How Much Does It Cost to Move in Vancouver? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Vancouver consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in Canada to move in. Between high-rise condo logistics, bridge crossings, limited street parking, and peak-season demand, costs here run meaningfully higher than cities like Calgary or Edmonton. According to our 2025 Year in Review, the average local move across Canada costs $1,092 — but Vancouver moves typically land higher due to unique urban challenges.

This guide breaks down what you'll actually pay in 2026, backed by real data from our own moving records, CMHC rental market reports, the Canada Revenue Agency, and City of Vancouver bylaws.

Vancouver Moving Costs by Home Size

These ranges reflect typical local moves within Metro Vancouver, based on a crew of 2–3 movers with a truck. Rates in Vancouver generally run $120–$180/hour for 2 movers plus a truck, with 3-mover crews at $180–$240+/hour based on industry pricing surveys. Travel time fees — covering the round trip from the company's depot to your location — are standard across the industry and typically add 30–60 minutes at the regular hourly rate.

• Studio: 3–5 hours, from ~$500. Our data: average studio move takes 5.2 hours (Year in Review).

• 1-Bedroom Apartment: 4–6 hours, ~$600–$900. Our data: average 1-BR move takes 5.9 hours. This is Vancouver's most common move type at 26.9% of all moves.

• 2-Bedroom Apartment: 5–7 hours, ~$900–$1,400. Our data: average 2-BR apartment takes 7.0 hours.

• 2-Bedroom House: 5–7 hours, ~$900–$1,400. Our data: average 2-BR house takes 6.3 hours — slightly less than apartments due to easier ground-level access.

• 3-Bedroom House: 7–9 hours, ~$1,100–$2,000. Our data: average 3-BR move takes 7.8 hours.

• 4-Bedroom House: 9–12 hours, ~$1,800–$3,000. Our data: average 4-BR move takes 10.1 hours, often requiring larger crews.

• Long-Distance (e.g., Vancouver to Kelowna): Starting from ~$2,000+, depending on volume, distance, and route complexity. Our data: average long-distance move costs $2,884.

Every move is different — get a free, accurate quote based on your specific situation. These estimates cover labour and truck only; see the sections below for additional costs like packing, permits, and strata fees.

Why Vancouver Moves Cost More

Several factors make Vancouver moves more expensive than comparable moves in other Canadian cities:

High-Rise and Condo Logistics

Over 51% of Metro Vancouver's housing stock is condo-titled (536,202 units per the Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book). In our experience, 26.9% of Vancouver moves are 1-bedroom apartments — the highest apartment-move ratio of any city in our network. Condo moves require elevator booking (often 3–4 weeks in advance), Certificate of Insurance (COI) paperwork, loading dock coordination, and floor/wall protection — all of which add time and cost. Learn more in our Vancouver Condo Moving Rules guide.

Bridge and Tunnel Crossings

Moves to the North Shore require crossing the Lions Gate Bridge (3-lane counterflow with a 13-tonne weight limit) or the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Rush-hour delays can add 30–60 minutes of billable time. Moves to Richmond or Delta use the George Massey Tunnel (4.15m height clearance), which is being replaced with a new 8-lane tunnel ($4.15 billion project, construction through 2030) — expect traffic delays during construction. For current detour information, see our Vancouver Road Construction & Bridge Closures guide.

Parking Permits and Street Access

Downtown and Yaletown frequently require Temporary Street Occupancy Permits from the City of Vancouver: $45 admin fee plus a $50 refundable meter hood deposit per meter. Apply at least 7–10 business days in advance. Vancouver's metered parking rates range from $1.50/hr in outer neighbourhoods to $11.00/hr near Burrard SkyTrain station (City of Vancouver, 2024). Double-parking a moving truck downtown risks immediate ticketing or towing.

Walk-Up Stair Carries

Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, and East Vancouver have many 3–4 storey walk-ups with no elevator. Stair carry fees typically add $50–$150 to the total, depending on floor count and furniture weight.

Construction Detours

The Broadway Subway project has disrupted sections of Broadway through 2025–2027, adding travel time for moves along the corridor. The Massey Tunnel replacement project on Highway 99 will affect moves between Vancouver and Richmond/Delta through 2030.

Full Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay

Here's a realistic line-by-line breakdown for a typical 2-bedroom local move in Vancouver (2 movers, 1 truck, ~5–7 hours of labour):

• Moving labour (5–7 hrs × ~$150/hr): $750–$1,050

• Travel time fee: $75–$150 (varies by company and distance from depot)

• GST (5%): ~$40–$60 on labour charges

• Packing supplies (if not included): $75–$200

• Strata move-in fee (if applicable): $50–$300 non-refundable, plus $200–$500 refundable damage deposit

• Street parking permit (if needed): $45 admin + $50/meter deposit + daily meter rate

• Tips for movers: $40–$80 per mover (see tipping section below)

• Estimated total: $1,100–$2,100+ (refundable deposits returned if no damage)

Important tax note: Moving services in BC are exempt from the 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) — you only pay 5% GST. This is confirmed by the BC PST exemption list. Packing materials purchased separately are subject to PST, but materials supplied by your mover as part of the service are not.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Beyond the hourly rate, these costs catch many Vancouver movers by surprise:

Strata and Condo Fees

• Move-in/move-out fees: $50–$300 non-refundable. The BC Civil Resolution Tribunal has ruled a $300 fee unreasonable for moves without furniture, reducing it to $150.

• Damage deposits: $200–$500 refundable, but you need the cash upfront.

• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Most strata buildings require your mover to provide a COI proving $2,000,000+ general liability. Reputable movers provide this free of charge within 1 business day.

• Elevator reservation: Must be booked 3–4 weeks in advance in most buildings. Windows are typically 4–8 hours.

Long Carry and Access Charges

• Long carry charges: If the truck can't park near your door (common downtown), the extra walking distance adds billable time.

• Stair carry fees: $50–$150 per flight for buildings without elevators.

• Specialty items: Pianos, gun safes, hot tubs, and oversized furniture require specialty handling fees. Our data shows we moved 105 pianos in 2025 alone (Year in Review).

• Heavy items: 8.1% of moves in our network include items over 300 lbs, which may require additional crew members.

Parking and Permits

• Street occupancy permits: $45 admin fee + $50/meter deposit + daily meter rates (City of Vancouver).

• Metered parking if no permit: $1.50–$11.00/hr depending on zone. Meters run 9 AM – 10 PM, 7 days a week.

• Parking tickets: Double-parking or expired meters result in immediate fines.

Packing Services and Supply Costs

Professional Packing

Our packing services average $1,506 (2025 data), which includes trained packers, materials, and insurance coverage for packed items. Professional packing typically costs $60–$105/hr for a team of 2 packers. Only 1.4% of our customers opt for professional packing — but those who do report significantly less damage and stress on moving day.

DIY Packing Supplies

If you're packing yourself, here's what supplies cost in Vancouver:

• Small boxes (1.5 cu ft): ~$4 each

• Medium boxes (2 cu ft): ~$5 each

• Wardrobe boxes (with hanger bar): $8–$17 each

• Bubble wrap (12″ × 100'): ~$20

• Packing tape: $4–$8 per roll

• Moving kits (bundled): $30–$50 for starter kits with boxes, tape, and bubble wrap

Free Box Options

Save money on packing supplies with these Vancouver-specific tips:

• BC Liquor Stores: Sturdy boxes with dividers — perfect for glasses and fragile items.

• Grocery stores: Ask early in the day for banana boxes and apple crates.

• Apartment recycling rooms: High-turnover buildings often have boxes available after other residents' moves.

• Reusable plastic bin rentals: Companies like Gorilla Box rent reusable plastic bins with free delivery and pickup in Vancouver — more sustainable and sturdier than cardboard.

For more packing tips, see our guides on must-have packing supplies and packing electronics safely.

Moving Insurance: What's Actually Covered

Moving companies in Canada provide "valuation protection" — not traditional insurance. Understanding the difference can save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Basic (Released) Valuation — Included Free

• Coverage: $0.60 per pound per article ($1.32/kg) — this is the legal minimum per the Canadian Association of Movers.

• Example: A 50-lb flat-screen TV damaged beyond repair = $30 in compensation, regardless of replacement value.

• Our data: 97.7% of our customers use basic coverage (Year in Review).

Full Replacement Value Protection — Paid Upgrade

• Coverage: Damaged items are repaired or replaced at today's market price.

• Cost: Approximately 1% of declared shipment value, or 5–6% of weight in dollars.

• Our data: Only 2.3% of our customers opt for premium coverage — but adoption jumps to 12.5% for 6-bedroom homes and 7.4% for 4-bedroom homes, where more valuables are at stake.

• Pro tip: Check your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy first. Some policies cover belongings during a move, which can supplement or replace moving valuation.

Storage Costs in Vancouver

Need temporary storage between moves? 7.7% of our customers needed storage in 2025 (Year in Review). Here are current Vancouver storage rates:

• 5' × 5' (closet): $34–$75/month

• 5' × 10' (studio): $80–$150/month

• 10' × 10' (1-bedroom): $139–$239/month (average ~$192)

• 10' × 15' (2-bedroom): $180–$250/month

• 10' × 20' (3-bedroom): $268–$350/month

Climate-controlled units cost 20–30% more but are essential in Vancouver's wet climate to prevent mould and moisture damage. Suburban facilities in Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey typically cost less than downtown locations. Prices sourced from major Vancouver storage providers, February 2026.

Peak Season vs. Off-Season: When to Move

When you move matters almost as much as what you're moving. Vancouver has distinct seasonal pricing, and our own data confirms the patterns:

Peak Season (May–September)

• 20–30% higher costs compared to off-season rates, based on industry pricing data.

• Our data: July is the busiest month (11.95% of annual moves), followed by June (11.4%) and August (11.35%).

• The first and last days of each month are Vancouver's absolute busiest. Hundreds of leases end simultaneously on the 1st and 30th/31st.

• Saturday is the busiest day of the week (15.7% of moves), making it the hardest to book and the most expensive.

Student Move-In Season (Late August–September)

UBC (60,000+ students), SFU (30,000+ students), and BCIT (44,000+ students) create a second demand wave near campuses and along transit corridors. September accounts for 10.29% of our annual moves.

Off-Season (November–February)

• Lowest demand, best availability, and most competitive pricing.

• Our data: December is the quietest month (4.73% of moves), followed by February (5.2%).

• Sunday is the quietest day (11.5% of moves) — easier to book but limited availability.

• Yes, it rains — Vancouver averages over 160 rainy days per year (Environment Canada data). But professional movers protect your belongings with padding and plastic wrap regardless of weather.

For a complete month-by-month breakdown, see our Best and Worst Times to Move in Vancouver guide.

Vancouver vs. Other Canadian Cities

How does Vancouver compare to other cities in our network? Here's what our 2025 data shows:

• Vancouver: Among the highest costs in Canada. 26.9% of moves are 1-BR apartments — the most condo-intensive market in our network. 54.5% of City of Vancouver households are renters (Statistics Canada).

• Toronto: Average local move costs $1,693 — the highest in our network. Similar condo logistics to Vancouver.

• Calgary: Generally 10–20% less expensive. More house-based moves with easier ground-level access. See our Calgary moving cost guide.

• Edmonton: Similar to Calgary. Lower cost of living translates to lower hourly rates. See our Edmonton moving cost guide.

• Winnipeg: The most affordable in our network at $748 average — and the highest local retention rate at 91.8%.

Long-Distance Moves From Vancouver

In our experience, 16.8% of Vancouver moves are long-distance, with an average cost of $2,884 (Year in Review). The most popular corridors:

To Vancouver Island (Ferry Required)

• Vancouver to Victoria: Via BC Ferries Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay. Moving trucks classified as overheight vehicles face per-foot charges starting around $5–$7/foot depending on fare class, plus a $20 reservation fee. A 26-foot truck can cost $125–$200+ one-way. BC Ferries fares are increasing 3.2% on average in April 2026. See our Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Moving Guide.

• Vancouver to Nanaimo: Via BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay. Similar pricing structure.

Within BC (No Tolls)

• Vancouver to Kelowna: 4–5 hours via the Coquihalla Highway. Pricing depends on volume and weight, typically $2,000–$5,000+ for a full household. There are no highway tolls in BC — the Coquihalla toll was permanently eliminated in 2008.

• Vancouver to Kamloops: Our data shows Kamloops has the highest long-distance ratio in our network at 42.6% — nearly half of all moves there are long-distance.

Interprovincial

The BC–Alberta corridor is our busiest interprovincial route with 159 total moves in 2025. Long-distance moves are typically billed by weight and distance, and BC's high fuel costs (Vancouver gas prices are the highest in Canada at 168¢/litre vs. 122.5¢/litre in Lethbridge) are factored into pricing.

How Much to Tip Your Movers

Tipping movers in Canada is not mandatory but is appreciated. For detailed guidance, see our complete tipping guide. Here are the general norms:

• Half-day move (3–4 hours): $20–$40 per mover

• Full-day move (6–8+ hours): $40–$80 per mover

• Exceptional service or difficult conditions: $50–$100 per mover

• As a percentage: 10–20% of the labour portion of the bill

Cash is preferred for immediate distribution. Tip each crew member individually at the end of their shift. If the conditions were tough — lots of stairs, heavy items, extreme weather — tipping on the higher end is a nice way to show appreciation.

Can You Deduct Moving Expenses on Your Taxes?

Yes — if your new home is at least 40 kilometres closer (by the shortest public route) to your new work location or full-time post-secondary school. You claim the deduction on Line 21900 of your income tax return using CRA Form T1-M.

What You Can Deduct

• Professional movers: Full cost of hiring movers, including packing services

• Moving insurance: In-transit coverage

• In-transit storage: Up to 15 days

• Travel costs: Vehicle expenses, meals ($23/meal or $69/day per person using the CRA simplified method), and accommodation for you and your family

• Temporary living expenses: Meals and accommodation near your old or new home, up to 15 days each

• Lease cancellation costs: Fees for breaking your old lease

• Old home maintenance: Mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and utilities while trying to sell — up to $5,000 maximum

• Selling costs: Real estate commissions, legal fees, mortgage penalties

What You Can't Deduct

• Renovations or staging to sell your old home

• Loss on the sale of your old home

• House-hunting or job-hunting trips to the new city

• Cleaning or repairs at your old rental

• Replacing curtains, carpets, or other personal items

• Mail forwarding costs

Students: If you move at least 40 km closer to attend a post-secondary institution full-time, you can deduct moving expenses against taxable scholarship, bursary, and fellowship income. Keep all receipts for 6 years in case the CRA requests documentation. If your expenses exceed your eligible income that year, you can carry forward the unused portion to future tax years. Full details: CRA Moving Expenses.

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Professionals: The Real Math

Renting a truck and doing it yourself sounds cheaper — but the actual savings may be smaller than you think once you account for hidden costs.

DIY Costs (2-Bedroom Local Move)

• Truck rental: $80–$200/day. U-Haul starts at $19.95/day for small trucks; Penske and Budget offer similar local rates. All charge per-kilometre fees ($0.69–$1.29/km) on top.

• Insurance/damage waiver: $15–$40/day on the rental truck.

• Fuel: $40–$80 (remember, Vancouver has the highest gas prices in Canada).

• Equipment rental: $30–$75 for dollies, straps, and blankets.

• Packing supplies: $50–$200.

• Lost wages: $200–$500+ for 1–2 days off work.

• Pizza and favours for friends: Variable, but real.

• DIY total: $415–$1,100+

Professional Movers (Same Move)

• Full service: $900–$1,800 including labour, truck, equipment, and basic coverage.

• Time: 5–7 hours typically. DIY moves commonly take 8–12+ hours.

• Injury risk: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reports that 3 in 4 Canadians whose work involves manual lifting suffer back pain. Professional movers are trained and insured for this work.

The real savings from DIY are typically $400–$700 for a local 2-bedroom move when you account for all hidden costs. Many people find the time savings, reduced stress, and injury protection of hiring professionals well worth the difference.

How to Protect Yourself When Hiring Movers

Important: Moving companies in BC are not licensed or regulated by any provincial body. The industry was deregulated in the mid-1980s, and Consumer Protection BC does not regulate movers. This means anyone with a truck can legally advertise as a mover — making due diligence critical.

Before You Book

• Get 3+ written quotes: In-home or video estimates are more accurate than phone-only quotes.

• Verify insurance: Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing $1,000,000+ general liability, workers' compensation, and automobile coverage.

• Check the contract: Your bill of lading should list the mover's street address (not just a PO box), detailed service descriptions with rates, an inventory, and the valuation coverage level.

• Read reviews carefully: The Better Business Bureau tracks complaints. Common scams include loading your belongings then demanding higher prices than quoted.

• Understand valuation: Basic coverage ($0.60/lb per article) is essentially worthless for valuable items. Consider full replacement value protection for moves with expensive furniture or electronics. For more guidance, see our how to choose a moving company guide and how to avoid moving scams.

If Something Goes Wrong

• Document everything: Take photos and videos of all items before the move.

• File a claim immediately: Most movers have a formal claims process. Put your complaint in writing.

• BC Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT): For claims up to $5,000, the CRT provides online dispute resolution with mandatory mediation. Courts have found that moving company limitation-of-liability clauses are often unenforceable when not clearly communicated to customers.

10 Ways to Save on Your Vancouver Move

1. Move mid-month and mid-week: Tuesday through Thursday has the best availability and pricing. Our data shows Monday–Wednesday each see only 14.4% of weekly volume — vs. 15.7% on Saturday.

2. Move in the off-season: November through February offers the lowest rates. December moves are 60% cheaper to book than July.

3. Declutter before moving: Fewer items = fewer hours = lower cost. Donate, sell, or recycle what you don't need. See our ultimate guide to downsizing.

4. Pack yourself: Self-packing saves significant labour costs. Our data shows packing services average $1,506, so doing it yourself is a major savings opportunity. See our packing supplies guide.

5. Book early: Especially for summer moves. Last-minute bookings pay premium rates.

6. Handle strata paperwork early: Book your elevator 3–4 weeks in advance. Get your mover's COI to the concierge before moving day to avoid delays.

7. Get your parking permit in advance: Apply for your street occupancy permit at least 10 business days before your move.

8. Avoid bridge crossings during rush hour: Schedule your move to avoid Lions Gate or Ironworkers Memorial during 7–9 AM or 3–6 PM.

9. Disassemble furniture in advance: Removing bed frames, desks, and table legs before movers arrive saves billable time.

10. Claim your tax deduction: If you're moving 40+ km closer to a new job or school, your entire moving cost is tax-deductible via CRA Form T1-M.

Related Vancouver Moving Guides

We've created comprehensive guides for every aspect of moving in Vancouver:

• Vancouver Condo Moving Rules: Strata, Elevator Booking & COI

• Best and Worst Times to Move in Vancouver

• Vancouver Rental Market Guide 2026

• Vancouver Road Construction & Bridge Closures 2026

• Moving to Vancouver: Newcomer Guide

• Safest Vancouver Neighbourhoods

• Setting Up Utilities After Moving to BC

• BC Tenant Rights: Security Deposits & Notice Periods

• Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Moving Guide

• Moving Checklists for Every Move

Get Your Free Vancouver Moving Quote

Every move is different. The best way to know your exact cost is to get a free quote based on your home size, location, and move date. We provide transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden fees — and our 2025 Year in Review data shows exactly what thousands of customers paid, so you know our pricing is fair.

Questions about your upcoming Vancouver move? Contact us or call us directly. We've been helping Vancouverites move since 2007, and we'd love to help you too.