Transparent method
The formula
Worked example
Example inputs
How to interpret the result
A move costs more than the truck. Transport of $6,000, housing deposits and closing costs of $5,000, travel of $1,500, three months of overlapping housing at $3,000 and $2,500 to set up the new place total $18,000 of gross cost. An employer reimbursement of $4,000 leaves about $14,000 of cash you need up front, since reimbursements often arrive later. The overlap and setup lines are the ones most often left out.
Before you rely on it
What to check
Get written quotes for transport and ask which costs the employer pays and when. Add a buffer of 10 to 15 percent for the items you have not thought of.
The common error
Where people go wrong with moving cost calculator
Budgeting only for the move itself. The overlap between two homes and the replacement of items that do not travel are where budgets break.
Sensitivity evidence
How moving and transport changes the net moving cash needed
| Moving and transport | Net moving cash needed | Gross moving cost |
|---|---|---|
| $4,800 | $12,800 | $16,800 |
| $5,400 | $13,400 | $17,400 |
| $6,000worked example | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| $6,600 | $14,600 | $18,600 |
| $7,200 | $15,200 | $19,200 |
Every input, tested
Which input moves the net moving cash needed most
| Input | Tested from | To | Net moving cash needed at each end | Swing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving and transport | $5,400 | $6,600 | $13,400 to $14,600 | $1,200 (8.6%) |
| Housing deposits and closing | $4,500 | $5,500 | $13,500 to $14,500 | $1,000 (7.1%) |
| Employer reimbursement | $3,600 | $4,400 | $14,400 to $13,600 | $800 (5.7%) |
| Housing overlap | $2,700 | $3,300 | $13,700 to $14,300 | $600 (4.3%) |
| Setup and replacement costs | $2,250 | $2,750 | $13,750 to $14,250 | $500 (3.6%) |
| Travel | $1,350 | $1,650 | $13,850 to $14,150 | $300 (2.1%) |
Two variables at once
Net moving cash needed by moving and transport and housing deposits and closing
| Moving and transport \ Housing deposits and closing | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4,800 | $11,800 | $12,800 | $13,800 |
| $5,400 | $12,400 | $13,400 | $14,400 |
| $6,000 | $13,000 | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| $6,600 | $13,600 | $14,600 | $15,600 |
| $7,200 | $14,200 | $15,200 | $16,200 |
Step by step
The worked example, input by input
| Input | Value used |
|---|---|
| Moving and transport | $6,000 |
| Housing deposits and closing | $5,000 |
| Travel | $1,500 |
| Housing overlap | $3,000 |
| Setup and replacement costs | $2,500 |
| Employer reimbursement | $4,000 |
| Net moving cash needed | $14,000 |
| Gross moving cost | $18,000 |
Where the inputs come from
Moving and transport covers movers, truck rental, shipping and fuel. Housing deposits and closing costs include the security deposit, first month's rent or closing costs on a purchase. Travel is the cost of getting people to the new home, housing overlap is paying rent or a mortgage on two places at once, and setup and replacement costs cover furniture, utilities connections and items you do not move. Employer reimbursement offsets part of it. Get quotes from at least three movers.
Using the net moving cash needed in a real decision
A relocation package that is taxable may need a gross-up to be worth what it says.
When the result stops applying
Moving costs run over more often than not, especially with long distances, stairs, storage and last-minute changes, so add a cushion of 10% to 20%. Employer reimbursements are generally taxable income since 2018 except for active-duty military. Overlap costs depend on timing. Insurance, cleaning and lost deposits add up.
What to compare it with
Gross up reimbursements with the payment gross-up calculator, and compare places on the cost of living and job offer comparison pages. The rent affordability and mortgage payment calculators show housing costs at the destination. Save for the move with the sinking fund calculator.
People also ask
Frequently asked questions
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
Not for most people. The federal deduction for moving costs is limited to active-duty military members, and employer reimbursements are generally taxable income.
How much does a move cost?
It varies with distance and volume. Local moves cost hundreds to a few thousand dollars, and long-distance moves can cost several thousand or more.
How can I reduce moving costs?
Move in the off-season and mid-month, declutter before you move, get several quotes, and consider a container or a rental truck instead of full-service movers.