What does a move cost on average?

The average moving costs in Germany range from €600 to €4,000 — depending on apartment size, distance, and whether you organize yourself or hire a moving company. For a 2-room apartment within the same city, a moving company typically costs €800–1,500, while a long-distance move of a 4-room apartment can quickly reach €3,000–6,000. On top of that, hidden costs like deposits, double rent, and renovation often double the total amount. Our calculator accounts for all these items and gives you a realistic overview.

Is a moving company worth it?

Whether a moving company is worth it depends on your situation. For small apartments (1–2 rooms) within the same city, you can often save 50–70% with a rental van and helpers. From 3 rooms onward, for long distances, or without friends to help, a moving company is almost always worth it — especially with fragile or heavy furniture. Also consider the risk: professionals are insured, while with DIY moves you're liable for damage to the stairwell or belongings. Get at least three quotes and compare exactly which services are included.

How much does moving cost per cubic meter?

Moving companies often calculate internally by volume in cubic meters. As a guideline, expect €25–50 per m³ for a local move and €50–80 per m³ for long-distance moves (over 100 km). A typical 60 m² apartment has about 20–30 m³ of moving volume. However, many factors influence the price: floor without elevator, narrow staircases, heavy transports (piano, safe), and seasonal demand (July/August and end of month are more expensive). Always ask whether packing materials, parking permits, and insurance are included in the quote.

What hidden costs are there when moving?

Most people significantly underestimate the true cost of moving. Commonly forgotten items include: deposit for the new apartment (often 3 months cold rent, i.e. €1,500–3,000), double rent during the transition (1–2 months), renovation of the old apartment (painting: €200–800, with floors: €500–1,500), mail forwarding (€28.90), internet transfer or new setup (€50–100), and new furnishings. Parking permits (€50–250 depending on the city), re-registration fees, and vehicle re-registration also add up. Our calculator captures all these items systematically.

How much does a parking permit for moving cost?

The cost of a parking permit for moving varies considerably by city and required length. In most cities, you pay €50–150 for the official permit plus setup fees for the signs (€30–100). In Munich and Hamburg, it can cost €200–300. Applications usually need to be submitted 2–4 weeks before the move. Without a parking permit, you risk the moving truck not finding a parking spot — which delays the move and causes additional carrying costs due to longer distances. In old-building neighborhoods with limited parking, it's almost always worthwhile.

Do I have to paint the old apartment?

The obligation for cosmetic repairs depends on your lease agreement. In 2015, the German Federal Court ruled that rigid renovation clauses (e.g., 'paint every 3 years') are invalid. However, flexible clauses requiring renovation 'as needed' are valid if you return the apartment in significantly worse condition than when you moved in. Without a valid clause, you don't have to renovate at all. In practice, most landlords at least expect you to paint in light, neutral colors if you painted the walls in bright colors. When in doubt, check your lease or consult the tenants' association.

How do I set up mail forwarding?

You can set up mail forwarding with Deutsche Post online at nachsendeauftrag.de or at any post office. The cost is €28.90 for 12 months (online) or €34.90 at a branch. The order applies to all mail addressed to your name and can be set up as early as 5 business days before the move. It's recommended to submit the application at least 1–2 weeks in advance for a smooth transition. Additionally, you should update your address directly with your bank, insurance companies, employer, tax office, and important online shops.

What does moving from Berlin to Munich cost?

A long-distance move from Berlin to Munich (approx. 585 km) costs between €2,000 and €7,000 with a moving company, depending on apartment size. For a 2-room apartment (approx. 50 m²), expect €2,000–3,500; for a 3-room apartment (approx. 75 m²), €3,500–5,000; and for a 4-room apartment (approx. 100 m²), €5,000–7,000. Additional costs include fuel (approx. €150–200 for a truck), possible overnight stays, and highway tolls. DIY moves save about 40–60% on transport, but you need to budget for a rental truck (from €150/day), helpers, and food.

How long does a move take?

The actual moving duration depends on apartment size, floor level, and number of helpers. A 1–2 room local move with 2–3 helpers typically takes 4–6 hours. A 3-room move takes 6–8 hours, and a larger apartment (4+ rooms) takes a full day. For long-distance moves, driving time is added. Professional movers are often faster because they have routine, proper equipment, and sufficient staff. Packing takes an additional 1–2 days. The entire moving phase — from the first boxes to the last unpacked shelf — usually stretches over 2–4 weeks.

Can I deduct moving costs from taxes?

Yes, under certain conditions you can deduct moving costs from your taxes. For work-related moves (e.g., job change, transfer, reducing commute by at least 1 hour), actual costs are deductible as income-related expenses — transport, double rent, broker fees, and travel costs. Additionally, there is a flat-rate moving allowance (2026: €886 for the person moving, €590 per additional person). For private moves, you can at least deduct 20% of moving company costs as household-related services, up to a maximum tax reduction of €4,000 per year.

How Much Does Moving Cost in Germany 2026? Complete Cost Breakdown | Moving Cost Calculator

How Much Does Moving Cost in 2026? The Complete Overview

Anyone planning a move in Germany faces the decisive question from the start: what will it all cost? The honest answer: more than most people expect. Beyond the obvious transport costs, numerous hidden expenses lurk that can quickly blow your budget. In this comprehensive guide, we cover every cost item you can expect in 2026 -- and how to keep them under control.

Average moving costs in Germany vary widely: for a 1-room apartment within the same city, a moving company charges EUR 400--800; for a 2-room apartment EUR 800--1,500; and for a larger 4-room apartment EUR 2,000--4,000. For long-distance moves over 500 km, these figures easily double. But that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Moving Costs by Apartment Size

Apartment size is the single most important cost driver. More square metres means more moving volume in cubic metres -- and therefore more transport capacity, more helpers, and more time.

1-room apartment (25--35 m2)

Moving volume is typically 10--15 m3. A local move with a company costs EUR 400--800; DIY from about EUR 150 (van rental plus helpers). For singles, a DIY move is often the cheapest solution, especially when friends can help carry.

2-room apartment (45--65 m2)

Typical volume: 20--30 m3. Local move with a company: EUR 800--1,500. DIY from about EUR 300, but at this size it becomes genuinely tiring without professionals. From the 2nd floor without an elevator, a moving company almost always pays for itself.

3-room apartment (70--90 m2)

Volume: 30--45 m3. Local move: EUR 1,500--2,500; long-distance: EUR 2,500--5,000. Families with children frequently have more furniture and household goods than expected. Plan for 1--2 full days of moving work.

4-room apartment and larger (100+ m2)

Volume: 40--60 m3 and above. Local move: EUR 2,000--4,000; long-distance: EUR 4,000--8,000. For large households, a professional moving company is almost always recommended -- the time saved and reduced risk justify the cost.

DIY Move vs. Moving Company: Cost Comparison

The fundamental question of every move: do it yourself or hire professionals? Both options have clear advantages and drawbacks.

DIY move: typical costs

Van rental: EUR 60--150 per day depending on size (Sprinter from EUR 60, 3.5-tonne from EUR 100, 7.5-tonne from EUR 130). Plus mileage charges (EUR 0.15--0.30/km) and fuel. Moving boxes: EUR 30--80 for 20--50 boxes. Packing materials (bubble wrap, packing paper): EUR 20--40. Catering for helpers: EUR 50--100 for pizza, drinks, and a thank-you gift. Hand truck rental: EUR 15--25/day. In total, a local DIY move runs to EUR 200--500 -- significantly cheaper than a company.

Moving company: what is included?

A standard moving package typically includes: provision of a truck, 2--4 moving helpers, carrying all furniture and boxes, basic insurance. Extras such as packing service, furniture assembly, piano transport, and parking permits cost additional. Always obtain at least three quotes and watch for hidden surcharges for floors without an elevator, weekend work, or seasonal premiums.

Cost Per Cubic Metre: The Industry Metric

Moving companies often calculate internally by volume. Typical guide prices for 2026: local move (under 50 km): EUR 25--50 per m3; regional move (50--200 km): EUR 35--60 per m3; long-distance move (over 200 km): EUR 50--80 per m3. With a volume of 30 m3 and a local move, that works out to EUR 750--1,500 in pure transport costs. Floor surcharges (EUR 50--100 per floor without elevator) and heavy-item transport come on top.

The Hidden Costs: What Most People Forget

This is where it gets truly expensive -- because transport costs often account for less than half of the total.

Deposit for the new apartment

The single largest item most people fail to budget for: the rental deposit is capped by law at 3 months net cold rent. At a cold rent of EUR 800, that is EUR 2,400 you need to produce at once. While you can legally pay in three instalments (first on move-in, the next two in the following months), the initial hit still stings. Moreover, you typically do not receive your old deposit back for months -- the landlord has up to 6 months to settle accounts.

Double rent

Most moves overlap: you terminate the old apartment at the end of the month but move in earlier or need extra time for renovation. An overlap of 1--2 months is normal. At EUR 800 cold rent plus utilities, that is quickly EUR 1,800--3,600 in double rent burden.

Renovation of the old apartment

Whether you must renovate depends on your lease. Most landlords at least expect you to repaint in light, neutral colours. Costs: painting only (materials plus optional painter): EUR 200--800 for a 60 m2 apartment; painting plus floor repairs: EUR 500--1,500; full renovation: EUR 1,500--3,000 and above.

Mail forwarding

A mail forwarding order with Deutsche Post costs EUR 28.90 (online) for 12 months. Not dramatic, but frequently forgotten -- and then important mail ends up with the new tenant.

Internet transfer

Transferring your internet connection costs EUR 0--70 depending on the provider. Sometimes cancelling and setting up a new connection is cheaper. Expect 2--4 weeks without internet after the move -- a mobile hotspot as a bridge costs roughly EUR 20--30 per month.

New furniture and furnishings

Almost no move happens without buying something new: new lamps, curtains, a shelf that no longer fits. Realistically, most people budget EUR 500--2,000 for new purchases.

Regional Price Differences

Moving costs vary considerably by region. In Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, company prices run 20--40% above the national average. In eastern Germany (except Berlin) and rural areas, prices are 10--30% lower. Berlin sits in the mid-range but often has longer lead times due to high demand and difficult parking. Even within a single city, differences exist: old-building neighbourhoods with narrow staircases and no elevator are more expensive than new-builds with wide staircases and freight elevators.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

The timing of your move has a significant impact on cost. The most expensive periods: July and August (peak season -- up to 30% surcharge), end of month and month transitions (lease termination dates), Friday and Saturday. The cheapest periods: January to March (off-season), mid-month (Tuesday to Thursday). If you have scheduling flexibility, a well-chosen date can save 15--30%.

Tax Deductibility of Moving Costs

Good news: under certain conditions, moving costs are tax-deductible in Germany.

Work-related move

If you move for professional reasons (job change, transfer, commute reduction by at least one hour), you can deduct actual costs as income-related expenses. These include: transport costs, travel costs for apartment viewings, double rent (up to 6 months), estate agent fees, and re-registration costs. Additionally, there is a flat-rate moving allowance in 2026 of EUR 886 for the person moving and EUR 590 for each additional household member.

Private move

Even for a private move, you can claim 20% of moving company labour costs (excluding materials) as a household-related service, up to a maximum tax reduction of EUR 4,000 per year. This is especially worthwhile for more expensive moves.

10 Money-Saving Tips for Your Move

1. Get quotes early -- at least 6--8 weeks before the move; compare at least three offers.

2. Move in the off-season -- winter and weekdays are significantly cheaper.

3. Declutter before the move -- less volume means lower costs. Sell what you no longer need.

4. Source free boxes -- supermarkets, eBay Kleinanzeigen, and neighbours often have used boxes.

5. Apply for a parking permit in time -- saves hours of parking searches and expensive waiting time for the movers.

6. Disassemble furniture yourself -- if the movers do not have to do this, you save the assembly surcharge.

7. Align notice and move-in dates -- minimise double rent to at most 2 weeks of overlap.

8. Handle renovation yourself -- painting with friends saves EUR 300--600.

9. Pay the deposit in instalments -- exercise your legal right to pay in three monthly instalments.

10. Use tax benefits -- do not forget to declare moving costs on your tax return.

Conclusion: Plan Realistically and Build in a Buffer

A move almost always costs more than expected. The pure transport costs are only part of the truth. Deposit, double rent, renovation, and new purchases can easily double or triple the total. Always plan a buffer of 20--30% on top of your estimate. Use our Moving Cost Calculator to capture all items systematically -- so you avoid any unpleasant surprises.