A big city move calls for more than just boxing up your things and hiring local removalists—there’s a lot to consider. Melbourne’s unique neighbourhoods can bring a range of moving costs you might not expect.
Whether you're navigating stamp duty, or managing the quirks of an older property, moving in Melbourne can get expensive quickly. Beyond moving costs, the cost of living—spanning, housing, utilities, and daily expenses—can also influence your budgeting decisions. But don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every cost you’ll need to cover - from obvious expenses such as removalist fees to hidden expenses you might not expect. We’ve also got some top tips for saving money, so you can stay on top of your move without breaking the bank.
Removalist rates generally fall between $115 and $175 per hour, with a minimum booking of 2 hours, depending on factors like truck size and the number of movers you need.
Just like the city’s unpredictable weather, prices can fluctuate, especially during peak times like weekends or the end of the month. Plus, parking restrictions and narrow laneways in the inner suburbs can add extra time to the job. So, it’s smart to shop around, get a few quotes, and factor in any local quirks to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your move.
Melbourne removalists charge between $115 and $175 per hour.
The cost of hiring removalists in Melbourne often comes down to the size of your home and the area you're relocating to. Whether you're in a trendy inner-city apartment or a spacious home in the leafy suburbs, Melbourne’s unique layout—think narrow laneways and tricky parking in places like Fitzroy or St Kilda—can impact the cost. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve broken down average moving costs based on different home sizes across the city.
| Size of home | Removalists cost |
| Studio or 1-bed unit | $370 - $670 |
| 2-bed unit | $470 - $850 |
| 2-bed house | $660 - $1170 |
| 3-bed house | $710 - $1,910 |
| 4-bed house | $920 - $1,960 |
In Melbourne, the price you pay for removalists usually covers truck hire, the movers’ time, and basic services. But as is so often the case, the bigger your home and the more items you have, the higher the price tag.
We’ll dive into all the details later, or if you’re in a hurry, you can skip ahead to read about what’s included in a typical removalist fee and what could bump up your bill.
Naturally the cost of an interstate move from Melbourne can vary greatly depending on where you are moving to. To help you budget, we’ve gathered the data from hundreds of our Melbourne movers and moving companies to offer a rough guide to costs between Melbourne and other major cities. The below figures are pulled from our most recent data (2024).
Melbourne removalists charge between $1,200 and $5,800 for a move to Brisbane.
| Size of home | Average cost |
| Average 2-bed unit | $2,800 |
| Average 2-bed home | $3,400 |
| Average 3-bed house | $4,000 |
Keep in mind, these are just ballpark figures, so it’s always a good idea to get a few quotes based on your exact needs.
When you're booking Melbourne removalists, the quoted price usually covers the basics like the movers' time, truck hire, and basic insurance for your items.
You’ll also get equipment like trolleys and blankets to protect your furniture along the way. But, as with so many things in life, there are a few extras to consider:
All of the above could bump up the price.
Tip: Always ask for a detailed breakdown of inclusions and exclusions.
Melbourne’s unique layout and traffic conditions are key factors in how much your move will cost and how smoothly it goes. If you're shifting from a bustling inner-city area like Fitzroy or the CBD, vehicle restrictions and heavy traffic can slow things down and increase costs.
Familiarising yourself with Melbourne's local quirks—like which streets are one-way or which suburbs are notorious for traffic—can help you avoid surprises and keep things on track.
Melbourne is known for its busy streets and notorious congestion, so it pays to be aware of the hotspots.
Some of the busiest areas in Melbourne include:
We’ve put together a map showing some of Melbourne’s busiest traffic spots to help you plan ahead. If you're moving in or out of any of these areas, try to pick quieter times—early mornings or weekdays are your best bet.
If you're moving to a place where parking is tight or expensive, it could mean extra hassle and costs. Here are some areas to look out for:
From stamp duty to legal fees, and even property valuations, these other moving costs can add a significant amount to your moving budget. Whether you're moving locally or relocating from another state, it's helpful to have a clear picture of what you're up against financially.
Let’s dive into a few of the main costs you’ll encounter—and how to manage them.
One of the biggest expenses when buying property in Melbourne is stamp duty. This tax is based on the price of your new home. For example, if you’re buying a property for $1 million, you're looking at a bill of roughly $50,000 in stamp duty.
The higher the purchase price, the more this will set you back. If you're a first-time homebuyer, there are some potential savings on stamp duty, but it's still a substantial amount. It’s not something that’s easy to miss, so you’ll want to budget for it early.
For calculating stamp duty in Victoria visit the State Revenue Office's Stamp Duty Calculator.
If you're buying, the bank will usually want a property valuation to make sure they’re lending you the right amount. This helps them assess the true market value of the property. On the flip side, if you’re selling, a professional valuation can give you a better idea of what price to list your property at, ensuring you don’t sell yourself short—or price it out of the market.
Property valuation costs in Melbourne can vary, but on average, you might pay anywhere from $300 to $600 depending on the property’s size, location, and complexity.
Not every property sale requires a valuation, but it’s often necessary if you're working with a lender. It’s a good idea to factor this into your moving costs early on so you aren’t caught off guard.
When you're buying or selling property in Melbourne, conveyancing is something you can’t skip. It's the legal process that handles the transfer of ownership, and it’s one of those essential costs that comes up every time you move. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,300 for conveyancing, depending on how straightforward or complicated the sale is.
You’ll have the option of working with either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. While solicitors often charge a bit more, both professionals will help you with the legal nitty-gritty—like drawing up contracts, checking title deeds, and communicating with your bank or the other party’s agent.
Though it’s technically possible to handle conveyancing on your own, it’s really not worth the risk. It’s one of those things where a professional can save you from potential legal headaches down the road, making the whole buying or selling process a lot smoother.
When you're wrapping up a rental in Melbourne, most lease agreements will require you to have a professional clean before you hand back the keys. The cost of this cleaning can vary depending on the size of your place and how much work is needed to get it spotless.
As a rough guide, here’s what you might pay for end-of-lease cleaning in Melbourne:
These prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the property's condition, any additional services (like carpet cleaning or window washing), and whether the place is particularly large or tricky to clean. For example, if you’ve got a lot of hard-to-reach areas or a built-up oven, that might push the price up a bit.
One of the main costs to consider is the commission for your real estate agent. On average, agents in Victoria charge around 2.1%, but the rate can range from 1.6% to 2.5% depending on where you are in Melbourne and the agent you choose.
For example, if you’re selling a property for $1 million, you could be looking at a commission anywhere from $16,000 to $25,000. It’s not a fixed cost though, so it’s worth negotiating with your agent to get the best deal that works for your budget.
Also, make sure to ask what’s included in the commission. Some agents include marketing, photography, and open houses, while others might charge extra for those. Knowing what you're getting for the fee will help you make sure you're getting value for your money.
When you're selling or renting out a property in Melbourne, home staging can really help your space stand out. Essentially, it’s all about making the home look as appealing as possible—arranging furniture, adding some stylish decor, and making sure everything looks inviting. It’s a great way to help potential buyers or renters imagine themselves living there.
If you’re looking to stage a typical 3-bedroom property in Melbourne, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for a six-week furniture hire. The price can vary depending on the size of the property, the quality of furniture you choose, and how much styling you want to go for. Larger homes or more high-end properties could cost a bit more.
While it’s an upfront cost, home staging can pay off by helping your property sell or rent faster and for a better price. In a city like Melbourne, where the market is competitive, a well-styled property can definitely attract more interest and get people excited about the space.
If you're moving to or from or within Melbourne and want to save some cash, backloading might be the way to go. Essentially, it’s when you share a removal truck with other people who are moving along the same route. You only pay for the space your items take up, so it can be a great option if you're trying to keep costs down, especially for long-distance moves
That said, backloading comes with a few things to keep in mind:
But the good news is, many movers offer insurance to cover your items just in case. So, if you’re flexible with timing and don’t mind a bit of back-and-forth, backloading can definitely help you save a lot on your move. It’s a practical option, especially if you’re on a budget.
Book early and be flexible: If you can, lock in your movers early. Weekdays and mid-month tend to be cheaper than weekends or the end of the month.
Try backloading: If you’re flexible with your move date, sharing a truck with others can save you a lot, especially for longer moves.
Declutter: The less you have, the less it costs. Have a clear-out before you start packing.
Avoid peak traffic times: Moving in the early morning or mid-week can help you dodge Melbourne’s notorious traffic—and any extra costs that come with delays.
Get a few quotes: Prices can vary, so it’s worth checking a few options to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Check parking: Parking can be tricky in busy areas, so make sure you’ve got access sorted to avoid extra fees.
Here’s a quick and easy budgeting reference for a typical move within Melbourne (e.g., 3-bedroom home):
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $370 - $1,960 (based on home size) |
| Conveyancing Fees | $500 - $1,300 |
| Stamp Duty | Approx. $50,000 (for a $1M home) |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | $16,000 - $25,000 |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Property Valuation | $300 - $600 |
| Inspections (Building & Pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home Styling (Optional) | $3,000 - $7,000 |
| Professional Cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility Connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated Total | $51,000 - $80,000+ |
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $370 - $1,960 (based on home size) |
| End-of-Lease Cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Bond (typically 4 weeks' rent) | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| First Month’s Rent | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Cleaning for New Property | $150 - $400 |
| Utility Connection Fees | $50 - $200 |
| Pet Bond (if applicable) | $200 - $500 |
| Renters’ Insurance | $10 - $30/month |
| Application Fees | $90 - $150 |
| Estimated Total | $4,100 - $7,000+ |
*Figures will vary depending on the location in Melbourne you are moving to.
Moving to, from, or within Melbourne can be an exciting adventure, but it’s also full of hidden costs that can sneak up on you. From removalist fees and stamp duty to home styling and those unexpected extras, it's important to understand all the expenses involved before you dive in.
At Upmove, we get that moving can be overwhelming—that’s why we're here to make things easier. We connect you with trusted, affordable Melbourne removalists who know the local area and can offer you a fair, transparent quote.
With some thoughtful planning, expert help, and a clear budget, you can reduce stress and enjoy a smoother transition into your new home. Whether you're moving around Melbourne or anywhere else in Australia, Upmove has you covered every step of the way.
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