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How Much Does Long-Distance Moving Cost in Canada? Real 2026 Prices

UrbanMatter Staff
Canada moving company

Moving across Canada isn’t cheap, and if you’re reading this, you probably already suspected that. But between the vague online estimates and the moving companies that won’t give you a straight answer until you’ve filled out seventeen forms, it’s hard to know what you’re actually going to pay.

Let me cut through the BS: In 2026, long-distance moves in Canada typically cost between $4,000 and $12,000. But that’s a huge range, and the final number depends on a bunch of factors that moving companies don’t always explain clearly.

Here’s everything you actually need to know about long-distance moving costs in Canada, without the sales pitch.

What Counts as “Long-Distance” Moving in Canada?

If you’re moving more than 150-200 kilometers or crossing provincial borders, you’re in long-distance territory. This isn’t like hiring a couple of guys with a truck for a few hours—this is the full production.

Long-distance moves typically include:

Unlike local moves where you pay by the hour, long-distance movers charge based on distance, weight, volume, and the level of service you choose. That’s why quotes vary so much between companies.

Real Long-Distance Moving Costs Across Canada

Let’s talk actual numbers. Here’s what Canadians are paying for common long-distance moves in 2026:

Vancouver to Calgary (~1,000 km)

For more information on current rates you can also contact a Vancouver long distance moving company and ask for their current rates, to get the most accurate costs for your situation.

Toronto to Halifax (~1,800 km)

Edmonton to Winnipeg (~1,300 km)

Montreal to Ottawa (~200 km)

Real Example: Surrey to Kelowna

A 3-bedroom home moving from Surrey, BC to Kelowna (about 400 km) costs around $5,258 before taxes in 2026. Add 5% GST, and you’re looking at about $5,500 total.

That’s for standard service—loading, transport, and unloading. Want them to pack everything? Add another $1,000-$1,500.

What Actually Determines Your Moving Cost?

Moving companies calculate prices based on several factors, and understanding them helps you avoid surprises.

1. Distance (Obviously)

The farther you’re going, the more you’re paying. A 1,000 km move costs significantly more than a 200 km move because of fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear.

But here’s the thing—distance isn’t always linear. Moving 500 km through the Rockies costs more than 500 km across the prairies because of terrain and fuel consumption.

2. How Much Stuff You Have

Movers care about two things: weight and volume.

More stuff = more space in the truck = potentially needing a bigger truck = higher cost.

A 2-bedroom condo with minimal furniture? Cheaper. A 4-bedroom house where you’ve accumulated 20 years of belongings? Expensive.

This is why every legitimate moving company will want to see your stuff before giving you a firm quote. If they’re quoting you without seeing what you’re moving, that’s a red flag.

3. Access Issues

Does your current place have stairs? Is there an elevator? How far is the parking from your front door? All of this matters.

Long carry fees are real. If movers have to walk 100+ feet from the truck to your door, they’ll charge extra. Same goes for stairs, tight hallways, and tricky loading dock situations.

Condo buildings in Toronto and Vancouver often have strict elevator reservation requirements, which can add scheduling headaches and potential fees.

4. Time of Year

Want to move in July? Get ready to pay premium prices.

Summer (May-August) is peak moving season. Everyone wants to move when the weather is nice and kids are out of school. Supply and demand means higher prices.

Winter (November-February) is the cheapest time to move. Fewer people want to deal with snow and cold, so moving companies drop prices to fill their schedules.

Spring and Fall are middle ground—decent weather, moderate pricing.

If you have flexibility on timing, moving in late September or early October can save you 15-20% compared to peak summer rates.

5. Packing Services

Most quotes assume you’re packing everything yourself. If you want professionals to pack your entire house, add $500-$2,000 depending on home size.

What’s included in professional packing:

What you could do instead: Pack clothes, books, and non-fragile items yourself. Hire movers to handle kitchen, glassware, and electronics. This hybrid approach saves money while protecting your most vulnerable items.

6. Storage

Need to move out before your new place is ready? Temporary storage costs $100-$300 per month depending on how much space you need.

Some moving companies offer integrated storage as part of their service. Your stuff gets loaded onto the truck, stored in their warehouse, then delivered when you’re ready. It’s convenient but usually more expensive than renting your own storage unit.

The Hidden Fees That Inflate Your Final Bill

This is where moving companies get you. The base quote looks reasonable, then suddenly you’re paying $2,000 more than expected.

Fuel Surcharges

Many movers add a fuel surcharge that fluctuates with gas prices. In 2026, with fuel prices elevated across Canada, expect an additional 3-8% on top of your base quote.

Some companies include this in their initial estimate. Others list it as a separate line item that changes based on current fuel costs.

Long Carry Fees

If movers have to carry your stuff more than 75-100 feet from the truck to your door, you’ll get charged extra. This is common in apartment buildings with distant parking or houses with long driveways.

Typical charges: $50-$150 per location (origin and destination)

Shuttle Fees

If the moving truck can’t access your street (too narrow, weight restrictions, no parking), they have to use a smaller shuttle vehicle. This adds time and labor, which means higher costs.

Urban areas with narrow streets and older neighborhoods with tight corners are most vulnerable to shuttle fees.

Stair Fees

Moving companies often charge per flight of stairs. If you’re in a third-floor walkup with no elevator, expect additional charges.

Typical range: $50-$100 per flight of stairs

Disassembly and Reassembly

Taking apart beds, removing table legs, dismounting TVs—movers will do it, but they’ll charge for it.

Typical cost: $100-$300 depending on how much furniture needs work

Insurance Upgrades

Basic liability coverage is usually included (around $0.60 per pound of damaged items), but that’s not enough if something expensive breaks.

Full replacement value insurance costs extra—usually 1-2% of your total shipment value. So if you’re moving $50,000 worth of belongings, full insurance runs $500-$1,000.

Last-Minute Changes

Changed your moving date with less than 48 hours notice? Some companies charge rescheduling fees of $100-$300.

Strict cancellation policies are standard. Read them before signing anything.

Regional Price Differences Across Canada

Where you’re moving from (and to) significantly affects cost. Here’s what to expect in different regions:

British Columbia

Most expensive province for moving. Higher labor costs, expensive fuel, and challenging terrain (mountains) drive prices up.

Vancouver moves often include additional fees for tight access, elevator bookings, and parking permits. Even getting a moving truck into downtown Vancouver can be a logistical nightmare.

Ontario

Competitive market with lots of options. Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton have dozens of moving companies, which keeps prices relatively reasonable.

But Toronto condo moves come with their own headaches—elevator reservations, building insurance requirements, and strict moving time windows. Some buildings only allow moves on weekdays, which can affect pricing.

Quebec

Lower average rates compared to BC and Ontario. The moving industry in Quebec is competitive, which benefits consumers.

One potential issue: if you don’t speak French, communication with some Quebec-based movers can be challenging. Make sure language won’t be a barrier before booking.

Alberta

Moderate pricing, but weather is a wildcard. Winter moves in Alberta can be delayed by snowstorms and extreme cold, which may affect delivery timelines.

Calgary and Edmonton have good moving infrastructure, making logistics relatively straightforward.

Atlantic Canada

Lower demand means lower prices in general, but fewer moving companies operate in the region. Getting quotes for moves to/from Atlantic provinces can take longer.

Prairies (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)

Some of the most affordable long-distance moving in Canada. Flat terrain, lower labor costs, and good highway infrastructure keep prices down.

How to Save Money on Your Long-Distance Move

Moving is expensive, but you don’t have to overpay. Here’s how to keep costs under control:

1. Declutter Ruthlessly

Every box you don’t move saves money. Long-distance moving charges are based partly on weight and volume, so getting rid of stuff you don’t need directly reduces your cost.

What to dump:

Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Donate the rest. Your moving bill will thank you.

2. Book Early

Last-minute bookings cost more. If you can book your move 6-8 weeks in advance, you’ll get better rates and more scheduling flexibility.

Summer dates fill up fast. If you’re moving between June and August, book even earlier—12 weeks ahead isn’t unreasonable.

3. Avoid Peak Season

If you have any flexibility on timing, avoid May through August. Moving in September, October, or even November can save you 15-20% compared to peak summer pricing.

Yes, winter moving has challenges, but if you’re moving between major cities with well-maintained highways, it’s usually manageable.

4. Use a Hybrid Approach

Full-service moving (they pack, load, transport, unload, unpack) is convenient but expensive. You can save money by doing some of the work yourself:

What you do:

What movers do:

This hybrid approach typically saves $500-$1,500 compared to full-service.

5. Compare Multiple Quotes

Never book with the first company you contact. Get at least three detailed quotes from licensed movers.

Make sure each quote includes:

Beware of quotes that seem way lower than others—lowball estimates often come with surprise charges later.

6. Use Price Comparison Tools

Websites like MovingWaldo and Tingsapp let you compare quotes from multiple moving companies at once. They’re free to use and can save you hours of calling around.

These platforms also show reviews and company ratings, which helps you avoid scam artists and unreliable movers.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

The moving industry has plenty of legitimate professionals, but it also has scammers. Here’s what to avoid:

No In-Home Estimate

If a company gives you a quote without seeing what you’re moving, that’s a problem. Accurate estimates require visual inspection—either in-person or via video call.

Cash-Only Payments

Legitimate moving companies accept credit cards and checks. If someone insists on cash only, especially before the move is complete, walk away.

No License or Insurance

In Canada, interprovincial movers need federal licensing. Ask for their carrier code and verify it on the Canadian Association of Movers website.

Vague Contracts

Read everything before signing. A legitimate contract should specify:

If anything is unclear, ask questions. If they won’t give you straight answers, find another company.

Holding Your Stuff Hostage

Some scam movers load your belongings, then demand more money before delivering. This is illegal, but it happens. Protect yourself by:

The Bottom Line on Long-Distance Moving Costs in Canada

Moving across Canada in 2026 costs $4,000-$12,000 depending on distance, home size, and services you choose.

Key takeaways:

Long-distance moving is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With proper planning, clear communication with movers, and realistic budgeting, you can relocate across Canada without breaking the bank or losing your mind.

Good luck with your move. And seriously—start decluttering now. You’ll thank me later.

Quick Reference: Moving Cost Calculator

Basic Formula:

Example Calculation (Toronto to Montreal, 3-bedroom house, 600 km):

 

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