Moving Costs Across Metro Vancouver in 2026: A City-by-City Guide

Metro Vancouver is one of Canada's most active moving markets. With over 2.5 million residents spread across more than a dozen municipalities — from North Vancouver to Langley, from Richmond to Maple Ridge — the cost of a local move can vary significantly depending on where you're moving from, where you're going, and what time of year you book.

This guide breaks down exactly what movers charge across the Lower Mainland in 2026, what drives those costs up or down, and how to get the best value no matter which city you're in.

How Moving Pricing Works in Metro Vancouver

Most professional moving companies in BC charge by the hour, with the clock starting when the truck leaves the depot and stopping when it returns. The hourly rate depends on the crew size and truck capacity you need.

At 4 You Moving Services Ltd., our 2026 rates are:

All moves are subject to a minimum of 2 hours and 5% GST. A $100 deposit is collected at booking and applied to your final invoice.

The Travel Time Charge

Every move includes a flat 1-hour travel time charge — approximately 30 minutes for our crew to drive from our yard to your pickup address, and 30 minutes to return to our yard after the job. At 4 You Moving, this charge is equal to 1 hour of your base package rate ($149 for the 3-ton package, $169 for the 5-ton package). It is not affected by extra movers and is always disclosed upfront in your quote.

This fee is disclosed upfront in your quote — there are no surprise charges on moving day.

City-by-City Moving Cost Estimates

The estimates below are based on a typical 2-bedroom apartment move using 2 movers and a 3-ton truck, booked on a weekday outside of peak season (July–August). Actual times will vary based on the volume of items, floor access, elevator availability, and parking conditions.

Vancouver (City of Vancouver)

Moving within Vancouver itself — say, from Kitsilano to Mount Pleasant, or from the West End to East Van — typically takes 4 to 6 hours for a 2-bedroom home.

• Estimated cost: $700 – $1,050 + GST
• Key factors: Elevator bookings in high-rises, street parking permits, narrow lanes in older neighbourhoods
• Tip: Book your elevator at least 2 weeks in advance. Many strata buildings require a damage deposit from your moving company.

Burnaby

Burnaby sits right next to Vancouver and is one of our most common move destinations. Whether you're moving to Metrotown, Brentwood, or North Burnaby, travel times are short and moves tend to be efficient.

• Estimated cost: $650 – $1,000 + GST
• Key factors: High-rise density around Metrotown and Brentwood means elevator coordination is essential
• Tip: Weekday morning slots fill up fast in Burnaby's condo towers — book early.

Richmond

Richmond moves often involve newer condo buildings and townhomes. Traffic on the Knight Street Bridge or Massey Tunnel can add time during peak hours.

• Estimated cost: $700 – $1,100 + GST
• Key factors: Bridge traffic, parking restrictions near the city centre, newer buildings with strict move-in rules
• Tip: Schedule your Richmond move to start before 9 AM or after 6 PM to avoid bridge congestion.

Surrey

Surrey is Metro Vancouver's largest city by area, and move times vary widely depending on which part of Surrey you're in. Newton and Whalley are closer to Burnaby; South Surrey and White Rock are significantly farther.

• Estimated cost: $750 – $1,200 + GST
• Key factors: Distance from Vancouver, traffic on Highway 1 and King George Boulevard
• Tip: Moves to South Surrey or White Rock may require an additional hour compared to North Surrey.

Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody (Tri-Cities)

The Tri-Cities are a popular destination for families moving out of Vancouver. Expect slightly longer travel times due to the distance from most moving company depots.

• Estimated cost: $800 – $1,250 + GST
• Key factors: Distance, Lougheed Highway traffic, newer townhome developments with tight driveways
• Tip: Many Tri-Cities homes have long driveways or limited street access — let your movers know in advance so they can bring the right truck size.

North Vancouver & West Vancouver

The North Shore is a beautiful place to live, but the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges create real bottlenecks. Factor in bridge time when estimating your move duration.

• Estimated cost: $800 – $1,300 + GST
• Key factors: Bridge crossings, steep driveways in West Van, older homes with narrow staircases
• Tip: North Shore moves almost always benefit from an early start — aim for a 7 or 8 AM departure to beat bridge traffic.

New Westminster

New Westminster is centrally located and generally easy to access, making it one of the more affordable destinations in Metro Vancouver for movers.

• Estimated cost: $650 – $950 + GST
• Key factors: Older buildings with no elevators, limited parking on Columbia Street
• Tip: If you're moving into or out of a heritage building, confirm whether the staircase can accommodate large furniture before booking.

Langley (City & Township)

Langley is one of the farther destinations in Metro Vancouver, and the distance adds time to any move originating from Vancouver or Burnaby.

• Estimated cost: $850 – $1,350 + GST
• Key factors: Highway 1 travel time, newer subdivisions with good truck access
• Tip: Langley moves work best as early-morning starts to avoid Highway 1 congestion near the Abbotsford interchange.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

These communities are at the eastern edge of Metro Vancouver. Moves here involve the most travel time from central Vancouver, but the communities themselves are easy to navigate.

• Estimated cost: $900 – $1,400 + GST
• Key factors: Distance, Lougheed Highway traffic, rural properties with long driveways
• Tip: If you're moving a large home in Maple Ridge, consider upgrading to a 5-ton truck to reduce the number of trips.

What Makes a Move More Expensive?

Regardless of which city you're moving in, several factors consistently push costs higher:

1. Moving during peak season (May–September) Summer is the busiest time for movers across BC. Demand is high, availability is limited, and some companies charge premium rates. If you can move in October, November, or February, you'll often save 10–20% and have more flexibility on timing.

2. High-rise buildings without elevator access Carrying furniture up and down stairs takes significantly longer than using an elevator. If your building's elevator is unavailable or too small for large items, expect your move to take 30–60 minutes longer.

3. Large, heavy, or specialty items Pianos, pool tables, gun safes, and large appliances require extra care, additional crew members, and sometimes specialized equipment. Always disclose these items when requesting a quote.

4. Long carry distances If the truck can't park close to your front door — due to a long driveway, underground parking, or street restrictions — movers have to carry items farther, which adds time.

5. Disassembly and reassembly Beds, wardrobes, and flat-pack furniture often need to be taken apart to move safely. This is included in the hourly rate, but it does add time to the job.

What Makes a Move Less Expensive?

Book early. The best time slots — weekday mornings in spring or fall — go fast. Booking 3–4 weeks in advance gives you the most options and the best chance of a smooth, efficient move.

Be ready when the movers arrive. Every minute the crew spends waiting for you to finish packing is a minute on the clock. Have everything boxed, labelled, and staged near the door before the truck arrives.

Declutter before you move. The less you move, the less you pay. Donate, sell, or dispose of anything you don't need in your new home. A lighter load means a shorter move.

Choose the right truck size. A truck that's too small means multiple trips. A truck that's too large is unnecessary expense. Our team can help you choose the right size based on your home's square footage and the number of rooms.

Getting an Accurate Quote

The most reliable way to know what your move will cost is to get a quote based on your specific situation. At 4 You Moving Services Ltd., we provide transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden fees. You'll know your hourly rate and the one-time travel time charge before you book — so there are no surprises on moving day.

We serve all of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Delta, and White Rock.

Get a free quote and find out exactly what your move will cost — no obligation, no pressure.

Learn more about our moving costs in Metro Vancouver or explore our packing services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book movers in Metro Vancouver? For moves during peak season (May–September), book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. For off-peak moves, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient, though earlier is always better for the best time slot selection.

Do movers charge extra for moves between cities in Metro Vancouver? Most local moving companies in Metro Vancouver charge the same hourly rate regardless of which city you're moving between, as long as it's within the Lower Mainland. The distance is reflected in the total hours worked, not a separate surcharge.

Is GST included in moving quotes? No — GST (5%) is added to the final invoice. Always confirm whether a quote includes or excludes tax so you can compare apples to apples.

What payment methods do movers accept? Most professional movers in BC accept credit card, e-transfer, or cash. At 4 You Moving, we accept all major payment methods and require a $100 deposit at booking.

Can I move on a weekend? Yes, but weekends — especially Saturdays — are the most in-demand time slots. If you need a weekend move, book as early as possible. Weekday moves are often faster and easier to schedule.

For a full list of cities and neighbourhoods we cover, see our Metro Vancouver service areas.