Removalist costs in Australia (2026)
A truck with two movers usually costs $120 to $180 per hour. A local move of a 3-bedroom home comes to about $920 to $2,300. Interstate moves cost a lot more and are quoted as one price. Below you see what removalists charge and what changes the price.
Hourly rates for a local move
Most removalists charge by the hour within the same city. The clock often starts when the truck leaves the depot, so travel time counts too.
| City | 2 movers + truck, per hour |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $120 to $200 |
| Melbourne | $114 to $190 |
| Perth | $115 to $175 |
| Australia overall | $100 to $180 |
Most removalists charge a minimum of 2 hours.
Local and interstate moves compared
| Move | Guide price, incl. GST |
|---|---|
| 3-bedroom home, local | $920 to $2,300 |
| 3-bedroom home, interstate | $3,000 to $8,000 |
For interstate moves, ask about backloading: your goods share a truck with other moves. It is cheaper, but you have less choice of dates.
What makes a move more expensive
These things often add to the price:
- Stairs, a lift or a long carry from the truck to the door
- Heavy items like a piano, a pool table or a safe
- Packing by the removalists, and packing materials
- Storage between moving out and moving in
- Moving in December, January or the school holidays, when removalists are busiest
- Transit insurance, which is often separate
Frequently asked questions about removalist costs
How much do removalists cost per hour?
Usually $120 to $180 per hour for a truck with two movers. Sydney is at the top of that range.
What does an interstate move cost?
For a 3-bedroom home, usually $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the volume, the distance and the dates.
Is backloading cheaper?
Yes. With backloading your goods share a truck with other moves, so you pay for less space. You get less choice of moving dates.
How can I save on removalist costs?
Compare quotes from a few removalists, pack the boxes yourself, have everything ready when the truck arrives, and avoid the busy summer months.
Average prices including GST, from several price guides. Checked in October 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
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