Guides · cost
What NYC Movers Actually Charge (and What Drives the Price)
Updated July 2026
The base ranges
Within NYC: studios typically run $400–$800, 1-bedrooms $600–$1,100, 2-bedrooms $1,000–$1,800, and 3+ bedrooms $1,800–$3,500. These assume a licensed, insured crew — not the $200 Craigslist quote that becomes $700 in your lobby. Use our cost calculator for a range tuned to your exact situation.
Walk-ups are labor, not a fee
Each flight of stairs adds roughly 5–10% because it genuinely adds crew time. A 4th-floor walk-up on both ends can add 30–40% versus two elevator buildings. This is the single most NYC-specific price factor and the one out-of-town cost guides always miss.
The calendar is a price lever
May through September is peak; the last weekend of any month is peak-of-peak because every lease in the city turns over on the 1st. A mid-week, mid-month move in October can cost 25–30% less than the identical move on August 31st. If your dates are flexible, this is free money.
Hourly vs. flat — always push for flat
Hourly billing puts traffic, elevator waits, and slow packing on your tab. A flat (binding) quote after a video or in-home survey puts that risk on the mover. Any established NYC company can quote flat for a normal apartment move; treat reluctance as a signal.
The quiet extras
Packing service adds $300–$1,000+ but includes materials. Bulky items (sofas needing disassembly, Pelotons, mirrors) add per-item charges. COIs should be free. Tips run 5–10% per crew member for a good job. And month-end elevator reservations disappear fast — the cheapest move is the one booked three weeks early.