How Much Do Movers Cost in Canada in 2026

Moving day is stressful enough without guessing what it should cost. In Canada, local moves are usually priced by the hour, while long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance. Knowing the range before you collect quotes helps you spot a fair price and avoid add-ons you did not expect.

Average local moving costs in Canada

For a move within the same city, most companies charge $120 to $200 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. Larger homes need three or four movers, so the hourly rate rises but the job finishes faster.

Typical local ranges in 2026 look like this:

• Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: $300 to $900, usually 3 to 5 hours
• 2-bedroom apartment or condo: $600 to $1,150, usually 5 to 7 hours
• 3-bedroom house: $900 to $1,600, usually 7 to 10 hours
• 4-bedroom house: $1,300 to $3,000 or more, usually 10 hours or more

Condo moves often take longer than house moves of the same size. Elevator booking windows, long hallways, and parking rules can add 20 to 40 percent to the time. Walk-up stairs and a long carry from truck to door also push you toward the higher end.

What long-distance moves cost

If you are moving more than 100 km, pricing shifts to weight plus distance. In 2026, common ranges are:

• 500 to 1,000 km, 1 to 2 bedrooms: about $2,500 to $4,000
• 500 to 1,000 km, 3 or more bedrooms: about $4,000 to $8,000
• Cross-country moves: often $4,000 to $12,000 depending on home size and services

Toronto to Vancouver, for example, often lands in the $6,000 to $12,000 range. Toronto to Montreal or Ottawa is usually lower, often $2,500 to $6,000.

What drives the final price

The quote on the phone is not always the final bill. These factors change it most:

Home size and volume. More furniture means more hours locally, and more weight on a long haul.

Access. Stairs, elevators, narrow streets, and parking permits affect time. Tell movers about access upfront so it is priced in.

Packing. Full-service packing commonly adds $500 or more. Packing supplies, boxes, tape, and wrap, are often extra unless stated.

Special items. Pianos, safes, pool tables, and hot tubs carry flat fees, often $150 to $600 per item locally, and more for long distance.

Timing. Summer, weekends, and month-end are peak. Rates can rise sharply, and good crews book out 4 to 6 weeks ahead.

Extra services. Storage is commonly $100 to $300 per month, and sometimes $200 to $600 for larger units. Added insurance, disassembly and reassembly, and travel time or truck fees also add up.

Questions to ask before you book

• Is the quote hourly or flat, and what is the minimum number of hours?
• How many movers and what size truck are included?
• What is included, and what costs extra? Ask specifically about packing, materials, stairs, and long carries.
• How is travel time billed?
• What liability coverage is included, and what does full replacement coverage cost?
• Will you confirm the date, arrival window, and total estimate in writing?

Get everything in writing. A clear written estimate with inclusions and exclusions protects you if the final invoice looks different.

How to save without risking a bad move

Declutter before you pack. Less volume means fewer hours and less weight. Book early if you can, and avoid month-end if your dates are flexible. Pack yourself if you have time, and label rooms clearly so unloading is faster.

The cheapest quote is not always the lowest final cost. Very low initial quotes can grow through fees that were not mentioned. Compare like for like, and check that insurance and access details are covered the same way in each quote.

A simpler way to compare movers

Calling around takes time, and your number ends up with every company you contact. On Proferly, posting a request is free for customers. You describe your move once, add photos if useful, and businesses send you offers by email to compare in one place. Your phone number stays private until you choose a business, so you decide who calls you and when.

Post your request on Proferly and compare moving offers without sharing your number upfront.