How much does Piano moving cost?

As one of the largest and most expensive musical instruments, pianos are also the most difficult to move. Relocating this fragile and valuable piece of equipment can make you anxious watching a crew heave it up stairs, juggling it down ramps, or even hoist it onto an upper floor.  

While moving companies often handle large items (like sofas or refrigerators) with ease, moving a piano requires specialized know-how and equipment to avoid damaging the instrument or getting injured in the process.

Professional piano movers are trained to handle various types of pianos and can give homeowners peace of mind knowing their valuable musical instrument will be properly handled in transit to its new home. Read on to understand how piano moving is priced before you hire a pro to move your grand piano or upright piano. 

Piano movers price their jobs based on a few factors: duration of the job, type of piano, distance to its new home, and any special equipment needed for stairs or difficult terrain.

The national average cost of piano moving is $500–2,000. Prices can be as low as $150 to move a small upright piano from one room to another and up to $5,000 to move a grand piano overseas. Most piano movers charge a base rate of $150–200.

The type of piano is one of the main factors that determines your moving quote. Different models have varying weights, heights, and shapes, which may require different equipment, type of moving truck, approach, and amount of movers.

Spinet, studio, console or standard upright pianos. These vertical pianos range in height from 3–4 feet. They’re generally smaller and more compact than grand pianos, which makes them easier and cheaper to move.

Average cost: $150–400

Grand piano. Known as horizontal pianos, grand pianos, including petite grands, baby grands, ballroom grands, will require additional professional movers to load and carry them, raising the cost.

Average cost: $350–900

Concert grand piano. Not surprisingly, the largest class of grand piano is the most expensive to move. Typically 9 feet long, these instruments require multiple movers and additional equipment to relocate safely.

Average cost: $450–1,800

Moving distance affects the price due to the costs of gas, transportation, and driver time.

Room to room. While moving a baby grand piano or upright piano from one room to another is the simplest move, this short distance can still be challenging since pianos can’t be dismantled and have to be moved in one piece.

Average cost: $150–300

Across town. Local moves require the instrument to be carefully removed from the home and secured on a moving truck, so the initial costs can be significant. The average piano moving cost will fluctuate depending on how far away your new home is.

Average cost: $350–950

Out of state. Long-distance moves demand higher prices due the cost of gas, driver time, and moving truck wear-and-tear.

Average cost: $700–2,500

Overseas. Moving a piano across an ocean requires crating, additional professional movers, multiple modes of transportation, and specialized equipment to secure the instrument. Documentation may also be required depending on the destination country.

Average cost: $2,000–5,000

You may incur these additional costs based on your unique situation. 

Difficult terrain. Tight spaces, narrow doorways, staircases, or steep driveways will add to your cost estimate. Depending on the difficulty of the moving process, this can add $100–300 to the final price. Staircases are generally charged $50–100 per flight of stairs.

Time frame. If your piano move is an emergency or rush job, this can double or triple the cost of the move.

Moving insurance. Most piano moving companies offer free insurance for pianos valued under $5,000, which covers damage to the piano during transit. If the piano is worth more, insurance typically costs $15–20 per $1,000 worth of piano.

Piano tuning. The piano will need to be tuned at its destination because keys, pedals, and internal components can be jostled loose during a move, while fluctuations in climate or humidity can cause parts to swell or expand. Piano tuning costs around $100–250.

Hire a standard moving company. Some standard moving companies offer piano moving services for 30–50% less than dedicated piano moving companies, though they may not have the same level of care and training.

Are piano movers worth it?

Professional piano moving services are trained and equipped to expertly handle various types of expensive and rare pianos. They can give homeowners peace of mind knowing their valuable musical instrument will be properly cared for in transit to its new destination. The average price range is $500–2,000.

What is the cheapest way to move a piano?

Some standard moving companies offer piano moving services at 30–50% cheaper than dedicated piano moving companies, though they may lack the same level of care and training.

Why is it so expensive to move a piano?

Pianos are one of the largest and most expensive musical instruments, and moving such a valuable and fragile piece of equipment can be costly. If your home has difficult terrain or you’re moving a long distance, that can dramatically increase your costs. The average price range is $500–2,000.

Can you move a piano by yourself?

It’s not recommended that you attempt to move a piano yourself. While you may have successfully moved other large items like couches and bookshelves with a few friends, pianos are significantly more fragile and require special knowledge and equipment to avoid damaging the instrument or getting injured in the process. 

Find a piano moving professional in your area.