How much does it cost to move house in Australia?

The cost of moving house depends on how much you're moving, how far it's going and whether you're renting or buying. The tables below show what each part of a move typically costs, from removalists and packing to utility connections, bond and stamp duty. Prices are as at October 2026.

What does it cost to move house on average?

Moving costs far more for buyers than for renters. Airtasker's 2025 Moving Report, based on desk research and a survey of 1,000 Australians who moved in the past 5 years, puts the average cost of moving at the figures below. The buyer figures include stamp duty, not just the move itself. First home buyer concessions can cut stamp duty to nothing in some states, so you may pay much less.

Typical costs of moving house

Every move is different, but these are the main costs to budget for. Removalist prices come from our guide to removalist costs, which breaks them down by city, home size and route.

Removalist, interstate, DIY and packing costs

Local removalists

For a local move, most removalists charge by the hour for 2 movers and a truck. A bigger home needs a bigger truck and more movers, so the total climbs quickly with the number of bedrooms. Weekends, public holidays and the end of the month usually cost more, because that's when demand is highest.

These are typical removalist totals by home size for a local move under about 30km on a weekday, without packing, as at October 2026:

Our removalist cost guide has hourly rates for each capital city, totals by home size, the extra fees to watch for and how to compare quotes.

Moving interstate

Interstate moves are priced by distance and by how much space your belongings take up in the truck. If you don't need a whole truck, a backload (sharing a truck with other people's belongings) is much cheaper than paying for one to yourself. November to February is the busiest and most expensive time to move interstate.

These prices are as at October 2026, based on Muval booking data from May 2023 to June 2026. They're for average-sized bookings on each route, which range from about 12 to 18 cubic metres.

DIY moves

Doing it yourself is usually cheaper for a small move, and van hire is the main cost (see the costs table above for typical daily rates). The advertised hire rate isn't the full cost, though. Kilometre fees, environmental charges and daily insurance add-ons can double or even triple the cost of a DIY move, and you may also need to hire trolleys and furniture dollies.

DIY works best for small moves, short distances and when you have friends to help. For a family home or a long-distance move, the time and the risk of damaged furniture often outweigh the saving.

The cost isn't the only thing that makes moving hard. According to Finder's Household Report 2026, Australians who've moved in the last 3 years say the physical move itself is the most stressful part, followed by the cost of it all and updating their address everywhere. Setting up energy and internet also makes the list. Renters, who tend to move more often, are even more likely to find the move, the cost and the address changes stressful.

Packing

Packing costs depend on whether you do it yourself or pay a removalist. The costs table above shows typical prices for box kits, bubble wrap and professional packing. A full moving box kit is the simplest way to get everything at once. A 1–2 bedroom kit has around 35 boxes and a 3–4 bedroom kit around 70. You can cut this right down by asking for used boxes on local buy-swap-sell groups or at supermarkets and liquor stores.

If you'd rather not pack at all, most removalists offer a partial or full packing service for an extra fee.

How much does it cost to connect electricity, gas and internet?

When you move in, your energy retailer arranges the connection and passes on the network's fee. For gas, this is usually a special meter reading, and if the gas has been disconnected at the property, there's an extra fee to reconnect the meter. If the home has a smart meter, it can often be switched on remotely for less. Fees are higher for after-hours connections, so book at least a few business days ahead.

Moving is the easiest time to switch energy retailers, because you're setting up a new account anyway. Comparing plans for your new address takes a few minutes and could lower your bills.

Our expert says

"Moving house is a good time to shop around for electricity, gas and internet. Don't just roll over your old plans without checking what's available at your new address. However, make sure to compare electricity and gas usage rates and daily supply charges, rather than just looking at sign-up discounts. For internet, check which providers and connection types are available at your new address, whether that's NBN, 5G home internet or something else. You might find a better deal or faster speeds for a similar price. It's worth spending a little time comparing, as the savings could help cover some of your moving costs."

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

For internet, check whether your plan has a setup fee or a modem fee, and what you'd pay if you leave early or don't return the modem. If you're moving into a brand-new home, nbn may charge a one-off end-user contribution on the first connection. Your provider may pass it on to you, though sometimes a landlord or developer pays it.

These fees are as at October 2026, using Red Energy's published charges as an example:

Our moving house checklist for electricity, gas and internet covers what to set up and when. You can also compare NBN plans for your new address.

Extra and hidden costs for renters, buyers and sellers

Renters

Bond and rent in advance. In NSW, for example, the bond is typically 4 weeks' rent. Most landlords also ask for rent in advance when you sign a new lease. In most states, they can ask for up to 2 weeks' rent, or up to a month in VIC and on fixed-term leases in QLD. You'll usually need to pay the new bond before you get your old one back, so budget for both at once. This is what a 4-week bond and 2 weeks' rent in advance come to at median rents, based on Cotality data from June and early July 2026. In VIC, rent in advance can be up to a month, so budget more in Melbourne:

Bond loans. If you're on a low income, your state government may be able to help with the bond. In NSW, the Rentstart Bond Loan is an interest-free loan that can cover all or part of your bond, and you only repay what you borrow. Check with your state housing authority to see what's available where you live.

End-of-lease cleaning. A professional bond clean costs more for bigger homes. The prices in the costs table are cleaning companies' published fixed prices for a home that's been kept in reasonable condition. Expect to pay more if the home needs extra work, and carpet steam cleaning is usually an add-on. Doing it yourself is cheaper, but check your lease and the condition report so you don't lose part of your bond.

Renters insurance. If you have contents insurance, update your address before you move so your belongings are covered at the new place. Compare renters insurance if you don't have cover yet, and check whether your policy covers goods in transit while you move.

Buyers

Stamp duty is usually the biggest moving cost for buyers. This is the stamp duty on an $800,000 established home in each state and territory, before any first home buyer concessions, as at October 2026. In QLD and the ACT, people buying a home to live in can pay a lower rate:

First home buyers can pay much less stamp duty or none at all, and in most states, people buying or building a new home can also get a First Home Owner Grant. These are the main concessions and grants as at October 2026. Each has eligibility rules, such as living in the home, so check with your state revenue office before you rely on one:

• First home buyer concessions and grants by state

  State	First home buyer stamp duty	First Home Owner Grant
  NSW	No duty on homes up to $800,000, and reduced duty up to $1 million	$10,000 for new homes up to $600,000, or up to $750,000 for house and land
  VIC	No duty on homes up to $600,000, and reduced duty up to $750,000	$10,000 for new homes up to $750,000
  QLD	No duty on established homes up to $700,000, phasing out up to $800,000. No duty on new homes (contracts from 1 May 2025), whatever the price	Up to $30,000 for new homes under $750,000
  WA	No duty on homes up to $600,000, and reduced duty up to $800,000 (from 7 May 2026)	$10,000 for new homes up to $800,000 (south of the 26th parallel)
  SA	No duty on new homes or vacant land to build on, whatever the price. No concession for established homes	Up to $15,000 for new homes
  TAS	No concession (the exemption for established homes isn't available for purchases settling after 30 June 2026)	$20,000 for new homes (until 30 June 2027)
  ACT	No duty for eligible buyers who haven't owned property in the past 5 years, whatever the price or income (Home Buyer Concession Scheme)	None
  NT	No duty on new house and land packages bought from a builder (contracts to 30 June 2027), whatever the price. This exemption isn't limited to first home buyers	$50,000 for new homes, whatever the price (HomeGrown Territory Grant, contracts to 30 September 2027)

In QLD, buyers who sign a contract from 1 August 2026 must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or specified foreign retiree to get either concession.

Buyers also need to budget for conveyancing, building and pest inspections, and loan fees. Our guide to the costs of buying a house breaks these down, and you can compare home loans before you buy.

The costs don't stop at settlement. A higher income doesn't guarantee an easier time with repayments: according to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, Australians in higher-income households were the most likely to say they're struggling to pay their home loan. Budget for your ongoing repayments as well as the upfront costs of buying.

Sellers

If you sell through a real estate agent, you'll pay the agent's commission. In NSW, for example, you can negotiate the commission, fees and other expenses with the agent, and, if your agreement allows it, the agent can ask you to pay for advertising, an auctioneer's fee, cleaning, decorating or landscaping. Before you sign, ask a few agents for a written list of their fees, commission rates and expenses so you can compare them.

Sellers also pay a conveyancer or solicitor. If you're selling one home and buying another, check whether the settlement dates line up, because a gap can mean paying for storage or somewhere to stay in between.

Hidden costs to budget for

Some moving costs are easy to miss because they don't come with a quote:

• Overlap costs. If your old lease or settlement doesn't line up with the new one, you may pay rent or a mortgage on 2 homes for a few days or weeks.
• Storage. If there's a gap between moving out and moving in, you'll need somewhere to keep your belongings.
• Car and pet transport. For an interstate move, transporting a car or pets is quoted separately from your removalist.
• Time off work. Packing, moving and unpacking can take several days, which may mean using leave.

How to cut the cost of moving house

1. Declutter first. Sell or donate what you don't need. Fewer things means a smaller truck, fewer hours and fewer boxes.
2. Move midweek and mid-month. Removalists charge more on weekends and at the end of the month.
3. Get at least 3 quotes and check whether they're hourly or a fixed price.
4. Use a backload for interstate moves if you're flexible on dates.
5. Pack yourself and find free boxes instead of buying a kit.
6. Compare energy and internet at your new address rather than moving your old plan across.
7. Ask for new customer deals. Providers often offer better rates to new customers, and you're one now.
8. Check your car insurance. Premiums are partly based on where you park, so your price may go up or down when you move. Compare car insurance before you renew.
9. Ask your employer whether they cover relocation costs if you're moving for work. If you get a relocation allowance, you'll need to declare it as income in your tax return.
10. Earn rewards for switching. Check Finder Rewards for current offers when you sign up to a new plan.

Frequently asked questions

• How much should I budget to move house?

  Start with the costs table above and add the items that apply to you, such as bond, cleaning and utility connections if you're renting, or stamp duty and conveyancing if you're buying. Allow a buffer for delays, stairs and extras, and remember you may need to pay a new bond before your old one is refunded.

• Is it cheaper to move house yourself?

  Usually, for small and local moves. Once you add kilometre fees, insurance and your own time, the saving shrinks for bigger homes and longer distances. A hybrid approach often works well: move boxes yourself and book removalists for a few hours for the heavy furniture.

• How much does it cost to move house locally?

  It depends mostly on the size of your home and how long the job takes. Most removalists charge by the hour for a local move, so a small apartment may take a few hours while a family home can take a full day. Use the home size table above for typical totals, then add packing, cleaning and connection fees.

• How much does it cost to connect electricity when you move?

  It depends on your electricity network. Your retailer arranges the connection and passes on the network's fee, which is often lower if the home has a smart meter that can be switched on remotely. In VIC, Red Energy doesn't charge a move-in fee during business hours. Book a few business days ahead to avoid after-hours fees.

• Can I claim moving costs on tax?

  No. The ATO says you can't claim a deduction for removal or relocation costs, even if relocating is a condition of your job when you take up a transfer or a new job with a different employer. If your employer gives you an allowance to cover some of your relocation costs, you must declare it as assessable income in your tax return.

• Can I get government help with moving costs?

  Help is limited, but there are a few options. If you get an income support payment or Family Tax Benefit (Part A), you may be able to get part of it early as an advance payment, which you repay from later payments. If you're in Workforce Australia or a similar employment program, your provider may help with relocation costs when you move for a job. Ask them before you move. On a low income, most states offer bond loans, such as Rentstart in NSW, Bond Loans in QLD, Homes Victoria bond loans and Bond Assistance Loans in WA.

• What is the cheapest time to move house?

  Midweek and mid-month and, for interstate moves, outside the November to February peak. Removalists are busiest on weekends and at the end of the month when leases end.

• How far ahead should I book removalists?

  As early as you can, especially for a weekend, the end of the month or an interstate move between November and February. Removalist Grace says booking lead times typically range from 2–4 weeks off-peak to 4–12 weeks in peak seasons, such as the summer holidays and the end of the financial year. Booking early also gives you time to compare at least 3 quotes.