How Much Do Movers Cost in Australia? [2025 Guide]

Moving house is exciting, but let’s be real — it can also be stressful and expensive if you don’t know what to expect. One of the first questions people ask is: “How much do movers cost in Australia?” The answer depends on several factors, from distance to the size of your home, the services you need, and even the time of year.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the average moving costs in Australia, explain why prices vary, and share practical tips to help you budget smartly and save money.

Average Moving Costs in Australia (2025)

Here’s a general idea of what professional removalists charge in Australia today:

Hourly Rates (Local Moves):
- 2 movers + truck: $150–$200 per hour (depending on city and the size of truck).
- 3 movers + larger truck: $200–$270 per hour.
Studio/1-bedroom unit (local, same city): $400–$700.
2–3 bedroom home (local, same city): $800–$1,500.
4+ bedroom home (local, same city): $1,500–$2,500+.
Interstate Moves: $2,000–$10,000 depending on distance, load size, and services.

These are averages — your quote might be lower or higher depending on circumstances.

Factors That Influence Moving Costs

Distance
The longer the distance, the higher the cost — but it’s not just about kilometres. Logistics, road conditions, and demand matter too.
Volume of Goods
Movers usually calculate based on cubic metres (m³). A 1-bedroom unit is around 10–15 m³, while a 4-bedroom house can be 30–50 m³.
Services Required
- Standard move (loading, transport, unloading).
- Packing/unpacking services.
- Disassembly/reassembly of furniture.
- Storage options.
Access Issues
Stairs, narrow driveways, elevators, or long walks from truck to home can increase labour time and cost.
Time of Year & Day of Week
- Weekends and end-of-month are peak times → higher rates.
- Mid-week, mid-month moves are often cheaper.

At Hyper movers we do not charge higher rates for weekends and peek times as we believe in offering fair and transparent pricing no matter when you choose to move.

Local Moving Costs (Within the Same City)

Most local moves are charged hourly. For example:

Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne: $130–$200/hr for 2 movers and a truck.
Adelaide/Perth: often slightly cheaper, $120–$180/hr.

Example:

Moving a 2-bedroom apartment across Sydney (4–5 hours with 2 movers) → $700–$1,000.
Moving a 4-bedroom house across Sydney (8–10 hours with 3 movers) → $2,000–$2,700.

Interstate Moving Costs

This is where people often get confused, because distance doesn’t always equal price. Let’s look at some common interstate routes:

Sydney → Melbourne

Distance: ~880 km.
Cost: $3,000–$5,500 (2–3 bedroom home).

Sydney → Brisbane

Distance: ~900 km.
Cost: $3,200–$5,800 (2–3 bedroom home).

Freight Corridor Volume: Sydney–Melbourne is the busiest route, with high demand and more backloading opportunities, which keeps costs competitive.
Road Conditions: The Hume Highway (Sydney–Melbourne) is smoother, straighter, and more fuel-efficient. The Pacific Highway (Sydney–Brisbane) has more steep sections, roadworks, and bottlenecks.
Backloading Balance: Trucks heading to Melbourne almost always find a return load. Brisbane has fewer guaranteed return jobs, so movers factor in the risk of an empty return trip.
Scheduling & Labor: The Sydney–Brisbane route can eat up more driving hours, increasing labour costs.

Sydney → Perth

Distance: ~3,930 km.
Cost: $7,000–$12,000 (3–4 bedroom home).

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Call-out fees or minimum hours (many companies charge 2–3 hour minimums).
Fuel levies or toll surcharges (especially in Sydney/Brisbane).
Insurance (sometimes optional, but highly recommended).
Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape can add $200–$400).
Storage fees if your new home isn’t ready.

How to Save Money on Your Move

Declutter first → the less you move, the cheaper it is.
Move mid-week/mid-month → avoid peak demand.
Pack yourself → save on packing labour.
Get multiple quotes → don’t settle for the first one.
Consider backloading for interstate moves if your timing is flexible.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do movers cost in Australia? On average:

Local moves: $800–$2,500 depending on home size.
Interstate moves: $3,000–$10,000 depending on distance and services.

The key takeaway: it’s not just about distance — demand, logistics, and road efficiency can make Sydney–Melbourne cheaper than Sydney–Brisbane, even though Melbourne is further away.

✅ Ready to make your move stress-free? At Hyper Movers, we provide competitive quotes, professional packing, and reliable service tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a personalised estimate and let’s get you moving smoothly.