Moving costs in 2026 average around $1,250 for a local move and $4,890 for a long-distance move according to Move.org. Add first month rent and security deposit and the total often hits $4,000 to $8,000, though new 2026 state laws in California, Washington, and New York have capped security deposits at one month’s rent, which has shifted the math. An installment loan at 18 to 30 percent over 24 to 36 months is often cheaper than a credit card at 25 percent. Negotiate with the moving company for cash discounts. RadCred matches with installment lenders in 60 seconds.
The move was planned. Or it was not. Either way, the move-out date is on the calendar and the cash you need is more than what is in the bank. Here is the realistic walk-through.
What a move actually costs in 2026
Move.org, HireAHelper, and American Moving and Storage Association data, with state law adjustments.
| Cost component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Professional movers, local (under 50 miles) | $800 to $2,000 |
| Professional movers, long-distance (over 1,000 miles) | $3,000 to $7,500 |
| Rental truck (U-Haul, Budget) for a DIY move | $200 to $1,500 |
| First month’s rent | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| Security deposit (state-dependent, see below) | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Application and credit check fees | $50 to $200 per applicant |
| Utility connection fees and deposits | $100 to $500 |
| Cleaning, supplies, miscellaneous | $200 to $600 |
2026 state-level security deposit caps that change the math:
- California (AB 12, effective July 2024): Security deposit capped at one month’s rent for unfurnished units. Small landlords with 2 or fewer units can charge up to two months. Down from the previous two-month cap.
- Washington (Housing Stability Act, effective 2026): Total move-in fees and security deposit combined cannot exceed one month’s rent. This is a hard cap.
- New York: One month’s rent maximum statewide.
- New Jersey: 1.5 months’ rent maximum.
- Massachusetts: First month + last month + one month deposit + lock change fee.
- Connecticut: Two months max, one month max for tenants 62 and older.
- Texas, Florida, Georgia: No statewide cap.
A common shape for a real local move in 2026: $1,500 for movers + $1,500 first month + $1,500 deposit (less in cap-states) + $300 utilities + $300 supplies = $5,100. For a long-distance move with movers, double or triple that.
Three things to try before you borrow
1. Cut the moving cost itself
Movers charge based on weight or volume for long-distance and by the hour for local. Two specific moves reduce cost.
DIY the small stuff yourself. Move boxes in your own car or rental truck across a week or two, then hire movers only for the furniture. This often cuts the moving bill in half.
Ask the moving company for a cash discount. Many smaller local movers will give 10 to 15 percent off for cash or debit card payment instead of credit card (avoiding the merchant fee).
For long-distance, get quotes from at least 3 companies. Spreads of $1,500 to $3,000 between quotes for the same move are normal. Verify any long-distance mover at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website (fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) before booking, the DOT number is required for interstate moves.
2. Negotiate the security deposit
In states with deposit caps (California, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, and others), the landlord cannot legally exceed the cap. Know your state law before signing anything.
In states without caps (Texas, Florida, Georgia, and others), ask the landlord for a phased deposit, half on move-in and half within 30 days. Smaller landlords often accept. Larger property management companies usually do not.
If you have a strong rental history (no missed payments, good references), some landlords waive deposit fees entirely in exchange for an extra fee on month-to-month later. Worth asking.
3. Use employer relocation if applicable
If you are moving for a job, ask. About 38 percent of US employers offer relocation assistance for new hires in mid-career positions according to industry HR surveys. Even if it was not in the original offer, asking for “a one-time relocation lump sum” is a normal negotiation, often $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the role and the company.
If you are an active military service member, military PCS orders cover most moving expenses through the Defense Personal Property Programme. Contact your transportation office before booking anything privately.
When a loan for moving expenses actually makes sense
You have shopped quotes, you have applied the state deposit cap, the employer cannot help. The total need is real and you need the money in the next 2 weeks.
Specifically:
- The total shortfall is $1,500 to $7,500
- You have stable income at the new location (employment offer in hand or already started)
- The loan repayment over 24 to 36 months fits in your post-move budget
- The interest cost is less than the cost of carrying the same amount on a credit card
Realistic loan amounts and terms
| Need amount | Typical loan structure | Realistic APR for bad credit |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 to $2,500 | Installment, 12 to 24 months | 18 to 30 percent |
| $2,500 to $5,000 | Installment, 24 to 36 months | 18 to 28 percent |
| $5,000 to $7,500 | Installment, 36 to 48 months | 18 to 25 percent |
Three repayment scenarios
$2,500 short-distance move loan, 26 percent APR, 24 months. Monthly payment around $135. Total interest paid around $740.
$4,000 moving loan, 24 percent APR, 36 months. Monthly payment around $157. Total interest paid around $1,650.
$6,500 long-distance move loan, 22 percent APR, 48 months. Monthly payment around $202. Total interest paid around $3,196. The longer term keeps the monthly payment manageable but increases total interest. Pay early if cash flow allows.
The four-step RadCred application
60 seconds, soft credit check only.
- Enter the loan amount and select “moving expenses” or “general purpose” as the reason.
- Share your monthly income (use the new job income if you have an offer letter).
- Provide your bank account information for verification.
- Review offers and accept one or none.
Approved before 10:30 am central typically means same business day funding. You can pay movers, landlord, and utility deposits all from the same loan disbursement.
Red flags to watch for
A moving company demanding cash upfront or full payment before move day. Reputable movers charge 10 to 20 percent deposit at booking, with the balance on completion. Anything more is a sign to walk away.
A long-distance moving company with no DOT number listed on their website. Required for interstate moves. Verify at fmcsa.dot.gov before booking. The FMCSA receives over 3,000 moving company complaints per year, most involving rogue movers without proper credentials.
A landlord asking for a deposit above the state cap. Illegal in cap-states. Tenants who pay over the cap can sue for the excess plus damages plus attorney fees in many states.
Any lender promising “guaranteed approval” or asking for upfront fees. Always a scam.
An unlicensed lender. Verify at NMLS Consumer Access.
FAQ
Can I get a moving loan with bad credit?
Yes, in most cases. Many online installment lenders accept FICO scores in the 500s when income supports repayment. The soft credit check at prequalification shows your actual options without affecting your score.
Can I take a loan in one state and use it in another?
Yes. Online installment loans are typically based on your current state of residence at the time of application. Once funded, the money is yours to use anywhere in the US.
Should I take a loan before or after the move?
Before, if the cost is largely upfront (deposit, movers, first month). After, if the move-in is already covered and the loan is for setup costs (furniture, replacement items, utility deposits). Most borrowers take the loan 7 to 14 days before the move date.
How fast can I get the money?
Same business day in most cases when approved and accepted before 10:30 am central. Weekends and holidays push to the next business day.
Will my new landlord accept a loan-funded deposit?
You receive the loan in your bank account and pay the deposit from there. The landlord does not see how the money was funded, only that the deposit is paid.
Is a moving loan a good idea or should I just save up?
If you have 4 to 6 months and stable income, saving is cheaper. If the move is in 2 to 4 weeks and the new income depends on relocating, a loan often makes sense because the alternative (delayed move, lost job offer) is more expensive than the loan interest.
Are there any nonprofits that help with moving costs?
Limited options. Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul sometimes assist with deposit costs for low-income tenants moving from homelessness or domestic violence situations. Call 211 to find local programmes. These programmes do not typically help with discretionary moves.
What about military relocation?
Active duty service members under PCS orders are covered by the Defense Personal Property Programme for most moving costs. Contact your installation transportation office before booking any private moves. Civilian household goods reimbursement also exists for federal employees relocating for work.
Educational content. Not financial advice. RadCred is a loan matching platform, not a lender.
Sources referenced: Move.org 2025 moving cost survey, American Moving and Storage Association data, HireAHelper national moving cost analysis, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Protect Your Move resources, California AB 12 security deposit law (effective July 2024), Washington State Housing Stability Act, Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation data, US Department of Defense Personal Property Programme guide, NerdWallet 2026 personal loan analysis, NMLS Consumer Access, FTC consumer alerts on moving scams.
