Relocating from Edmonton to Calgary is an exciting step, whether you’re pursuing a new career, a lifestyle change, or simply seeking a fresh start.
However, one of the most important aspects of planning your move is understanding the moving costs from Edmonton to Calgary. Knowing the factors that influence moving expenses will help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected fees.
For a long-distance move from Edmonton to Calgary, costs usually range from $1,000 to $2,500. This typically covers transportation and labor, but the final price depends on the size of your home, the number of belongings, and additional services like packing or specialty items.
Professional Packing services alone can cost between $200 and $500, depending on how many rooms need packing and the type of materials required. Deciding whether to pack yourself or hire a moving company for packing will impact your total cost.
This guide breaks down the moving costs for your long-distance move and explains why hiring a trusted moving company in Edmonton is key to a smooth and cost-effective transition.
DIY Moving Costs: What to Expect
When moving from Edmonton to Calgary, some individuals may choose to take the DIY route to cut costs. While moving on your own can save money upfront, it’s important to consider all the expenses that come with a self-managed move. Below, we break down the typical costs associated with a DIY move, so you can make an informed decision about whether this approach is right for you.
1. Truck Rental Costs
Renting a truck is one of the most significant expenses when moving on your own. Popular truck rental companies like U-Haul, Budget, and Penske offer a variety of trucks, with rates varying based on truck size, distance, and rental duration.
- Rental Fees: Expect to pay $60 – $100 per day for a 10-16 foot truck.
- Mileage Fees: Most rental companies charge around $0.50 – $1.00 per kilometer.
- Fuel Costs: Gas prices vary, but for a 300 km trip from Edmonton to Calgary, you might spend $40 – $60 on fuel, depending on the truck size and fuel efficiency.
- Insurance: Rental companies usually offer insurance for $15 – $30 per day, which could provide peace of mind, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle.
Truck Rental Cost Breakdown
| Truck Size | Daily Rental Fee | Mileage Fees | Estimated Gas Cost | Insurance Fee (Optional) |
| 10-16 ft Truck | $60 – $100 | $0.50 – $1.00/km | $40 – $60 | $15 – $30/day |
Moving Supplies
When you’re handling your move, taking apart your couch, you’ll need to ensure your belongings are packed securely. This means purchasing or renting moving supplies like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and furniture blankets. While you may find ways to reduce moving costs (e.g., repurposing old boxes), these supplies are essential for ensuring the safety of your items.
- Boxes: Small boxes typically cost $2 – $3 each, while large boxes range from $4 – $5 each.
- Packing Materials: Bubble wrap or packing paper can range from $10 – $20 per roll, depending on the size.
- Furniture Blankets: These can be rented for $10 – $15 per blanket or purchased for around $20 – $30 each.
Tolls, Gas, Meals, and Hotel Stays
While the distance between Edmonton and Calgary is about 300 kilometers, the costs involved in the journey can quickly add up, especially if you encounter tolls, need to fuel up, or decide to stop for meals and rest overnight.
- Tolls: Some highways or bridges may have tolls, so it’s important to research your route. Toll costs can range from $5 – $20, depending on the route.
- Gas: As mentioned, fuel for your truck could cost between $40 – $60, depending on fuel efficiency.
- Meals: If your trip lasts more than a day, you’ll need to factor in meals. Budget $20 – $40 per person per day for food.
- Hotel Stays: If you’re taking your time or driving over two days, plan for overnight stays at hotels, which could cost anywhere from $80 – $120 per night.
Moving Equipment: Dollies, Ramps, and Lifting Straps
To make your DIY move easier, you’ll likely need some moving equipment. While rental companies provide dollies, ramps, and lifting straps, these come with their own set of costs. Depending on the size of your move, these tools may be essential for safely transporting your heavy or bulky items.
- Dollies/Ramps: Rental prices range from $10 – $25 per day, or you can purchase them for $50 – $100 each.
- Lifting Straps: Typically rented for $5 – $10 per day or purchased for $20 – $50.
Moving Equipment Rental Cost Breakdown
| Equipment | Rental Cost (Per Day) | Purchase Cost (if applicable) |
| Dollies | $10 – $25 | $50 – $100 |
| Ramps | $10 – $25 | $50 – $150 |
| Lifting Straps | $5 – $10 | $20 – $50 |
Average Costs of Hiring Movers from Edmonton to Calgary
If you’re considering hiring professional movers, here’s a rough breakdown of the average costs for different sizes of moves. Keep in mind that full-service moves generally include packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
| Home Size | Full-Service Cost (Range) | What’s Included |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,000 – $1,500 | Packing, Loading, Transport |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,500 – $2,000 | Packing, Loading, Transport |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,000 – $2,500 | Packing, Loading, Transport |
| 4-Bedroom | $2,500 – $3,500 | Packing, Loading, Transport |
Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
When moving, there are often hidden costs that aren’t immediately apparent. Be sure to keep an eye on these potential additional charges:
- Long Carry Fees: If the movers have to carry items a long distance to the truck (e.g., down a long driveway or up multiple flights of stairs), there may be an additional fee. This could range from $50 to $100.
- Tipping Movers: It’s customary to tip your movers, especially for a job well done. A tip can range from $10 to $20 per mover, depending on the quality of the moving service.
- Overtime Charges: If the move extends beyond the agreed-upon time, you may incur additional charges, especially if you’re moving on the weekend or during peak times. Overtime can cost between $100 and $200 per hour.
- Insurance: While basic coverage is usually included, you may want to purchase extra insurance for valuable or fragile items. Additional coverage could cost $50 to $100 per item or more.
- Storage Fees: If you need temporary storage for your belongings, some moving companies charge additional storage fees, which can range from $50 to $150 per day.
- Packing Materials: If you opt for professional packing services, the costs of materials like bubble wrap and boxes could add up, sometimes costing an additional $200 – $500.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Edmonton to Calgary, and it’s important to consider each one when planning your move. The distance between the two cities is approximately 300 kilometers, but other variables can impact your total moving expenses.
1. Size of the Move
The size of your move is one of the most significant factors. Larger homes or more belongings will naturally increase costs due to the extra labor and transportation required. Smaller moves are generally less expensive, but they still depend on how much work is needed.
2. Time of Year
The time of year plays a crucial role in moving costs. Summer is typically the busiest season for local movers, leading to higher prices due to increased demand. Scheduling your move during off-peak seasons like fall or winter may result in better pricing and availability.
3. Additional Moving Services
The services you choose will also affect costs. Full-service moving, which includes packing, loading, and unloading, is more expensive than self-service moving. Specialty services, such as piano moving or junk removal, can also increase the overall cost.
4. Understanding Typical Moving Costs
The average cost of moving from Edmonton to Calgary can vary widely depending on your specific needs. For local or small-scale moves, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 per hour, depending on the size of your home and the number of movers required. This typically covers shorter distances within Edmonton or Calgary.
Why Hiring a Trusted Moving Company Is Crucial
When planning a long-distance move from Edmonton to Calgary, hiring reliable, experienced Edmonton movers is vital. Cutting corners by choosing a less reputable company may save money upfront, but it could cost you more in the long run due to poor service, damages, or unexpected fees.
Professional Services and Careful Handling
A trusted moving company provides professional services that ensure your belongings are handled carefully. Whether you’re moving and packing fragile items or heavy furniture, professional movers have the expertise to manage all types of items safely, preventing damage during transit.
Timely Delivery and Transparent Pricing
With a reliable company, there are no hidden fees or unexpected delays. Professional movers in Edmonton offer clear, transparent pricing from the start, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. They also prioritize timely delivery, ensuring your items arrive on schedule.
Expertise and Customer Support
Hiring a professional moving company ensures your belongings are transported safely, and their customer service ensures you receive accurate estimates and continuous support throughout the process. When you work with professionals, you gain peace of mind, knowing your move is in good hands.
How to Reduce Your Moving Costs
While moving can be expensive, there are several ways to lower your costs:
- Downsize Before the Move: The fewer items you need to transport, the lower your overall costs. Sort through your belongings and donate or sell items you no longer need.
- Book Your Move Early: Since summer is a peak moving season, booking in advance or during off-peak months like fall or winter can save you money.
- Pack Your Items: If you can, packing your own items can significantly reduce costs compared to opting for full-service packing.
- Choose a Smaller Moving Truck: If you’re moving fewer items, using a smaller truck reduces rental costs.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you get. Request estimates from several reputable moving companies in Edmonton to compare services and pricing.
- Move During Off-Peak Times: Moving during weekdays or mid-month can often be cheaper than moving on weekends or the start of the month.
- Use Your Own Packing Materials: Repurpose boxes and materials from previous purchases to save on packing supplies.
Ready for a Smooth Move? Let Asr Moving Help
Understanding the moving costs from Edmonton to Calgary is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition. By hiring a trusted moving company in Edmonton like Asr Moving, you’re choosing a team with over 12 years of experience dedicated to providing professional, efficient, and transparent moving services. With our competitive pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re here to make your move seamless from start to finish.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Asr Moving today for a personalized moving quote from Edmonton to Calgary. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new space.
