If you’ve started Googling “average moving costs in Miami,” you’ve probably noticed the numbers are all over the place.
One site tells you $300. Another says $2,500. And your friend swears they paid over $5,000 for their move from Brickell to a house in North Miami Beach.
The truth? They can all be right.
I work with moves in Miami every single week at United Prime Van Lines, and I want to walk you through what people actually pay here, why prices vary so much, and how to tell if a quote is fair—or a red flag.
How Miami Moving Prices Are Calculated
Most local moves in Miami (within the metro area—say, from Brickell to North Miami Beach or from Aventura to Downtown) are priced by the hour.
Here is what goes into that hourly rate and total time:
- Number of movers and truck size.
- Stairs, elevators, and long carries.
- Packing services and materials.
- Special items (pianos, safes, fine art).
Average Cost of a Local Move in Miami
When people ask me, “What does a normal move cost?” they usually mean a local move done in one day. Here is what I see most often.
1. Studio or Small 1-Bedroom Apartment
- Setup: 2 movers, 1 truck, 3–5 hours.
- Most Common Range: $500–$800
- Higher End ($1,000): If the building requires a COI, has strict time windows, or includes a long hallway walk.
2. Standard 1–2 Bedroom Apartment
The classic Miami scenario: a high-rise in Brickell or Edgewater.
- Setup: 3 movers, 1 truck, 4–7 hours.
- Most Common Range: $800–$1,400
- Higher End ($1,800): Double elevator usage, disassembly of large sectionals, or adding basic packing.
3. 2–3 Bedroom House
More stuff, easier access, but higher volume.
- Setup: 3–4 movers, 1 large truck, 6–9 hours.
- Most Common Range: $1,400–$2,400
- Higher End ($3,000+): Full garage, heavy oversized furniture, or if full-service packing is included.
What Miami Movers Charge by the Hour
Here are ballpark hourly rates common in Miami as of late 2024:
- 2 Movers + Truck: ~$110–$160 per hour
- 3 Movers + Truck: ~$140–$200 per hour
- 4 Movers + Truck: ~$180–$260 per hour
Rates depend on the day of the week (weekends are pricier) and the season. At United Prime Van Lines, we always spell out the exact rate, minimum hours, and what is included (shrink wrap, tape, pads).
Packing: The Biggest Cost Variable
Two neighbors in the same building can pay completely different amounts because one packed themselves, and the other used professionals.
DIY Packing: You pay for labor only. Full-Service Packing: You wake up and your home is boxed, labeled, and ready.
What it adds in Miami:
- Small Apartment: +$300–$700
- 2-Bedroom: +$600–$1,200
- House: +$1,200–$2,000+
The "Hidden" Fees in Miami Moves
This is where a $900 quote quietly turns into $1,500.
- Long Carry: If the truck can't park close, movers charge extra per 50-75 feet.
- Elevators: If your building only has one slow service elevator, the move takes longer (increasing the hourly cost).
- Specialty Items: Upright pianos, large glass tabletops, and safes require extra manpower and tools.
Realistic Price Scenarios
- Scenario A: Brickell Studio, Self-Packed. Easy access, 4 hours. ~$500–$750.
- Scenario B: Aventura 2-Bed, Partial Packing. We pack the kitchen, you pack clothes. ~$1,100–$1,800.
- Scenario C: Miami House, Standard Volume. Easy access, 8 hours. ~$1,700–$2,500.
- Scenario D: Last-Minute Move. Unpacked, immediate need. If you use our Last-Minute Moving service for a 2-bed, expect $1,500–$2,500.
How to Tell if a Quote is Fair
- Is the rate normal? If someone offers 3 movers for $80/hour total, run. It leads to slow work and surprise fees.
- Did they ask questions? A flat price without asking about your elevator or inventory is a low-ball trap.
- Are extra fees explained? Surprises are for birthdays, not invoices.
Ways to Keep Costs Under Control
- Declutter: Don't pay hourly rates to move a broken dresser.
- Hybrid Packing: Pack your clothes yourself; leave the fragile kitchenware to us.
- Flexible Dates: Moving on a Wednesday mid-month can shave 10-20% off peak Saturday rates.
- Be Honest: Underreporting your inventory to get a cheaper quote backfires when the truck is too small.
The Bottom Line
Most local Miami moves land between $500 and $2,500. Your specific number depends on your building logistics, how much you own, and how much you want to do yourself.
If you want an honest, detailed estimate that reflects your situation—not a generic guess—reach out to United Prime Van Lines. We will look at your Local Moving needs and give you a straight answer.
