How Much Does It Cost to Move House in Australia?

A local move with removalists usually costs $250 to $900 for a one-bedroom place and $600 to $2,200 for a three-bedroom home. Interstate moves between major cities typically run $1,650 to $3,850. Then add the costs people forget: a new bond, end-of-lease cleaning, packing materials and connection fees.

Here's a full breakdown so you can budget for the whole move, not just the truck.

Removalist costs for a local move

Most removalists charge by the hour. Expect $90 to $300 an hour for two movers and a truck.

• Studio or 1 bedroom: $250 to $900
• 2 bedrooms: $400 to $1,300
• 3 bedrooms: $600 to $2,200
• 4+ bedrooms: $1,000 to $2,700+

Typical totals for a weekday move under about 30 km, with no packing service. Source: Finder, cost of moving house, prices as at October 2026.

Interstate removalist costs

• Sydney to Melbourne: $1,650 to $1,900
• Sydney to Brisbane: $2,000 to $2,400
• Melbourne to Perth: $2,700 to $3,150
• Melbourne to Brisbane: $2,750 to $3,200
• Sydney to Perth: $2,950 to $3,450
• Brisbane to Perth: $3,050 to $3,600
• Melbourne to Hobart: $3,250 to $3,850

Typical prices for an average-sized booking. Source: Finder, October 2026.

The other costs of moving

• New rental bond: often four weeks' rent. On a $600-a-week rental, that's $2,400, plus rent in advance.
• End-of-lease cleaning: $300 to $425 for one bedroom, up to $550 to $700 for four bedrooms, plus about $55 to $225 for carpet steam cleaning.
• Packing materials: $150 to $200 for a 1 to 2 bedroom home, or $300 to $350 for 3 to 4 bedrooms.
• Professional packing: $150 to $350 for a partial pack, or $400 to $800 for a full pack.
• Electricity and gas connection: often $0 to $150 each, depending on your network.
• Storage: $200 to $400 a month, if your dates don't line up.

Example: moving a 2-bedroom rental across town

• Removalists: $900
• Packing materials: $175
• End-of-lease cleaning at the old place: $400
• Connections: $150
• New bond, four weeks at $550: $2,200
• Two weeks' rent in advance: $1,100
• Total: $4,925

An illustrative example only. You'll usually get most of your old bond back, but often not until after you've paid the new one.

7 ways to cut the cost of moving

1. Move midweek and mid-month. Weekends and end-of-month dates are the busiest and often the dearest.
2. Get at least three quotes, and check whether they're fixed price or hourly.
3. Declutter first. Every box you sell or give away is time you don't pay for.
4. Pack yourself and collect free boxes from supermarkets or local groups.
5. Have everything packed and ready before the truck arrives, so you're not paying movers to wait.
6. Book your clean early and ask if they offer a bond-back guarantee.
7. Check for a bond loan. Most states offer interest-free bond help for eligible renters. See our guides for NSW, Queensland, Victoria and WA.

Breaking a lease to move? Our guide on what it costs to break a lease explains the fees in each state.

When moving costs all land at once

The tricky part is timing: you often pay the new bond before the old one comes back. If you need help bridging the gap, Jingle's rent and bond loans range from $500 to $10,000, with no early repayment fees, so you can pay it off when your old bond is refunded. Only borrow if the repayments fit your budget. Approval is not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How much do removalists charge per hour?

Usually $90 to $300 an hour for two movers and a truck. Rates are higher on weekends and at the end of the month.

How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?

A local move typically costs $600 to $2,200 with removalists, before packing, cleaning and bond costs.

How much does an interstate move cost?

Typically $1,650 to $3,850 between major cities, depending on the route and how much you're moving.

What's the cheapest way to move house?

Move midweek, declutter first, pack yourself and get several quotes. For small moves, hiring a van and asking friends can be cheaper still.

What costs do people forget when moving?

The new bond and rent in advance, end-of-lease cleaning, connection fees and a few nights of takeaway while the kitchen's in boxes.

Sources

• Finder: How much does it cost to move house? 2026 guide (prices as at October 2026)