SPECIALTY MOVE · PIANO

Piano Moving Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost to move a piano — by type, stairs, and distance — before you call a specialty crew.

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CALCULATOR · LIVE

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Piano move

Estimate your piano move

Piano type

Stairs (worst end)

Distance

Estimated piano move

$150 – $400

Upright piano, no stairs, local move.

Base handling$150 – $400
Stairs (No stairs)—

Excludes tuning after the move, which is recommended once the piano acclimates (typically $100–$250 separately). High-value or antique pianos may need custom crating or a climate-controlled truck.

COST

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Piano moving is priced by the instrument's size and weight, the access at both ends (stairs, tight doorways), and distance. Typical ranges:

Upright / console / spinet (local)

$150 – $400

Baby grand (local)

$250 – $600

Grand / concert grand (local)

$350 – $1,000

Long-distance piano movedistance + specialty handling

$700 – $2,500

Stairs surchargeor $40 – $100 per flight

$5 – $10 / step

A piano is one of the few items where hiring a specialist is worth it: the wrong lift can crack a soundboard or injure someone. Most general movers subcontract piano work anyway.

WHAT DRIVES THE PRICE

What affects piano moving costs?

01

Piano type and weight

Uprights run 300-500 lbs; grands run 500-1,200 lbs and must be partially disassembled (legs and pedal lyre removed) and moved on a piano board. More weight and disassembly means more cost.

02

Stairs and access

Stairs are the single biggest surcharge. Expect $5-10 per step or a flat per-flight fee. Tight doorways, sharp turns, and long carries from the truck all add labor.

03

Distance

Local moves are a flat specialty fee. Long-distance adds mileage plus climate-controlled handling, since temperature and humidity swings can damage a piano in transit.

04

Crating and climate control

High-value or antique pianos may need custom crating and a climate-controlled truck, especially for long hauls. That can add several hundred dollars.

METHODOLOGY

This estimate is based on specialty piano-moving rates by instrument class (upright, baby grand, grand), a per-step or per-flight stairs surcharge, and mileage for long-distance moves. It does not include tuning after the move, which is recommended and typically $100-250 separately.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Piano moving cost FAQ

Why is moving a piano so expensive?+

Pianos are heavy, awkward, fragile, and valuable. They require specialized equipment (piano boards, skid boards, straps), a trained crew, and often partial disassembly. A mistake can destroy an instrument worth thousands, so the labor is skilled.

Can regular movers move a piano?+

Some do, but many general movers subcontract to piano specialists. For a grand or a valuable instrument, hire a dedicated piano mover with the right equipment and insurance.

How much does it cost to move an upright piano?+

A local upright move typically runs $150-400. Add a stairs surcharge if there are steps on either end, and more for long distance.

How much to move a grand piano?+

A local grand or concert-grand move usually runs $350-1,000 because the instrument must be disassembled and moved on a specialized board. Long-distance grand moves can reach $2,500 or more.

Should I tune my piano after moving it?+

Yes. Any move, even across a room, can knock a piano out of tune, and temperature and humidity changes at the new location add to that. Wait a couple of weeks for the piano to acclimate, then tune. Budget $100-250.

Do stairs really cost extra?+

Yes, and it is the most common surcharge. Movers charge roughly $5-10 per step or a flat fee per flight because stairs multiply both the risk and the physical effort.