Understanding how much movers cost in Calgary is one of the first steps to planning a smooth and budget-friendly relocation.
In Calgary, local moving services usually range from $500 to $3,500, depending on the size of your home, how many movers you need, and the level of service involved.
More families and individuals are changing homes across Alberta and beyond, making it essential to understand what drives these costs.
This 2025 guide breaks down real prices, service options, and hidden fees of moving services in Calgary to help you plan better and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Average Moving Costs in Calgary (Table Format)
Before choosing a moving company, it helps to know the going rates in the area.
The tables below give you a side-by-side view of average moving costs—both within Calgary and for long-distance relocations—to help you budget accordingly.
Local Moves (Within Calgary)
Here’s a quick breakdown of what local moves typically cost in Calgary.
These estimates include the number of movers and the time it usually takes to complete each job, based on home size.
| Home Size | Average Cost | # of Movers | Estimated Duration |
| Studio | $470 – $1,100 | 2 | 2 – 3 hours |
| 1-Bedroom | $550 – $1,245 | 2 | 3 – 4 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | $885 – $1,450 | 3 | 4 – 6 hours |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,270 – $1,595 | 3 – 4 | 6 – 8 hours |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,500 – $3,500 | 4 | 8+ hours |
Factors That Influence Moving Costs in Calgary
If you’re wondering why two people can move the same distance and still pay totally different amounts, it comes down to a few key things:
1. Size of the Move
The more stuff you’re moving, the more time, movers, and truck space you’ll need. A studio move costs a lot less than a fully furnished 4-bedroom house.
So if you’ve got a lot of furniture or big items, expect the cost to go up.
2. Distance Between Locations
If you’re moving within Calgary, that’s considered a local move, and it’s usually charged by the hour.
But if you’re heading out of the city (like to Vancouver or Edmonton), you’ll be looking at a flat rate based on distance and size.
3. Time of Year
Summer and early fall are peak moving seasons. Everyone wants to move when the weather’s nicer and school’s out, which means prices go up due to demand.
If you want to save, aim for mid-fall to early spring when rates tend to drop.
4. Type of Services You Need
Need help packing, disassembling furniture, or setting things up in your new place? Those services are super convenient, but they also add to the final bill.
You can save some cash by packing yourself if you’ve got the time.
5. Accessibility
This one often surprises many people. If your building doesn’t have an elevator, or there’s a long walk from the truck to your front door, movers need more time and effort, which can increase the cost.
Stairs, tight hallways, or tricky parking access all play a role.
6. Special Items
If you’re moving anything delicate or heavy, like a piano, antique cabinet, or even a large safe, it’ll cost more.
These items often need extra protection, special handling, or even extra manpower.
Pro Tip:
If movers can’t park close to your home or have to carry things up narrow stairwells, expect to pay more.
The harder it is to access your space, the more labor it requires, and that is reflected in your quote.
Hourly Rate vs. Flat Rate: What’s the Difference
When to Choose Hourly Rates
Hourly rates are exactly what they sound like—you pay based on the number of hours the movers work.
This usually applies to local moves within Calgary or nearby towns.
Hourly rates are best if:
- You’re moving a short distance (within 50–100 km)
- Your move is small (like a studio, 1-bedroom, or partial move)
- You’ve already packed and just need transportation
- Access to your home is straightforward (no long walks or tough stairs)
Example:
You’ve got a 1-bedroom apartment, everything is packed, and the new place is just 20 minutes away.
An hourly rate makes the most sense here—you only pay for the time they work.
When to Choose Flat Rates
Flat rates mean you pay a set price for the entire move, regardless of how long it takes. This pricing is more common for long-distance or complex moves.
Flat rates are best if:
- You’re moving out of town or province (like Calgary to Vancouver)
- You have a large home or a lot of stuff
- You want a clear price upfront with no surprises
- Your move involves packing, unpacking, or furniture assembly
Example:
You’re moving from a 3-bedroom house in Calgary to a new home in Edmonton. You’d rather not watch the clock and want everything quoted in one go. A flat rate helps you budget with confidence.
Sample Price Breakdown (By Home Size)
Moving prices can vary a lot depending on the size of your home, how many movers are needed, and how long the job takes. Here’s a realistic breakdown to help you get a better idea of what to expect:
Studio or 1-Bedroom Move
- Estimated Cost: $470 – $1,100
- Movers Needed: 2 movers
- Estimated Time: 3–5 hours
- Hourly Rate (Typical): $139–$150/hour
Best for single renters, students, or anyone moving light. You’ll usually just need one truck and a couple of movers. Costs can stay low if you’re packed and ready to go.
2–3 Bedroom Move
- Estimated Cost: $885 – $1,595
- Movers Needed: 3–4 movers
- Estimated Time: 5–7 hours
- Hourly Rate (Typical): $170–$180/hour
This is the most common type of move. If you’ve got more furniture, stairs, or need help with disassembly or packing, expect to land on the higher end of the range. Moving into or out of condos or townhouses can add time, too.
4+ Bedroom or Full House Moves
- Estimated Cost: $1,500 – $3,500+ (local)
- Movers Needed: 4–6 movers
- Estimated Time: 8–12+ hours
- Hourly Rate (Typical): $220–$340/hour (depending on crew size)
If you’re moving with a full family or have a large property, this is where prices go up. More rooms, heavier furniture, and specialty items like pianos or gym equipment all require more hands and time. Long-distance? You could be looking at $5,000–$10,000, depending on distance and services.
Calgary to Vancouver: How Much Does It Really Costs
If you’re planning a move from Calgary to Vancouver, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: How much is this really going to cost me?
For most households, you can expect long-distance moving costs to range between $2,500 and $5,000 for a standard 2–3 bedroom home.
Additional Services & Fees to Consider
Packing & Unpacking
If you don’t have the time (or patience) to pack your entire house, movers can do it for you. This usually costs around $130 to $270 per hour, depending on how many packers are involved.
Tip: Packing your own non-fragile items (like clothes or books) can help cut this cost down.
Storage Fees
Need a few days (or weeks) before your new place is ready? Short- or long-term storage might be necessary. Rates vary depending on the size of your load and duration, but it’s usually billed weekly or monthly.
Disassembly & Reassembly
Taking apart furniture like bed frames, tables, or gym equipment? Movers can handle this, but it’s often billed as an add-on service or hourly if it extends move time.
Disposal of Unwanted Items
Many moving companies offer junk removal or donation drop-offs. If you’re downsizing or decluttering, this can be helpful, but expect a disposal fee based on the weight or volume of the items.
Insurance & Valuation Protection
Basic coverage is often included by default, but it’s minimal. If you have high-value or fragile items, consider upgrading to full-value protection. It costs more, but gives peace of mind.
How to Save on Your Calgary Move
- Declutter before the move – Sell, donate, or toss items you don’t need.
- Pack your own boxes – Save on packing service fees.
- Move during off-peak times – Mid-week and mid-month moves are often cheaper.
- Disassemble furniture yourself – Reduce labor time on moving day.
- Ask about promotions or discounts – Some companies offer seasonal deals.
- Use recycled or free packing materials – Ask local stores for free boxes.
- Reserve elevators and parking ahead of time – Avoid delay charges.
- Be fully packed and ready to go – Avoid paying movers to wait or finish packing.
Red Flags to Watch for in Moving Quotes
- No on-site or virtual estimate offered – Reputable movers usually want to see what they’re moving before giving a final quote.
- Vague or incomplete pricing – If the quote doesn’t clearly list services and potential extras, expect hidden fees later.
- Unusually low prices – If a quote is far below others, it may be too good to be true.
- Large upfront deposit required – Most legitimate companies ask for a small deposit or none at all.
- No written contract provided – Always insist on written terms before booking.
- Unlicensed or uninsured movers – Verify credentials with the Canadian Association of Movers or BBB.
- Pushy sales tactics – Pressure to book quickly can be a sign of a scam.
- Lack of company details – If they don’t have a physical address, website, or online reviews, be cautious.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today
The cost of hiring movers in Calgary depends on several factors, including home size, distance, time of year, and the level of service required. On average, local moves can start around $500, while long-distance relocations, like to Vancouver, can run into the thousands. Knowing what affects pricing helps you make smarter decisions and avoid last-minute surprises.
If you’re planning a move and want a clear idea of what it will cost, Asr Moving makes it easy.
It only takes 60 seconds to get a free, no-obligation quote. Visit our website or give us a call at (780) 229-6029 to get started—so you can stress less and move smarter.
FAQs About Moving Costs in Calgary
Do movers in Calgary charge additional fees beyond hourly rates?
Yes, many moving companies in Calgary charge additional fees for certain services. These may include a travel or fuel surcharge, charges for long carry distances, stairs or elevators, or handling bulky or specialty items like pianos or safes.
Does the time of year affect moving costs in Calgary?
Absolutely. Moving costs in Calgary tend to be higher during peak seasons, especially from May to September, during month-ends, and on weekends. This is when demand is at its highest.
What’s the best way to get an accurate moving quote in Calgary?
To get a reliable estimate, provide the moving company with a detailed list of your belongings or request an on-site or virtual assessment. Be upfront about stairs, elevator access, tight parking spaces, or any large or fragile items.
Do all Calgary moving companies offer the same rates?
No, rates and fee structures can vary widely. Some movers include fuel and travel in their hourly rate, while others charge these as separate line items. Certain companies offer better rates for mid-week or off-season bookings, so it’s worth shopping around and reading reviews.
