2026 Boston Moving Cost Report
Real data from 33,158+ completed moves across Greater Boston. Average costs by home size, neighborhood, and season — based on 24 years of moving experience.
Published by Boston Best Rate Movers · Last updated March 2026
Key Findings
$875
Average local move cost in Boston (2-bedroom, 2025-2026 data)
4.8 hrs
Average move duration across all home sizes
32%
Of all Boston moves happen June through September
Sept 1
Busiest single moving day — 60,000+ leases turn over
$1,150
Average cost in Back Bay/Beacon Hill (highest neighborhood)
$750
Average cost in Allston/Brighton (most affordable urban area)
Average Moving Cost by Home Size
Based on local moves within Greater Boston. Includes crew, truck, and standard equipment.
| Home Size | Crew | Avg. Hours | Avg. Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 2.5 | $375 | $300–$450 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3 movers | 3.5 | $625 | $535–$715 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 3 movers | 5 | $895 | $715–$1,075 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 3 movers | 7 | $1,250 | $1,075–$1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 3–4 movers | 9 | $1,710 | $1,430–$1,970 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | 4 movers | 12 | $2,630 | $2,190–$3,070 |
Average Moving Cost by Neighborhood
Based on a typical 2-bedroom local move. Costs vary by building access, parking, and distance.
| Area | Avg. Cost | Complexity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Bay / Beacon Hill | $1,150 | High | Narrow streets, parking permits required, elevator waits |
| South End / South Boston | $950 | Medium-High | Mix of row houses and condos, permit parking |
| Allston / Brighton | $750 | High | Walk-ups, tight staircases, Sept 1st surge |
| Cambridge / Somerville | $875 | High | Triple-deckers, narrow streets, university moves |
| Brookline / Newton | $1,050 | Medium | Larger homes, longer carry distances |
| Waltham / Watertown | $800 | Low-Medium | Suburban, easier truck access |
| Quincy / South Shore | $850 | Low-Medium | Mixed housing, moderate drive times |
| North Shore (Salem, Beverly) | $925 | Medium | Travel time from base, historic homes |
Moving Costs by Season
Seasonal demand significantly affects pricing and availability in Boston.
| Period | Demand | Price Impact | Availability | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | Low | 0% | Excellent | Best rates and widest availability |
| April–May | Medium | +5–10% | Good | Book 2–3 weeks ahead |
| June–August | High | +15–25% | Limited | Book 4–6 weeks ahead |
| September 1st | Extreme | +25–40% | Very Limited | Book by June/July |
| October–December | Low | 0% | Excellent | Off-peak savings, flexible scheduling |
About This Report
This report is based on data from 33,158+ residential and commercial moves completed by Boston Best Rate Movers since 2002. Cost averages reflect actual billed amounts for local moves within Greater Boston during the 2025-2026 period. Long-distance moves, specialty items (pianos, safes), and full-service packing are excluded from the standard averages to provide accurate baseline comparisons.
Neighborhood cost differences are primarily driven by three factors: building access complexity (walk-up vs. elevator, narrow vs. wide entries), parking and logistics (permit requirements, double-parking risk, distance from truck to door), and travel time from our Waltham headquarters. Back Bay and Beacon Hill consistently rank as the most expensive neighborhoods due to their combination of narrow historic streets, strict parking enforcement, and high-floor walk-up apartments.
Seasonal pricing reflects market demand. Boston is unique among major U.S. cities in having a single extreme peak day — September 1st — when an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 leases turn over simultaneously. This creates a demand spike that begins building in late July and does not fully subside until mid-September. Moves booked during this window require significantly more advance planning and often command premium rates across all Boston-area moving companies, not just ours.
How to Use This Data
Use these averages as a starting point for budgeting your move. Your actual cost will depend on your specific home size, floor level, building access, distance between locations, and any additional services like packing or storage. For an exact quote tailored to your move, use our free moving cost calculator or request a personalized quote.
Get Your Personalized Moving Estimate
These are averages — your move is unique. Get an exact quote based on your specific details.