Moving & Travel
Calculate moving costs, plan road trips, compare truck sizes, and budget for travel. From local moves to cross-country relocations, we help you estimate costs before you commit.
Whether you're relocating for work, planning a road trip, or comparing the cost of driving vs flying—these tools give you ballpark numbers for budgeting. We show our assumptions so you can adjust for your specific situation, and we recommend getting actual quotes before making final decisions. You might also find our Compare cost of living between cities, Calculate take-home pay in your new city, Decide whether to rent or buy, Plan your budget after moving and Build an emergency fund for the move helpful for related calculations.
Moving & Travel Guide
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Last updated: February 17, 2026
What you can do in Moving & Travel
- •Estimate moving costs based on distance, home size, and services (packing, loading, storage)
- •Figure out the right truck size for your move—studio to 4+ bedroom homes
- •Calculate how many boxes and packing supplies you'll actually need
- •Plan road trip fuel costs with stops mapped out for your vehicle's MPG
- •Compare the true cost of flying vs driving for long-distance moves
- •Budget multi-city trips with lodging, food, activities, and transport
- •Compare hotel vs Airbnb total costs including fees and cleaning charges
- •Estimate commute costs when evaluating a new city or job offer
Accuracy, assumptions, and sources
- •Moving cost estimates use industry averages—actual quotes may vary 10-20% based on specific items and timing.
- •Truck size recommendations assume typical furniture density. Oversized items (pianos, workout equipment) may require sizing up.
- •Fuel cost calculations use current average gas prices. Actual prices vary by region and change frequently.
- •Hotel and Airbnb comparisons include typical fees but may miss special promotions or seasonal pricing.
- •Commute costs assume average traffic conditions. Rush hour in congested cities will cost more in time and fuel.
- •These are planning estimates—always get actual quotes before committing to major expenses.
Pick the right calculator fast
- If you're planning a local or long-distance move→Moving Cost Estimator
- If you need to rent a moving truck→Truck Size Recommendation
- If you're budgeting for packing supplies→Moving Box & Packing Estimator
- If you're planning a road trip→Road Trip Fuel Planner
- If you're comparing car vs public transit→Public Transport vs Car Comparison
- If you're deciding between hotels and Airbnb→Hotel vs Airbnb Comparison
- If you're evaluating a job in a new city→Commute Cost Calculator
- If you have a relocation allowance to spend→Relocation Allowance Planner
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Forgetting security deposits, utility connection fees, and cleaning costs when budgeting a move.
- •Underestimating how long a move takes—most people need more time than they plan.
- •Not accounting for seasonal pricing (summer and month-end moves cost more).
- •Choosing the smallest possible truck to save money, then not fitting everything.
- •Forgetting to budget for meals, gas, and lodging during multi-day moves.
- •Comparing pre-tax salaries when relocating without factoring in cost of living differences.
- •Booking flights without checking baggage fees against shipping costs for your stuff.
- •Not reading Airbnb cleaning fee disclosures until after booking.
Editorial policy
- ✓All calculators provide educational estimates, not professional financial, tax, or legal advice.
- ✓Results depend on the assumptions you enter—double-check your inputs.
- ✓We don't sell or share personal data. Calculations run in your browser.
- ✓Formulas and key assumptions are disclosed in each tool.
- ✓Found an error? Email us at hello@everydaybudd.com and we'll fix it.
- ✓Tools are updated when tax laws, rates, or formulas change.
Top Picks
All Moving & Travel Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I estimate moving costs without getting quotes?
Our Moving Cost Estimator uses industry averages based on distance, home size, and services needed. It gives a ballpark for budgeting before you contact movers. Actual quotes may vary 10-20% based on specific items and timing.
What size moving truck do I need?
Our Truck Size Recommendation tool estimates based on rooms and furniture. A studio typically needs 10-12 ft, a 2-bedroom needs 15-17 ft, and a 3-bedroom needs 20-22 ft. When in doubt, size up—it's easier to pack with extra space.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly when relocating?
Depends on distance and luggage. For moves under 500 miles with minimal belongings, driving often wins. For cross-country moves, compare our Road Trip Fuel Cost Planner against flight + shipping costs. Factor in your time value too.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for local moves, 8-12 weeks for long-distance. Summer (May-September) and month-end dates fill fastest. Our Moving Cost Estimator shows typical seasonal price variations.
What costs do people forget when budgeting a move?
Common oversights: security deposits, utility connection fees, temporary storage, cleaning costs, address change fees (DMV, voter registration), travel expenses during the move, and first grocery stock-up in the new place.
Should I rent a truck or hire full-service movers?
DIY truck rental costs 30-50% less but requires your time and physical labor. Full-service movers make sense for long distances, heavy furniture, or if you value your time highly. Our calculator compares both options.