How Much Do Movers Cost on Long Island and in NYC? A 2026 Price Breakdown

One of the first questions on every mover’s mind is simple: how much do movers cost? On Long Island and in NYC, the answer depends on your home size, location, and the services you need. This 2026 price breakdown from MovingServiceByTwoGuys gives you realistic numbers and shows exactly what drives the cost of a move.

Typical Local Moving Costs

Most local moves on Long Island and in NYC are billed by the hour, per crew. As a realistic 2026 range:

• Studio / small 1-bedroom: roughly $400–$700 (2 movers, 3–5 hours)
• Large 1-bed / small 2-bed: roughly $700–$1,200 (2–3 movers, 5–7 hours)
• 3-bedroom house: roughly $1,300–$2,500+ (3–4 movers, 7–10 hours)
• Long-distance moves: priced by weight and mileage, not by the hour

These are ballpark figures — your exact quote depends on the factors below.

What Affects Your Moving Cost

• Crew size and hours — the single biggest factor
• Home size and how much you’re moving
• Stairs, walk-ups, and long carries (common in NYC; longer carries into LI houses)
• Packing services and materials
• Specialty items like pianos, safes, and large appliances
• Timing — summer, weekends, and month-end are busiest and priciest

How to Estimate Your Move

1. Estimate your hours — studios average 3–5 hours; larger homes 6–10.
2. Multiply by the hourly crew rate your mover quotes.
3. Add travel time and any material costs.
4. Add a 10–15% buffer for the unexpected.

How to Lower Your Moving Cost

• Move mid-month and mid-week when demand is lower
• Pack yourself and have everything sealed and labeled before the crew arrives
• Declutter first — you pay to move volume
• Reserve elevators and parking to avoid wasted, billed time