How Much Does Piano Moving Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Moving a piano isn’t just another line item on your to-do list—it’s a careful, budget-minded project. Set aside $150 to $1,100 ($424 for most moves) so you’re ready when moving day arrives. Because your piano is both heavy and delicate, plan and book a trusted moving pro; that one step protects the instrument you value and keeps the relocation stress-free.

Piano Moving Cost

When you move a piano, you’re doing more than hauling a bulky piece of furniture—you’re safeguarding a prized instrument that may carry family history or fuel your musical career. The average cost to move a piano is $424, ranging from $259 to $590, influenced by factors such as location, size, piano type, and complexity.

Pianos are intricate and heavy, with uneven weight distribution that makes them challenging to move safely and securely. Upright pianos are top-heavy with delicate feet, while grand pianos, though heavier along their length, have fragile legs and components that require specialized care. Professional piano movers have the expertise to transport your cherished piano safely to its new home.

Piano Moving Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of moving a piano, including the instrument's size and weight, the distance of the move, insurance costs, and any complexities involved in the route from your home to the moving truck. Understanding these factors will help you anticipate expenses and ensure a smooth relocation of your piano.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your piano significantly affect moving costs. Larger and heavier pianos require more effort and specialized equipment, occupying more space in the moving truck and increasing the price. For instance, moving a small upright piano locally might cost $150, while transporting a grand piano across the country could cost up to $2,000 due to its substantial size and weight.

Distance

The distance of your move plays a crucial role in the overall cost. Local piano moves cost between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile, while long-distance moves range from $2.50 to $10 per mile. As the distance increases, so do the time and fuel expenses, leading to higher delivery fees.

Stairs

Each step your movers tackle adds time, muscle, and risk. Expect to pay an extra $5 to $10 per step or $40 to $100 per staircase to cover the careful, stair-by-stair work that keeps your piano and walls scuff-free.

Moving Equipment

Your movers will bring gear that fits your piano’s size and shape, and that equipment is listed in your quote. Here’s what they may roll in with—and what each tool can cost:

• Dolly: $125–$200

• Hump strap: $25

• Locking belt: $25

• Skid board: $125

• Protective pads and blankets: $30–$35

• Hoist and crane: $750–$2,000

• Packing tape: $3 per roll

Special Packing

Grand pianos require some minor adjustments before the trip. The crew removes the legs, tips the body onto its side, and rebuilds everything once the truck unloads. Expect $100 for dismantling and roughly $800 for a crate (up to $1,200 if you request a heated version). In contrast, upright pianos are wrapped and moved using a dolly or skid board, making them less expensive to pack and transport.

Insurance Costs

Most movers include basic coverage for pianos worth $5,000 or less. If yours is valued higher, they’ll add $10 to $15 for every extra $1,000 you declare, so the policy keeps pace with your piano’s price tag.

Piano Tuning Costs

The cost of tuning a piano ranges between $100 and $150. Moving a piano exposes its delicate parts to vibrations and changes in climate and humidity, which can affect its tuning. It's essential to have your piano re-tuned after it has settled in its new location to ensure optimal sound quality.

Humidity Control

Humidity control is often included in the moving service. Reputable companies use climate-controlled trucks to prevent dramatic changes in humidity that can cause the piano's soundboard to swell or shrink, leading to tuning issues or even cracks in the wood. Climate-controlled transportation is crucial for preserving the integrity of your valuable instrument.

Additional Items

The cost to move additional items averages a $20 flat rate per item or $1 per pound. Piano benches are common items added to the trip for convenience and cohesiveness.

Storage

Piano storage through professional movers costs between $50 and $75 per month in a climate-controlled space. Alternatively, if you rent your own climate-controlled storage unit, expect to pay an average of $240 per month, or $1 to $1.80 per square foot.

Labor

Pros set their fees in one of two ways: either by the hour or on a flat rate. Hourly billing often comes with a minimum, so surprises like tight hallways can push the clock—and your cost—higher. Flat rates skip the timekeeping and hinge on factors like:

• Instrument type

• Length and width

• Distance from the original location to the destination

• Overall job difficulty

You're likely better off going with an hourly rate for short distances. However, you'll likely get a better price at a flat rate over long distances. Additionally, with an agreed-upon flat rate, there won't be any surprises at the end of the journey. Regardless of the charging method, calculating the moving price involves knowing what equipment and time are required for the job. Be prepared to share the size, type, make, and model of your instrument to receive an accurate estimate for your piano move.

Upright Piano Moving Costs

Moving a piano is separate from the average moving cost for standard household items, which costs between $500 and $1,500. The larger and heavier the piano, the more it costs to move. For example, moving a small upright unit locally into the first floor of a building is more affordable than transporting a grand onto the fifth floor of a condo two states away.

Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for a local move and between $500 and $800 for long-distance shipping for an upright or spinet piano. These instruments weigh less—300 to 800 pounds—than grand pianos and are more compact units that don't require dismantling before travel.

Grand Piano Moving Costs

Moving a grand piano takes more preparation and space, which increases labor costs and overall totals. Here’s what you can expect to pay for moving a grand piano.

Moving a grand piano costs between $350 and $650 locally and $1,000 and $2,000 for a long-distance job. They weigh between 600 and 1,200 pounds and require some level of dismantling before the move to prevent damage and make them easier to maneuver.

DIY vs. Hiring Piano Movers

Unless you and a few friends are trained piano movers, it's best to call a professional. Pianos are heavy, awkward, and fragile, and the right tools and know-how matter. Keep these three points in mind:

• Weight: Upright versions can weigh approximately 900 pounds, while grand pianos can weigh up to 1,300 pounds.

• Worth: These instruments are expensive; some may even be antiques. A DIY effort means that any mistakes don't have insurance behind them. Pros are insured to do their job, and they'll also give the owner a risk assessment on the move.

• Dismantling: This is required for large instruments to facilitate their movement from one location to another. Most owners may not know how to do this safely. It’s also important to realize that regular household movers aren’t trained for this job.

Information to Provide Your Piano Mover

Give the movers a clear picture upfront: the piano's make and model, exact dimensions, pickup and drop-off addresses, stair counts, doorway widths, and any tight turns. The better their intel, the tighter—and more accurate—your quote will be.

Likewise, having thorough information about the moving company can help you feel confident in trusting them with your instrument. Ensure your piano is moved safely—hire a professional piano mover to complete the job with expert care.

Hire a local piano mover today to protect your investment.

How to Save on Piano Moving Costs

Professional movers earn their keep, but you can still trim the bill without cutting corners:

• Schedule your piano move during off-peak times: Book your piano move during weekdays or non-holiday seasons when moving companies offer lower rates due to decreased demand.

• Clear pathways in advance: Remove furniture, rugs, and obstacles from the moving path to reduce the time movers spend navigating your space, potentially lowering hourly labor costs.

• Compare multiple quotes: Contact at least three reputable piano movers to compare services and pricing, ensuring you receive competitive rates while maintaining quality.

• Bundle with other moving services: If you're relocating your entire household, ask if the piano moving company offers discounts when combined with the cost of general moving services.

Avoid rush jobs: Plan your piano move well in advance, as last-minute scheduling often incurs premium pricing for expedited service.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.