Cost guide · Updated Aug 7, 2026
Moving cost in Seattle in 2026
A local 2-bedroom move in Seattle runs $1,000 to $2,500 in 2026 — median around $1,500 with a three-mover crew. Capitol Hill stairs, hills, and SDOT parking permits shape the estimate as much as square footage. Off-season (Oct–Feb) discounts are real: 10–25%.
Typical range
$1,000 – $2,500
~$1,500 for a 2-BR local move · 3 movers, 5–7 hrs
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $550 – $1,000 | 2 movers, 3–5 hrs |
| 2-BR apartment | $1,200 – $2,200 | 3 movers, 5–7 hrs |
| 3-BR | $2,200 – $3,600 | 4 movers, 7–9 hrs |
| Hourly reference | $130 – $185 / hr | 2 movers + truck |
What swings the price
- Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Fremont stairs and hills — real slowdowns.
- SDOT temporary "no parking" permits for the truck (~$25–$50 + 3 business days lead).
- Weekend premium.
- Off-season discount (October to February) — 10–25% below peak.
Seattle specifics
SDOT parking permits for the moving truck are technically required on most Seattle residential streets and take three business days to post. Reputable movers price them in and pull them for you; low-ball quotes almost always skip the fee and get bumped on move day when a neighbor complains or the truck can't find a legal spot within 50 feet.
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FAQs
How much do Seattle movers cost per hour?
$130–$185/hr for a 2-mover crew with a truck. Most companies enforce a 2-hour minimum plus a one-hour "double drive time" charge (a WA state regulation on local moves).
What is Seattle's "double drive time" rule?
WA state requires local movers to bill the drive time between your two addresses at 2×. So a 30-minute drive from origin to destination shows on your invoice as 1 hour of labor. It sounds shady but it's the law — every legit WA mover charges it. Ask any mover who doesn't why.
Do I need a parking permit for a Seattle move?
Almost always, yes — SDOT requires a temporary "no parking" permit on residential streets so the truck has a legal spot. It costs ~$25–$50, takes 3 business days to post, and reputable movers handle it as part of the estimate. If a mover doesn't mention it, ask.
When is the cheapest time to move in Seattle?
October through February — off-season rates run 10–25% below summer peak. Weekday afternoons are cheapest inside the off-season. Avoid September 1st (student turnover in the U-District) and end-of-month at all costs.
How much extra do stairs and hills add to a Seattle move?
Stairs are usually baked into hourly rates rather than itemized, but a 3rd-floor walk-up in Capitol Hill or a hill-to-driveway carry on Queen Anne can add 1–2 hours of crew time — real dollars at $150+/hr.
Sources
Related cost guides
Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 7, 2026.