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Moving Cost in Calgary (2026 Guide)
Moving marks a new chapter — and while the change is exciting, the cost shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re moving locally within Calgary, heading elsewhere in Alberta, or planning a long-distance move to another province, this 2026 moving cost guide breaks everything down clearly. From home and office moves to long-distance relocations, single-item deliveries, and specialty moves that require extra care, Paramount Moving focuses on honest pricing, experienced crews, and a stress-free moving experience from start to finish.
In Calgary, moving costs vary based on the size of your home, the number of movers required, total travel time, and the services you choose. Most local Calgary moves are charged at an hourly rate, using a professional moving crew and a fully equipped truck. In addition to the hourly rate, movers typically apply a one-time truck and travel fee, equivalent to one hour of labor, which covers the crew’s travel from the office to your location and back. This single charge includes fuel, mileage, and vehicle operating costs, keeping pricing transparent and predictable — so you know exactly what you’re paying for from the start.
Average Local Price Ranges in Calgary 2026
| Home Size | Number of Movers Required | Estimated Duration of the Move | Hourly Rate | Truck Size Required | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 | 2 – 4 | $139-$159/hr | 16–20 ft | $420 – $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 | 3 – 5 | $139-$159/hr | 20 ft | $550 – $850 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 | 4 – 7 | $179-$199/hr | 24–26 ft | $895 – $1,600 |
| 3 Bedroom | 3-4 | 8 – 12 | $189-$259/hr | 26 ft or 2 x 20ft | $1,710 – $3,350 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4-5 | 8 – 12 | $229/hr-$289/hr | 26–30 ft or two trucks | $2,090 – $3,750 |
| 5+ Bedrooms / Estate | 4–6 | 10 – 16 | $229–$349/hr | 30 ft+ or multiple trucks | $2,530-$5,950+ |
These average estimates apply strictly to standard moving services and do not include packing services and supplies, or additional charges for extra-heavy or specialty items. Because every move comes with its own challenges, layout, and timing, each job requires a personalized estimate to ensure accurate pricing and a smooth, stress-free moving day. To get a clearer idea of moving costs in Calgary, visit Paramount Moving’s pricing and booking page.
| Crew Size | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2 Movers + Truck | $139 – $159/hr |
| 3 Movers + Truckk | $179 – $199/hr |
| 4 Movers + Truck | $229 – $249/hr |
Important Notes:
- A one-time truck and travel fee applies, calculated at the equivalent of one hourly rate, which covers the crew’s travel to your location and back, including fuel and mileage.
- Charges apply only from the moment our crew arrives at the pickup location until all items are unloaded and any requested reassembly is completed at the final destination.
What’s Included in the Moving Cost?
When you hire a professional moving company in Calgary, you’re not just paying for a truck — you’re paying for a well-coordinated moving day that runs smoothly from start to finish.
A typical moving cost includes:
- An experienced, professionally trained moving team that knows how to handle your belongings with care
- A fully equipped moving truck, ready with fuel, mileage, and everything needed for a safe move
- Professional moving equipment like dollies, straps, blankets, and floor protection
- Furniture protection to help keep your items safe during transport
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly for everything that needs it
- Thoughtful placement of furniture and boxes exactly where you want them
- Ongoing customer support throughout the entire move, so you’re never left guessing
- Clear, transparent billing, based on the actual time worked
In summary, these inclusions reflect what customers should expect from any reputable moving company in Alberta. A properly priced move should always cover experienced professionals, the right equipment, furniture protection, clear communication, and transparent billing. If any of these essentials are missing, it’s a sign to ask more questions — because a well-run move isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about delivering reliability, care, and peace of mind from start to finish. For those preparing for a move, you can also buy moving boxes Calgary to make packing easier and more organized.
If this is your first time hiring movers for a local move in Calgary, it’s helpful to know that while most moving costs cover the basics, some services or items may come with additional charges. This is completely normal and usually depends on what you’re moving and how much preparation is needed.
Common additional costs may include:
- Extra-heavy or oversized items, such as pianos, safes, or large exercise equipment that require special handling
- Packing and unpacking services, if you’d like help boxing items up or unpacking at your new home
- Packing supplies, including boxes, tape, mattress covers, and protective wrap
- Waiting time, if there are delays accessing the home or receiving keys on moving day
- Items that require special care, such as fragile, high-value, or awkwardly shaped belongings
These details are typically reviewed during the estimate for your local Calgary move, so you know exactly what’s included and what isn’t before moving day. Reputable moving companies will always explain potential extra costs clearly and answer questions upfront.
Understanding these possibilities ahead of time helps first-time movers plan better, avoid surprises, and enjoy a smoother, less stressful moving experience.
Estimated Packing Costs for Local Calgary Moves 2026
These are typical estimates based on average households. Actual costs vary depending on volume, item types, and level of organization.
| Home Size | Packers Required | Typical Packing Time | Packing Labour Hourly Rates | Packing Supplies Cost Estimate | Estimated Total Packing Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 packers | 2–4 hours | $139–$159 | $250–$350 | $530–$980 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 packers | 3–4 hours | $139–$159 | $250–$400 | $670–$1,040 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 packers | 4–6 hours | $179–$199 | $400–$650 | $1,120–$1,840 |
| 3 Bedroom | 3-4 packers | 7–11 hours | $179–$249 | $700–$1200 | $1,950–$3,940 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 packers | 8–12 hours | $229–$249 | $900–$1,400 | $2,730–$4,390 |
| 5 Bedroom / Large Home | 4-5 packers | 10–14 hours | $229–$289 | $1,200–$2,100 | $3,490–$6,150 |
Packing supplies typically include a large quantity of boxes (small, medium, large, wardrobe), packing paper, tape, stretch wrap, mattress covers, and protective materials for fragile items like dishes, glassware, and electronics.
Helpful Note for First-Time Movers
Packing supplies often make up a significant portion of packing costs, especially for kitchens, closets, storage areas, and homes that haven’t been packed down in advance. This is completely normal and one of the most underestimated parts of moving.
Real Moving Cost Examples (Calgary)
Example 1 — Local Calgary Move (No Packing)
Scenario:
A couple is moving from a 1-bedroom apartment in Downtown Calgary to another apartment across the city. No packing services are required.
Details:
- Crew: 2 movers + truck
- Hourly rate: $139–$159/hr
- Time on site: ~4 hours
- One-time truck & travel fee: 1 hourly rate
Estimated Cost:
- Labour: $556 – $636
- Truck & travel fee: $139 – $159
Estimated Total: $695 – $795
Scenario:
A family is moving from a 2-bedroom condo in SE Calgary to a townhouse and requests full packing services and packing supplies.
Details:
- Packing crew: 3 packers
- Packing time: ~5 hours
- Packing labour rate: $179–$199/hr
- Packing supplies: $400 – $650
- Moving crew: 3 movers + truck
- Moving time: ~6 hours
- One-time truck & travel fee: 1 hourly rate
Estimated Total Cost: $2,545 – $3,039
Long-Distance Moving from Calgary Cost Guide 2026
Long-distance moves require more planning, fuel, equipment, and coordination than local moves. For relocations within Alberta or to another province, pricing is typically based on a flat transportation rate combined with loading and unloading labour, rather than simple hourly billing.
Because distance, volume, timing, and access all vary, long-distance movers Calgary always require individual, route-based estimates.
The estimates below reflect professional long-distance service for average households (1–3 bedrooms). Prices include transportation and standard loading/unloading. Packing, storage, and specialty items are not included.
Within Alberta
| Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary → Edmonton | ~300 km | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Calgary → Red Deer | ~150 km | $1,900 – $3,200 |
| Calgary → Lethbridge | ~210 km | $2,100 – $3,500 |
| Calgary → Medicine Hat | ~295 km | $2,400 – $4,100 |
| Calgary → Fort McMurray | ~780 km | $3,800 – $6,200 |
Within Alberta
| Route | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary → Vancouver | ~970 km | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| Calgary → Kelowna | ~600 km | $4,500 – $7,200 |
| Calgary → Victoria | ~1,050 km | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| Calgary → Regina | ~760 km | $4,800 – $7,500 |
| Calgary → Saskatoon | ~850 km | $5,200 – $8,200 |
| Calgary → Winnipeg | ~1,340 km | $6,800 – $11,000 |
Long-distance pricing reflects the realities of moving across cities and provinces, including dedicated trucks and crews, fuel and highway operating costs, driver hour regulations, increased insurance exposure, and multi-day logistics.
These numbers are meant to help you budget realistically, not replace a proper estimate. Any reputable long-distance moving company will assess your inventory, distance, and logistics before providing a final price — ensuring accurate, transparent pricing and a smooth long-distance move.
What Affects Your Moving Cost?
No two moves are exactly the same, which means moving costs can vary from one household to another. Your total moving cost is influenced by several key factors, including:
Home Size & Volume of Belongings
The more furniture, boxes, and personal items you have, the more time and coordination your move will require. Larger homes or fuller households generally take longer to pack, load, and unload.
Crew Size & Total Hours Needed
Bigger moves often require a larger moving team to stay efficient and safe. More movers and longer working hours naturally affect the overall cost.
Timing of Your Move
Moving during high-demand periods such as weekends, month-end dates, and the summer season can impact availability and pricing. Booking during off-peak times may offer more flexibility.
Access to the Property
Easy access to both the pickup and delivery locations plays a big role in how long a move takes. Tight streets, limited parking, long distances from the entrance to the truck, narrow hallways, or difficult building layouts can slow the process and increase the total time required. Clear, convenient access helps movers work more efficiently and keeps your moving cost lower.
Additional Services Requested
Services such as packing and unpacking, specialty item handling, or additional preparation work can add to the total cost but often help reduce stress and save time on moving day.
Understanding these factors ahead of time makes it easier to plan your budget, compare estimates accurately, and avoid unexpected costs.
While moving is an investment, there are several smart ways to keep your costs under control without sacrificing quality or peace of mind. Here are a few practical tips to help reduce your moving bill:
- Pack ahead of time
Having boxes packed and ready before moving day can significantly reduce the number of hours movers spend on-site, which directly lowers your total cost.
- Choose mid-week or mid-month dates
Moving demand is typically higher on weekends, month-ends, and during peak summer months. Scheduling your move during quieter periods often means better availability and more flexibility.
- Downsize before you move
The fewer items you move, the faster the job can be completed. Donating, selling, or discarding unwanted belongings before moving day can make a noticeable difference in both time and cost.
- Request detailed estimates
Make sure your quote clearly outlines crew size, estimated time, and what services are included. Comparing detailed estimates helps you understand pricing and avoid unexpected charges.
Planning ahead and understanding how moving costs are calculated can go a long way toward making your move more efficient and budget-friendly.
Moving costs in Calgary don’t have to be confusing — as long as you know what goes into the price. From home size and timing to access, distance, and additional services, every move is priced based on real factors that affect time and logistics. The most important takeaway for 2026 is this: transparent pricing and detailed estimates matter more than ever.
Whether you’re planning a local Calgary move, a long-distance move within Alberta, or relocating to another province, working with a reputable moving company that clearly explains costs, inclusions, and potential extras helps you avoid surprises and stay in control of your budget.
At Paramount Moving, we believe an informed move is a better move. Use this guide to compare quotes confidently, ask the right questions, and plan ahead. When you’re ready, a personalized estimate will give you the most accurate picture of your moving cost — and set the foundation for a smooth, well-organized move in 2026 and beyond.
