How Much Does It Cost to Move in Calgary? (2025 Data)

Whether you're relocating from a Beltline high-rise to a family home in Tuscany, or making the move from Vancouver to Calgary's booming job market, one of the first questions everyone asks is: how much will movers actually cost? We analyzed data from hundreds of Calgary moves completed in 2025 to give you real numbers — not vague ranges pulled from national averages.

Calgary's moving landscape is unique. With 55% single-detached homes, a booming downtown condo market in the Beltline, chinook winds that can swing temperatures 20°C in hours, and a city that sprawls over 825 square kilometres, your moving costs here are shaped by factors you won't find anywhere else in Canada. Here's exactly what to expect.

What Calgary Movers Actually Charge

Most professional moving companies in Calgary charge by the hour. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2025 based on rates from multiple Calgary movers:

• 2-person crew with truck: $139–$179 per hour

• 3-person crew with truck: $165–$220 per hour

• 4-person crew with truck: $199–$260 per hour

These hourly rates typically include the truck, fuel, standard equipment (dollies, blankets, straps), and basic liability coverage. Most companies charge a minimum of 2–3 hours. The total cost of your move depends on how long it takes — which brings us to the real question: how many hours will your move actually need?

Average Moving Costs by Home Size in Calgary

Based on 2025 data from Calgary-area moves, here's what local moves (under 50 km between addresses) typically cost:

• Studio or bachelor apartment: $500–$800 (3–5 hours)

• 1-bedroom apartment: $700–$1,100 (4–6 hours)

• 2-bedroom home: $1,000–$1,500 (5–7 hours)

• 3-bedroom home: $1,200–$1,800 (6–9 hours)

• 4-bedroom home: $1,800–$2,800 (8–12 hours)

• 5+ bedroom or estate: $2,800–$4,500+ (10–16 hours)

Homes with basements — extremely common in Calgary's suburban communities like Tuscany, Cranston, and Auburn Bay — typically take 1–2 hours longer than the same-sized home without one. A finished basement with a rec room, home gym, and storage can add $200–$400 to your total.

Long-Distance Moving Costs from Calgary

If you're moving out of Calgary, here's what the most popular routes cost. Long-distance moves are typically quoted as a flat rate based on total volume rather than hourly.

Calgary to Edmonton is the most common long-distance route in Alberta. The 300 km drive along the QE2 Highway takes about 3 hours by truck. Costs range from $840 for a small apartment to $3,680 for a full household, depending on volume. This route is so popular that many moving companies run dedicated Calgary–Edmonton shuttle services with better rates.

Calgary to Vancouver costs between $2,042 and $8,947. The route goes through Rogers Pass and takes 10–12 hours by truck. Volume is the single biggest cost driver — a 1-bedroom apartment might be $2,000–$3,000, while a 4-bedroom house can exceed $8,000. Winter moves on this route may face highway closures through the mountain passes.

Calgary to Kelowna is a popular route, especially for retirees and remote workers. Costs range from $2,000 to $3,200 for the roughly 600 km journey through the Rockies.

For more details on interprovincial moves, see our long-distance moving page.

What Actually Drives Your Moving Cost

Not all 2-bedroom moves cost the same. Here's what makes one move $1,000 and another $1,500:

Volume of stuff is the single biggest factor. A minimalist couple's 2-bedroom takes half the time of a fully furnished family home with a packed garage. Professional movers estimate volume in cubic feet — a typical 2-bedroom apartment has 400–600 cubic feet of belongings, while a 3-bedroom house with a garage can be 800–1,200 cubic feet.

Floor level and elevator access matter enormously in Calgary. A ground-floor unit in Cranston loads twice as fast as a 25th-floor suite in the Beltline. High-rise moves require elevator booking, longer carry distances, and often a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for the building — all of which add time and complexity.

Stairs add 15–30 minutes per flight. Many older homes in Inglewood, Bridgeland, and Hillhurst have narrow staircases that slow everything down. Walk-up apartments without elevators are particularly time-consuming.

Distance between addresses affects cost even for local moves. Calgary is a sprawling city — driving from Tuscany in the northwest to Cranston in the far southeast takes 45+ minutes in traffic. That transit time is on the clock.

Time of year is a major factor. Summer moves (June–August) cost 20–30% more than winter moves due to sheer demand.

Special items like pianos ($150–$400 extra), hot tubs ($300–$600), gun safes ($200–$500), and pool tables ($200–$400) require specialized equipment and extra crew members.

Calgary-Specific Cost Factors You Won't Find Elsewhere

These are the things that make moving in Calgary genuinely different from anywhere else in Canada:

Beltline and downtown condo premiums. Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood has the highest concentration of high-rises in Western Canada outside Vancouver. Condo moves here routinely cost 20–40% more than suburban moves of the same size. Why? Elevator booking windows are often limited to 2–4 hour blocks, mandatory damage deposits run $500–$2,000, buildings require a COI from your mover, moving hours are restricted, and the distance from loading dock to unit can be significant. If you're moving in or out of the Beltline, budget accordingly.

Chinook weather swings. Calgary is famous for chinook winds that can raise the temperature 20°C in a matter of hours. This means conditions can change from icy roads at 7 AM to bare pavement by noon — or the reverse. Professional movers in Calgary are used to this, but it can affect scheduling and safety precautions. Chinooks are most common from November to March and are one reason Calgary winter moves are less predictable than Edmonton's consistently cold winters.

Stampede week (early July). If you can possibly avoid moving during the Calgary Stampede, do it. Ten days of downtown road closures, gridlocked traffic on Macleod Trail and Olympic Way, and near-impossible parking make moves in Beltline, Victoria Park, Inglewood, and East Village significantly harder and slower. Many movers charge peak rates during Stampede week, and the extra transit time between addresses adds up fast.

Centre Street Bridge clearance. The Centre Street Bridge has a clearance of just 3.6 metres (11 feet 10 inches). Standard moving trucks are often 3.5–4.0 metres tall. This bridge has been struck multiple times — over 21 strikes in six years. Any route through downtown that crosses the Bow River should use the Reconciliation Bridge or Memorial Drive alternatives instead.

The sprawl factor. Calgary covers over 825 square kilometres, making it one of the largest cities by area in Canada. A move that stays within one quadrant (NW to NW, for example) will have significantly less transit time than a cross-city move. Moving from Tuscany to Cranston or from Panorama Hills to Mahogany means 30–60 minutes of extra driving each way — all on the clock at hourly rates.

Hidden Costs Most People Forget

Your moving company quote isn't the only cost. Budget for these extras that catch most people off guard:

• ENMAX electricity deposit: New accounts with no Calgary credit history may require a deposit equal to 3x your estimated monthly bill. For a typical Calgary home, that's $300–$600 tied up until you build payment history.

• Condo damage deposit: $500–$2,000 at most downtown buildings. Refundable after inspection, but you need the cash upfront on move day.

• Elevator booking fee: Some buildings charge $50–$150 on top of the damage deposit just to reserve the freight elevator.

• Street Use Permit: If there's no loading zone at your building, you may need a permit from the City of Calgary ($80+) to reserve street space for the moving truck.

• Canada Post mail forwarding: $64.75 for 4 months or $98 for 12 months. Set it up online at canadapost.ca before you move — it takes effect the same day.

• Alberta driver's licence update: $28 at any registry agent. You're legally required to update your address within 14 days of moving within Alberta.

• Renter's insurance: Many Calgary buildings require proof of tenant insurance on move-in day. Typical cost is $25–$50 per month through providers like Square One or Intact.

• Utility overlap: Budget for 3–5 days of overlapping utility bills at both addresses to make sure nothing gets disconnected before you're fully moved out.

Calgary vs. Other Canadian Cities

How does Calgary compare for moving costs? Here's what a typical 2–3 bedroom local move costs across major Canadian cities:

• Winnipeg: $700–$1,000 (cheapest major city)

• Saskatoon: $800–$1,100

• Edmonton: $1,000–$1,200

• Calgary: $1,100–$1,500

• Vancouver: $1,400–$1,800

• Toronto: $1,600–$2,000+ (most expensive)

Calgary sits in the upper-middle range — more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto, but slightly higher than other prairie cities. The premium comes from Calgary's higher proportion of condo moves in the Beltline and East Village, and the city's sheer physical size, which adds transit time to virtually every move.

When Moving in Calgary Is Cheapest

Timing your move strategically can save you hundreds of dollars:

Cheapest months: November through February. Winter moves in Calgary are cold (average January temperature is –8°C, with cold snaps to –30°C), but chinooks can bring random stretches of mild weather that make winter moving surprisingly pleasant. Rates are 20–30% lower and availability is excellent — you can often book just 1–2 weeks ahead.

Most expensive months: July and August. Over 35% of annual moves happen in these two months. You'll need to book 4–6 weeks ahead or risk limited availability and higher rates.

Worst possible timing: Stampede week (first two weeks of July) for any inner-city move. The combination of peak summer demand, road closures, traffic chaos, and limited parking makes this the most expensive and frustrating time to move in Calgary. End-of-month Saturdays in July and August are the absolute peak.

The sweet spot: mid-month Tuesday or Wednesday in October. Low demand, comfortable weather (5–15°C), your pick of time slots, and the best rates of any non-winter month. Our crews love October moves.

Day of week matters too: Saturday is the most popular and most expensive day. Tuesday through Thursday offer the best rates and most flexibility. Sunday has low demand but some buildings restrict Sunday moves.

How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote

Phone estimates are rough guesses at best. For an accurate quote, book a free in-home or virtual estimate where a moving consultant can see exactly what you're working with — including that basement storage room and the garage full of camping gear you forgot to mention.

When comparing quotes from different companies, ask about:

• Hourly rate vs. flat rate — which structure makes sense for your move size and distance?

• Travel time charges — some companies charge from their warehouse to your door, others start the clock at your address

• Stair fees, long-carry fees, and elevator wait charges

• Packing materials and full-service packing costs

• Insurance coverage — what's included in the base rate vs. what's extra?

• Cancellation and rescheduling policies — especially important for winter moves when weather can change plans

Get your free Calgary moving quote from Two Small Men to see exactly what your move will cost — no surprises, no hidden fees. We'll walk you through every cost so you can budget with confidence.

Looking for more Calgary moving tips? Check out our Calgary movers page for neighbourhood guides, bylaw details, and everything you need to plan your Calgary move.