Leaving NYC? What You Need To Know About NYC Moving Costs and Options

If you’re thinking about NYC moving costs, you’re not alone. Over the last few years, there’s been an exodus of people leaving NYC that’s been hard to ignore. From April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, New York decreased in population by 365,336, losing more residents than ever before and any other state. And as recently as 2022, NYC has continued to see a significant population drop. 

It probably comes as no surprise that although New York City may be one of the greatest cities in the world, it’s also one of the most expensive. In fact, two of New York City’s five boroughs ranked in Kiplinger’s top 10 list of the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. — with Manhattan beating San Francisco and Honolulu for the #1 spot. 

As the gig economy grows, and more jobs offer remote work options, many New Yorkers are questioning the payoff for the city’s high cost of living. Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic has left a fair share of New Yorkers reassessing if they’d rather be living in bigger, greener, and cheaper spaces. That may just mean moving to nearby NYC suburbs, fleeing somewhere in-state like Kingston or Hudson, or taking the plunge with an out-of-state or cross-country move. 

Whichever move you’ve decided to make, don’t fret! You’ve got several options to get it done. Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the best moving and storage services for your NYC move, including estimated moving costs and pros and cons.

Things to Work Out Before Looking at Your Moving Options

Finding the best method for your move will depend on a combination of the size, distance, budget, location, and timing of the move you’re dealing with. A few important things to keep at the front of your mind while you’re figuring out your best options:

• How much stuff do you need to move?
• How quickly do you need to move? Is your timeline flexible?
• Will you need or want storage at any point during the move?
• How much work do you feel like doing on your own? Will any friends or family lend you a hand with moving or packing?
• What's your ideal budget for NYC moving costs? What's your maximum budget?
• How much does moving cost in NYC, based on apartment size?
• Are you moving out of an urban area that has parking restrictions?

NYC Moving Options

New York City is dense, streets can get busy and narrow, and not all neighborhoods will allow you the same moving options. The exact options available to you will probably depend heavily on the specifics of your move and your location. Still, never fear, people move in and out of NYC every day. Here are some of the ways they get it done:

• DIY rental truck
• Moving and storage container service
• Moving and storage container service specialized for city moves
• Traditional full-service mover
• A combo of the above

NYC Moving Costs

Let’s take a quick glance at some estimates that compare costs for different NYC moving and storage services. Since New York City apartments are notoriously small, we’ve based our estimates on a household size ranging from a studio to two-bedroom apartment. These are just rough estimates as NYC moving costs differ, so be sure to collect tailored quotes for your specific move as you consider your options. Below are estimated moving costs for local and long-distance moves using different moving services. 

Local NYC Moving Cost Estimates* (Brooklyn to Manhattan):

Long-Distance NYC Moving Cost Estimates* (NYC to Tampa, FL):

Whether you’re going somewhere in state, out of state, or cross-country, moving out of a dense city like NYC comes with its own considerations (like street width and parking restrictions, for starters). Here’s how your different moving options stack up against each other in terms of price, pros, and cons.

Q: How expensive is it to move in NYC?
A: If you’re moving to NYC, the cost of moving will vary based on your origin location, number of boxes and furniture, and how many bedrooms your new NYC home will have. If you’re moving cross-country with a ton of boxes/furniture and are moving into a two-bedroom versus one, then you’ll likely pay a higher price than someone who is just moving from a studio in one NYC neighborhood to another, for instance. Also, if you don’t have an elevator, that’ll cost you more, too!

Using a Truck Rental for an NYC 

When it comes to using a moving truck rental, most of us know the drill. You pack up all your stuff, rent a moving truck, load up the truck, drive to your new location, and then unload and unpack your stuff. While this is usually the cheapest option, it’s also the most work. However, if you’re on a strict budget and don’t want to exceed your NYC moving costs, it may be worth committing to the fact you’ll have to do all the work yourself (and probably call in favors from friends and family for help). You can usually grab a quote for your move and book online through the rental truck company’s website. 

How much does it cost for a moving truck rental in NYC?

Estimated Cost** for a Moving Truck Rental in NYC:

• Local Move (Brooklyn to Manhattan): $39 – $102 (plus fuel costs and other fees)
• Nearby Move From Out-of-State (NYC to Philadelphia: $135 – $192 (plus fuel costs)
• Cross-Country Move (NYC to Tampa): $1,056 – $1,494 (plus fuel costs)

What are the pros and cons of using a rental a truck to move out of NYC?

Pros of Using a Rental Truck

• Usually the cheapest option, especially for small, nearby moves
• Flexible moving schedule (based on availability of the rental truck)
• Easy to price and book online

Cons of Using a Rental Truck

• You have to do all the work yourself
• You will likely have to ask friends or family to help
• You have to do all the driving (and parking!) yourself
• No storage option available

NYC Storage and Moving Container Options: PODS and PODS City Service

If you’re looking for flexibility, a portable moving container service like PODS is likely your best bet. PODS’ options are ideal for anyone who wants to move at their own pace, store their things for a while, or have a less stressful moving experience without breaking the bank. 

Depending where you are and where you’re moving, you’ll either need to check pricing for PODS standard service or PODS City Service costs. For local moves, you can get a quote online or by phone. For long-distance moves, you need to call (877-665-7637), as there are a few more details to cover. Either way, you’ll also receive a written version of your quote via email. For a PODS moving container cost, read about which container size you’ll need based on your type of move. 

You’ve got three different options if you use PODS service. Here’s a rundown of them all.

PODS Standard Service — How it Works

This is the traditional PODS service that’s designed for people who have a space  — like a driveway, yard, or special permits for street parking — where they can store a portable moving container overnight.

What You Can Expect With PODS Standard Service:

PODS City Service — How it Works

What You Can Expect With PODS City Service:

Mix and Match: Customize Your Move By Combining Services

Since no two moves are alike, you can create your own custom move by picking and choosing different services to meet your needs. For example, if you’re moving from the city to a location with more space, you might use PODS City Service when loading up your moving container in New York City, but then take advantage of unloading at your own pace while storing it on site at your new location. Since this type of move has a few more details, you should be prepared to hop on the phone for a quote.

Other Popular Hybrid Moves Include:

Q: How much do movers cost per hour in NYC?
A: You can expect to pay at least $50-$100 per hour for an insured mover. However; hourly moving cost rates in NYC vary, and many companies have a minimum rate or flat fee based on different factors (like how many boxes and bedrooms you have).

How Much Does it Cost to Use a PODS Moving Container for an NYC Move?*

• Local (Brooklyn to Manhattan): $495 – $1,899
• Long-distance (NYC to Tampa): $2,295 – $4,012

_{*Based on estimates for PODS and PODS City Service for a moderately furnished studio to 2-bedroom household. Costs don’t include insurance or taxes. Prices will vary based on specific location, dates, size of household to be moved, and available discounts. For a detailed quote, visit PODS for standard local moves or call 877-350-7637 for PODS City Service or long-distance moves.}

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Moving Container Service to Move Out of NYC?

Pros of Moving with PODS

Cons of Moving with PODS

Hiring a Traditional, Full-Service NYC Mover

Going with a full-service mover will leave you with the least amount of hard work, but that luxury will cost you a pretty penny. This is the most expensive option, whether it’s for a local, out-of-state, or cross-country move. However, for some people, hiring professional movers to do all the work — load up your things, drive them to your new location, and unload them for you — is worth the big NYC moving cost expense. Some full-service movers also offer an option where they will pack and unpack your boxes, too (for an extra fee, of course!). 

You can get quotes from local NYC moving companies and national moving companies either online or by calling them up on the phone. You can also use this guide to find the best moving company in NYC. Be sure to ask if they are insured, about any hidden fees, what they provide (dollies, moving blankets, etc.), and any additional services they may offer.

How much does it cost to hire a full-service mover in NYC?***

Local (Brooklyn to Manhattan): $455 – $1,751
Long-distance (NYC to Tampa): $2,525 – $6,825
_{***Based on estimates from MoveBuddha for a studio to 2-bedroom household. Costs don’t include insurance or taxes. Prices will vary based on specific location, dates, size of household to be moved, and available discounts.} 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Traditional, Full-Service Mover to Move Out of NYC?

Pros of Using Full-Service Movers

Cons of Using Full-Service Movers

Moving Tips: Things You Need to Know When You're Moving in NYC

This is a city like no other — and that remains true even when you’re moving in New York City! Running into unwanted surprises during your move can turn a stressful day into a chaotic one. Here are a few key considerations to get you started:

Want more? We’ve got a whole collection of tips and tricks for NYC moves on the PODS Blog. Moving may be a challenge, but with solid prep and resources, you’ve got this!

After living in Brooklyn for eight years, freelance writer Alex Keight was in the process of moving out of New York City as she wrote this. Her work has also appeared in Travel & Leisure, Lonely Planet, and Edible Manhattan.