Cost guide · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Moving cost in Dallas in 2026
A local 2-bedroom move in Dallas runs $800 to $2,300 in 2026 — median around $1,200 for three movers and five hours. Dallas is an apartment town, and the complex you are moving into sets more of the schedule than the mover does: reserved elevators, insurance certificates, and move-in fees are all standard here.
Typical range
$800 – $2,300
~$1,200 for a 2-BR local move · 3 movers, ~5 hrs
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $450 – $825 | 2 movers, 3 hrs |
| 2-BR apartment | $1,000 – $1,600 | 3 movers, 4–6 hrs |
| 3-BR house | $1,600 – $2,700 | 4 movers, 6–9 hrs |
| Hourly reference | $110 – $190 / hr | 2-mover $110–150 · 3-mover $150–190 |
What swings the price
- Apartment move-in requirements — reserved elevators, certificates of insurance, and non-refundable move-in fees.
- Uptown and Victory Park towers with narrow loading dock windows.
- Summer heat from June through September, which pushes crews to early starts.
- End-of-month lease turnover, which is the tightest booking window every month.
Dallas specifics
Dallas has one of the highest concentrations of large apartment complexes in the country, and nearly all of them run their own move-in process: a reserved elevator inside a set window, a certificate of insurance naming the property management company, and a move-in fee that is separate from your deposit and usually non-refundable. None of that is the mover's money, but all of it is the mover's schedule. Get the leasing office's move-in packet the day you sign and forward it before you book a date.
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FAQs
How much do movers cost per hour in Dallas?
$110–$150/hr for two movers with a truck and $150–$190/hr for three, plus a trip fee of $75–$150. Most companies hold a two- or three-hour minimum.
What is an apartment move-in fee and do I pay the mover?
It is a charge from the property, not the mover, typically $150–$400 and usually non-refundable. It covers elevator reservation and common-area protection. Budget it separately — it surprises people who assumed the deposit covered everything.
Why do Dallas complexes require a certificate of insurance?
To confirm the mover carries liability and workers' compensation coverage before anyone works in their building. Established movers issue one on request within a day. Budget crews and brokers often cannot, which is the most common reason a Dallas move gets turned away at the gate.
When is the cheapest time to move in Dallas?
December through February, mid-month, mid-week. Rates run 15–20% below the June-to-August peak and you can book a Saturday on short notice. The worst slot is the last three days of any summer month.
Should I get quotes from Fort Worth movers too?
Worth doing if you are on the western side of the metroplex. Hourly billing includes drive time from the yard, so a crew based near you usually beats one crossing the metroplex — and the reverse holds for a Fort Worth move.
Sources
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Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 14, 2026.