
Moving can be stressful enough without surprise charges at the end. That’s why it helps to know what kind of pricing to expect before the big day. Edmonton’s a great place to move to and over time more, and more people look to it because of its affordable homes, green space, friendly neighbourhoods, and a river valley that’s basically one giant backyard. When you add in a growing food scene and year-round festivals, it becomes obvious why more people are calling this city home! If you're planning a move in or around Edmonton, here’s what you need to know about how the costs usually break down.
Most Edmonton moving companies charge between $120-150 per hour for local moves with a 2-person crew. This covers moves within Edmonton and to nearby areas like Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Leduc.
If you're staying within Edmonton or nearby, most moving companies charge by the hour. It's usually as simple as this: you pay for the time the movers are working (loading, driving, unloading) and that's it.
Some companies also charge a one-hour travel fee, which covers the crew getting to you and starting the job. After that, the clock starts when they begin loading and stops once everything is unloaded at your new place.
The best part? A lot of movers don’t tack on extras like fuel charges or admin fees. Just the hourly rate, plus GST.
Here’s a ballpark of what you might pay based on the size of your place:

If you're moving farther out (let’s say an Edmonton to Calgary move) the pricing works a bit differently.
You’ll get a flat rate for the drive itself. That part depends on two things: how many movers you need and how far you're going, simple as that!
Most movers will charge by the hour for the time it takes to load up your stuff, and then unload it at the new spot. So, you’re only paying for the drive and the actual work on both ends.
For a move about 3 hours away, you might see costs like this:

This is a rough estimate, but it gives you a solid starting point. Need help planning your timeline? Check out: How Early You Should Start Planning Your Move?
Not every move is the same. Here’s what can shift the price:
Moving costs in Edmonton vary by season. Summer months (May-August) and month-end dates typically cost 20-30% more due to higher demand. If your schedule is flexible, moving during off-peak times (October-April, mid-month, weekdays) can save you hundreds of dollars. Just keep in mind that winter moves require extra preparation for snow and cold. Check out our tips for handling a winter move.
Moving out of a one-bedroom apartment? That’s usually pretty quick, but if you’ve got a four-bedroom, a basement, and a garage packed with stuff, it’s going to take longer, and that means more hours on the clock.
More movers get the job done quicker, but the hourly rate goes up with each extra person. Sometimes it’s worth it, especially if you want to wrap things up fast.
The longer the drive, the higher that fixed travel cost. If you're hauling your stuff across the province, the gas and time can add up.
There are a few ways to keep your bill lower:
Movers charge for time. So, the less time they spend packing, the less you pay. If everything’s already boxed up and ready to go, that’s a chunk of time saved right there.
You should learn how to compare and get quotes from multiple moving companies to get the best value for your money. Check out our article on how to compare moving quotes in 2026.
The less stuff you’ve got, the faster it goes. Fewer boxes mean fewer trips to the truck, that can shave a lot of time off your move, and your bill!
For a more in-depth breakdown of how to save yourself some money when moving, check out one of our recent blogs, 10 Tips for Reducing Costs with Professional Movers.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of boxing everything up, or unboxing it all at the other end most movers offer packing and unpacking services for moves big or small. Whether you want help with just the kitchen or the whole house, they will take care of it. They bring the supplies, wrap things properly, and pack smart so nothing gets damaged. On the other end, they can unpack everything and get you set up faster. It’s totally up to you how much help you want.
Alberta First Choice likes to keep it simple. You’re paying for the time it takes to do the job, nothing more. We don’t nickel and dime you with hidden fees, and the team shows up ready to work. With our mover's guarantee, you can trust that your belongings will be handled with care, delivered on time, and free of surprises.
If you're planning a move soon and want to get a solid quote, Contact us today! Our crew can walk you through your specific situation and give you numbers that match your move, not just a generic average.
Whether you're moving across Edmonton, setting up after a new office move in Sherwood Park, or heading out to Fort McMurray, Alberta First Choice has been doing this for over 40 years, and we’ve got it down to a system that works.
From small apartment moves to full-scale industrial moves, we’ve handled just about everything. And we do it with the right crew, on time, no nonsense, and no hidden fees. That’s our Movers Guarantee.
If you’re looking for an easy move and a team that actually shows up ready to work, give us a call or send us a message. We’ll walk you through the details, give you real numbers, and help you figure out the best plan for your move, big or small!
Serving Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Devon, Fort McMurray, and beyond.
Let us make your next move easy!