How Much Does It Cost to Move in Vancouver? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Real Vancouver moving costs by home size, from studio apartments to 4-bedroom houses. Includes local and long-distance pricing, peak season surcharges, and tips to save money on your move.
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Vancouver has a reputation for being an expensive city and it's a reupttion that's frankly earned. It's also more expensive to move in Vancouver than most other Canadian cities. Not to mention more difficult. There's condo logistics to think of on top of bridge crossings, limited parking and extremely high demand for movers during the summer months. Our own 2025 Year in Review indicates that the average cost for a local move in Canada is approximately $1,100, but moves in Vancouver can be well above that.
In this guide, we'll break down the total cost of moving in Vancouver based on our own collected data and stats from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Vancouver Moving Costs by Home Size
These are estimates based on the typical in-city move that would require two or three movers and one truck. Charging for 30-60 minutes of travel is standard in the moving industry.
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.
Contact Two Small Men to get a complete estimate for your move.
Why It Costs More to Move in Vancouver
High-Rise and Condo Logistics
More than 50 percent of Vancouver homes are condos, which makes this type of move pretty common. Nowhere in the Two Small Men network are there more one-bedroom moves. These moves rely in the use of freight elevators in these buildings as well as loading dock reservations, certificates of insurance, and building protection. These all add to the cost of the move. Explore more in our Vancouver Condo Moving Rules guide.
Bridge and Tunnel Crossings
If you're moving to the North Shore or to Richmond or Delta from Vancouver, you'll need to take bridge crossings into account. This will add time and expense to your move. Consider potential delays when planning your move.
Parking Permits and Street Access
If you're headed Downtown or to Yaletown, be prepared to get a street occupancy permit for your moving truck. The further in advance you apply for this, the fewer problems you'll have on your moving day.
Walk-Up Stair Carries
Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, and East Vancouver have quite a few walk-ups with no elevator access. There is an extra fee of $50–$150 for moves where only stairs are available.
Construction Detours
There will be disruptions to sections of Broadway until at least 2027 because of the Broadway Subway project. Take this into account when moving along the corridor. Meanwhile, the Massey Tunnel replacement project on Highway 99 is ongoing until 2030.
Full-Cost Breakdown
This is based on 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: The 7% Provincial Sales Tax in BC does not apply to moving services. Only the usual 5% GST tax is applicable.
Hidden Costs
Beware of these costs which catch many by surprise:
Strata and Condo Fees
See our full Vancouver Condo and Strata guide.
Long Carry and Access Charges
Long carry charges: Extra charges will be applied if the movers need to travel a long distance on foot between the truck and the building's entrance.
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
You might not thing you need professional packing services but it can save you so much time and offers peace of mind because of how well-protected your belongings will be. Contact us for a quote.
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
Here's some spots to find free boxes:
BC Liquor Stores
Grocery stores
Apartment recycling rooms
Reusable plastic bin rentals: Check with companies like companies like Gorilla Box.
Check out our guides on must-have packing supplies and packing electronics safely.
Moving Insurance: What's Actually Covered
When working with moving companies in Canada, you'll be offered valuation protection as opposed to traditional insurance. There is basic coverage included and limited compensation available that varies according to the weight of the damaged items. Upgraded insurance is available for an additional fee. Consult your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy before purchasing extra insurance.
Storage Costs in Vancouver
Many people making the move in Vancouver will require storage services because there's just not enough space for all their stuff at the moment. This is a basic pricing guide:
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
When to Move
The cost of your move will be greatly impacted by demand, and high season is unsurprisingly in the spring and summer months:
Peak Season (May–September)
If you're looking to save money on your move and you have some flexibility, this period should be avoided. Moving outside the peak period can save you 20-30 percent. July, June, and August are the busiest months while the busiest day of the week is Saturday. The beginning and end of the month is also much busier.
Off-Season (November–February)
Off-season moves are generally cheaper across the board. The least busy months are December and February and you shouldn't discount these months because of the more temperate climate in Vancouver. Two Small Men are also experts when it comes to moving in winter.
For a complete month-by-month breakdown, see our Best and Worst Times to Move in Vancouver guide.
Vancouver vs. Other Canadian Cities
How Vancouver compares to other cities in terms of moving cost:
Toronto: Average local move costs $1,693 — the highest in our network.
Calgary: Generally 10–20% less expensive. See our Calgary moving cost guide.
Edmonton: Similar to Calgary. See our Edmonton moving cost guide.
Winnipeg: $748 average — the lowest in our network.
Long-Distance Moves From Vancouver
Almost 17 percent of moves booked in Vancouver are long-distance relocations and these come at an average cost of $2,884 (Year in Review). These are the most popular corridors:
To Vancouver Island (Ferry Required)
Vancouver to Victoria: Via BC Ferries Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay. Moving trucks classified as over-height 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
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.
How to Protect Yourself When Hiring Movers
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.
Related Vancouver Moving Guides
We've created comprehensive guides for every aspect of moving in Vancouver:
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Author
Walter Lyng is a multifaceted writer, marketing specialist and performer based out of his hometown of Montreal. Trained as a journalist, Walter spent several years working at a community newspaper before going on to work for companies such as Audible, Mattel and Bell Canada. Breaking into the stand-up comedy world in his early 20s, Walter has performed in venues and festivals throughout the country. He is a Just For Laughs recording artist and his comedy can be heard regularly on Sirius XM satellite radio.