Many people are shocked at how expensive moving can be. Moving locally tends to be the cheapest but if you are moving interstate in Australia, you could be looking at a hefty chunk of money, especially when you factor in all the costs including fuel, accommodation, relocation fees and such. 

Removalists costs tend to be the biggest cost involved in moving. So what can you expect when moving house in Australia? Let’s break it down, shall we? 

Now, remember, this is just a very very basic guideline. We have a moving costs calculator section that allows you to get a more accurate estimate based on your distance and your volume of goods. If you need any assistance with this, you can also request free quotes through Best Rated Transport. Simply put in your move location and date and we’ll do the rest! 

How much does it cost to move locally? 

Local house moves are the least stressful in most instances as you don’t have to worry about that long distance travel. You may even get away with hiring a truck or relying on several friends to assist you with the move. Plus, you may be able to move yourself in a few trips - all of these considerations mean your move may not cost you much. 

Here’s what the average costs to move locally sit around: 

• One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $400 - $1,200
• Four-Bedroom House: Approximately $1,500 - $3,500

How much does it cost to move interstate in Australia? 

Interstate moves are a bit different. You probably won’t want to make more than one trip and you may also look at flying yourself to your new destination rather than driving. This means you could require all sorts of transport, including car transport and furniture removals. 

As a rough guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $250 per cubic metre when moving interstate in Australia. The difference will depend on the distance you are going as well as your location. 

This is the only cost you will pay - there is no hourly rate to load and unload your items. The loading, uploading, fuel and insurance is all included in the cost per cubic metre price.

In general, here are some basic costs to move interstate in Australia: 

Moving with a Removalist

• One-Bedroom Apartment: Costs around $1,200 - $2,500 
• Four-Bedroom House: Typically $4,800 - $10,000

Sometimes you can get the cheapest rates on house moves by looking into backloading. This is something Best Rated Transport can assist you with. 

Moving with a Container

Self pack moves or container transport is the cheapest way to move interstate in Australia. This means that you are in charge of the loading and unloading of the container but the transport company transports it from A to B. 

Many people are unaware that this option even exists and it can actually save you around 50% off the removalists costs. Of course, you will need to do the heavy lifting, but, hey, if you’re willing to put up with sore arms for a few days, you can save a bundle (and buy yourself a portable ice bath). 

• One-Bedroom Apartment: About $1,000 - $2,000 (plus rental fees for the container if hiring)
• Four-Bedroom House: Approximately $2,500 - $5,500

You can check out our moving calculator for more details about moving costs.

Compare BOTH options right here for FREE with Best Rated Transport’s comparison platform. Connect with the Top Rated Transport companies in Australia. We are Australia's Best Rated way to compare prices, read reviews and more.

FAQ: Average Costs for Interstate Removalists in Australia

Q: What are the average costs for interstate removalists in Australia?

A: Interstate removalist costs typically range from $1,400 to $9,500+, depending on home size, distance, and service type. A standard 3-bedroom move costs between $3,500–$6,000, while backloading options can bring this down significantly.

Q: How much does an interstate move cost by home size? 

Answer:

Answer: 

• Sydney ↔ Melbourne: ~$2,800
• Sydney ↔ Brisbane: ~$2,800
• Brisbane ↔ Melbourne: ~$3,200
• Brisbane ↔ Perth: $5,500–$10,000+
• Sydney ↔ Perth: $6,000–$11,000+

Q: What factors affect the cost?

A: Volume of belongings, distance, access difficulty (stairs, narrow streets), time of year (summer and EOFY are peak), packing services, insurance, and special items like pianos or artwork.

Q: What is backloading and how much can it save?

A: Backloading means sharing truck space with other customers on the same route. It can cut costs by up to 50% in exchange for flexible dates and slightly longer transit times.

Q: When is the cheapest time to book?

A: Late autumn and winter (May–August), on weekdays, outside of public holidays. Avoid December–January and June–July (EOFY) for the best rates.

Q: How do I get an accurate quote?

A: Compare verified removalists for free at Best Rated Transport — no credit card required. Have your room count, move dates, and access details ready for the most accurate estimate.

Q: What is the average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane?

A: The average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane varies depending on the destination, home size, and service type selected. As a general guide, a standard 3-bedroom home removal from Brisbane to Sydney averages $2,500 to $5,500, Brisbane to Melbourne $3,000 to $6,500, Brisbane to Adelaide $3,500 to $7,500, and Brisbane to Perth $5,000 to $11,000. These averages are based on a dedicated truck service and will be lower for backloading or self-pack container options. Costs also increase if packing assistance, storage, or specialty item handling is required.Q:

Q: How is the cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane calculated?

A: Interstate removal costs from Brisbane are calculated based on the total volume of goods measured in cubic metres, the distance to the destination, the type of service selected, access conditions at both properties, any additional services required such as packing or storage, and fuel levies applicable at the time of the move. Most removalists provide quotes on a cubic metre rate for interstate moves, so having an accurate inventory of all items to be moved is essential for receiving a realistic price estimate before booking.

Q: Are there ways to reduce the average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane?

A: Yes. The most effective ways to reduce the average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane include opting for backloading instead of a dedicated truck, decluttering and reducing your total cubic metre volume before requesting quotes, choosing a weekday move over a weekend, avoiding peak periods such as end of month, school holidays, and the December to January summer period, packing your own boxes where insurance requirements allow, and comparing at least three verified quotes before committing to a booking.

Q: How does home size affect the average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane?

A: Home size is one of the most significant factors affecting the average cost of an interstate removal from Brisbane. As a general guide, a studio or 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 to $3,500, a 2-bedroom home averages $2,000 to $5,000, a 3-bedroom home averages $2,500 to $6,500, and a 4-bedroom home or larger averages $4,000 to $12,000 or more for an interstate move from Brisbane depending on the destination. Larger homes require bigger trucks, longer loading times, and more crew, all of which contribute to a higher total cost.

Q: How much do professional moving services cost in Sydney?

A: A studio or one-bedroom move typically ranges from $350–$950. A two-bedroom home costs $1,150–$1,520. Three-bedroom house moves average $1,500–$2,500 and four-bedroom homes range from $2,000–$3,500. Get 5+ free itemised quotes instantly at bestratedtransport.com.au — no credit card required.

Q: What is the hourly rate for professional movers in Sydney?

A: Most Sydney removalists have a minimum charge of 2 hours plus a call-out fee, typically starting around $300–$350 total for a basic service with two movers. Most charge a call-out fee of $130–$150 that covers travel to your first location. Inner West relocations typically cost $150–$200/hour.

Q: What is included in the cost of professional Sydney moving services?

A: Professional moving costs through Best Rated Transport include real-time GPS tracking, direct communication with your chosen removalist, secure booking with transparent pricing, and free moving resources and checklists. All verified movers carry public liability and transit insurance — no hidden extras.

Q: What factors affect the cost of professional moving services in Sydney?

A: Key factors include: limited parking availability (especially in Bondi), narrow streets requiring smaller trucks, apartment buildings with lift access issues, fixed vs hourly rate structure, and weekend or peak season surcharges of 5–15%. Access conditions like steep driveways or long carries from truck to door also add cost.

Q: Are professional moving services cheaper on certain days in Sydney?

A: Weekend surcharges typically range from $100–$200 or 10–20% additional on the total cost, with Sunday moves being more expensive than Saturdays. School holidays typically see price increases of 5–15% due to higher demand, especially during summer holidays (December–January). Tuesdays to Thursdays in off-peak months offer the lowest rates.

Q: How do professional Sydney moving costs compare per cubic metre?

A: Local moves within Sydney range from $120–$150 per cubic metre, while interstate moves typically start from $165 per cubic metre. Backloading brings interstate costs down to as low as $95/m³ — saving up to 50% on the standard rate.

Q: How much extra do packing services add to professional moving costs in Sydney?

A: Professional packing typically adds $500–$1,200 to your move cost but includes materials, labour, and often better insurance coverage. For valuable or fragile items, the investment often pays for itself in peace of mind. Partial packing (fragile items only) costs less — specify your needs when requesting quotes.

Q: How do I get the most accurate cost quote for professional moving services in Sydney?

A: Best Rated Transport 's professional moving coordinators assist every step of the way — including inventory, quotes, and packing materials — ensuring your quote is accurate and complete before you commit. Visit Best Rated Transport , compare 5+ verified Sydney quotes free in under 2 minutes, or call 1300 339 140.