re moving across town or preparing for a long-distance relocation, understanding Boston moving costs can help you avoid surprise fees and choose the right service for your budget.
In this guide, you’ll find average Boston moving companies hourly rates, typical price ranges for studios through 2-bedroom homes, and the add-on fees that can change your quote (packing, stairs, parking, and travel time). You’ll also get practical tips to estimate your move accurately and reduce costs without risking damaged items or delays.
Boston Moving Cost at a Glance
| Move Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio (Local) | $350 – $600 |
| 1-Bedroom (Local) | $500 – $1,200 |
| 3-Bedroom (Local) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Boston to New York (200 – 500 miles) | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Boston to Florida (1,100 – 1,700 miles) | $5,000 – $8,000+ |
These are general Boston moving estimates based on average volume and service levels. Scroll down for detailed local and long-distance cost breakdowns.
Boston Moving Company Rates: What’s Included vs Extra Fees
Breaking Down Moving Costs in Boston: What to Expect
The cost of hiring movers in Boston depends on several factors, including timing, distance, and service level. Moving during peak seasons like summer and weekends typically costs more due to high demand, while scheduling a move during off-peak times (such as mid-week or winter months) can secure lower rates.
Beyond timing, the size of your move and the services you choose will impact your total cost. A full-service move (including packing, furniture assembly, and storage) will be more expensive than a basic transportation-only move. If you have specialty items such as pianos, antiques, or fine art, additional protective measures will increase the price.
Other factors, such as travel time fees, minimum hourly charges, and additional moving services like packing and storage, can also add to your total moving cost. Most movers in Boston charge a minimum of two to three hours per move, even for short distances, and factor in travel time to and from the job site.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs in Boston
Average Cost of Local Movers Per Hour & Estimated Time
The cost of local movers depends on several factors, including home size, number of movers needed, and total move time. Larger homes require more movers and additional hours, while smaller moves may be completed more quickly.
Most moving companies have a minimum charge of 2–3 hours, even for quick moves, and travel time is often included in the total cost. Additionally, factors such as stairs, elevators, long carry distances, weather conditions, traffic congestion, and parking availability in busy city areas can further impact the final price.
Additional services like packing, furniture wrapping, and storage also affect the cost. While most moving companies include moving blankets for protection, some charge extra for materials like plastic wrap, tape, and mattress covers. If you require packing services, you’ll pay extra for labor and supplies.
| Move Size | Average Cost | Hourly Rate | # of Movers | # of Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $350 – $600 | $100 – $150 | 2 | 3 – 4 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $500 – $1,200 | $100 – $160 | 2 – 3 | 4 – 6 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $800 – $1,500 | $120 – $170 | 3 | 5 – 7 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,200 – $2,500 | $140 – $200 | 3 – 4 | 6 – 9 |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,800 – $3,500 | $160 – $220 | 4 – 5 | 8 – 12 |
| 5+ Bedroom Home | $2,500 – $5,000+ | $180 – $250 | 5 – 6 | 10 – 15 |
Average Cost of Long-Distance Movers by Mileage & Home Size
Long-distance moving costs usually scale with two things: distance and home size. Use the table below as a general baseline. For destination-specific examples, see the route tables that follow.
| Mileage | Studio | 1-BR | 2-BR | 3-BR | 4-BR | 5+ BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200–500 | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,500–$4,500 | $3,000–$5,500 | $3,500–$6,500 |
| 500–1,000 | $1,600–$2,600 | $2,000–$3,200 | $2,500–$4,200 | $3,000–$5,200 | $3,500–$6,200 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 1,000–1,500 | $2,000–$3,200 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,000–$9,500 |
| 1,500–2,000 | $2,300–$3,600 | $2,800–$4,600 | $3,500–$6,200 | $5,000–$8,000 | $6,000–$9,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| 2,000–2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,500–$7,000 | $6,000–$9,000 | $7,500–$12,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| 2,500–3,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $7,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$13,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
Popular East Coast Moving Costs from Boston (200–1,000 Miles)
Below are estimated costs for common East Coast routes from Boston, including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Newark, and Portland.
| Route | Studio | 1-BR | 2-BR | 3-BR | 4-BR | 5+ BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston → New York City | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,500–$4,500 | $3,000–$5,500 | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Boston → Philadelphia | $1,400–$2,200 | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,200–$3,800 | $2,800–$4,800 | $3,500–$6,000 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Boston → Washington, DC | $1,600–$2,600 | $2,000–$3,200 | $2,500–$4,200 | $3,000–$5,200 | $3,500–$6,200 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Boston → Newark, NJ | $1,300–$2,100 | $1,700–$2,700 | $2,200–$3,700 | $2,700–$4,700 | $3,200–$5,700 | $4,000–$6,800 |
| Boston → Portland, ME | $1,200–$1,900 | $1,500–$2,400 | $1,900–$3,200 | $2,400–$4,200 | $3,000–$5,000 | $3,800–$6,200 |
Popular Cross-Country Moving Costs from Boston (1,000+ Miles)
These are estimated long-distance costs for popular cross-country routes from Boston.
| Route | Studio | 1-BR | 2-BR | 3-BR | 4-BR | 5+ BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston → Chicago | $2,000–$3,200 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,000–$9,500 |
| Boston → Miami | $2,300–$3,600 | $2,800–$4,600 | $3,500–$6,200 | $5,000–$8,000 | $6,000–$9,500 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Boston → Atlanta | $2,000–$3,200 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $4,500–$7,500 | $6,000–$9,500 |
| Boston → Los Angeles | $3,000–$5,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $7,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$13,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Boston → San Francisco | $3,000–$5,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $7,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$13,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
Get a custom quote: These ranges are estimates. For a precise price based on your inventory and route, request a free quote from Poseidon Moving or use our moving cost calculator.
What’s Included in Boston Moving Costs?
When hiring professional movers, it’s important to understand what standard services are included in the base price. While many moving companies provide essential services like loading and transportation, others charge separately for tasks like packing and storage. Knowing what to expect in advance helps you plan your budget and avoid hidden fees.
Most professional moving companies include:
✔ Professional labor for loading and unloading
✔ Transportation of belongings
✔ Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly
✔ Moving truck & fuel
✔ Basic liability coverage
Hidden Moving Costs in Boston: What to Watch For
While most people focus on hourly rates or flat-rate pricing, many are unaware of extra charges that can increase moving costs significantly. Some moving companies don’t always disclose these fees upfront, leaving customers with unexpected expenses on moving day.
✗ Stairs & Elevator Fees: If movers need to carry items up/down flights of stairs, some companies charge per floor.
✗ Long Carry Fees: If the moving truck can’t park close to your home, movers may charge extra for carrying items long distances.
✗ Last-Minute Booking Fees: Movers charge higher rates for last-minute moves, especially during peak season.
✗ Storage Fees: If your new home isn’t ready, you may need temporary storage—which costs extra.
✗ Packing Materials: Some companies charge separately for boxes, tape, and protective wrap.
✗ Heavy & Specialty Item Fees: Moving pianos, safes, or antique furniture may require additional equipment and labor.
Pro tip: Always ask for a breakdown of potential extra charges before signing a contract. A reputable mover will be transparent about all costs upfront.
Tips for Saving on Moving Costs
Finding an affordable moving company in Boston requires more than just looking for the cheapest price. While affordability is important, choosing a company based solely on low cost can lead to hidden fees, unreliable service, or even moving scams. The best approach is to compare movers carefully, ensuring they offer transparent pricing, strong customer service, and positive reviews.
✔ Book Movers Early: Avoid last-minute price hikes.
✔ Move During Off-Peak Times: Mid-week and winter moves cost less.
✔ Declutter Before Moving: Fewer items mean lower moving costs.
✔ Compare Multiple Quotes: Get at least 3 price estimates before choosing a company.
✔ Pack Your Own Items: Full-service packing adds hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Why Hire Professional Movers?
Boston is one of the most challenging cities to move in—tight streets, limited parking, and multi-story buildings make DIY moves stressful. Hiring professionals eliminates the hassle by providing expert handling, faster service, and added protection for your belongings.
✔ Expertise and Efficiency: Movers handle everything from heavy furniture to fragile antiques with proper techniques.
✔ Time-Saving: Instead of spending days packing and lifting, let professionals streamline the process.
✔ Damage Prevention: Movers use protective padding, dollies, and proper securing techniques.
✔ Insurance and Liability Coverage: If something breaks, you’re covered—unlike DIY moves.
✔ Peace of Mind: No stress about logistics, truck rentals, or finding last-minute helpers.
Tips for Finding Affordable Movers in Boston
Finding the right moving company at the best price requires research and comparison. While affordability is important, choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best strategy—some companies cut corners on service or add hidden fees later. When researching Boston moving companies, prioritize those with transparent pricing, strong customer service, and positive reviews.
✔ Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three companies.
✔ Check Reviews & Ratings: Look for real customer testimonials.
✔ Ask About Hidden Fees: Avoid unexpected charges.
✔ Verify Licensing & Insurance: Protect yourself from rogue movers.
✔ Consider Off-Peak Scheduling: Lower demand = better prices.
Get a Free Moving Quote for Your Boston Move Today
Whether you’re planning a local or long-distance move, working with experienced, licensed movers ensures a smooth transition. From small apartments to large homes and businesses, professional movers handle every detail with care.
Get a free quote today and see why customers trust Poseidon Moving for their Boston relocation!
