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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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.

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. Some general movers charge a set fee per piano on top of their hourly rate and others decline pianos, so ask who will be on the crew.

What affects piano moving costs?

Piano type and weight

New uprights from Steinway and Yamaha weigh about 500 to 650 lbs; their grands run about 580 to 1,070 lbs and must be partially disassembled (legs and pedals removed) and moved on a piano board. More weight and disassembly means more cost.

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.

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.

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.

How the Piano Moving Cost Calculator works

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.

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. Some general movers charge a set fee per piano on top of their hourly rate, and others decline pianos, so ask who will be on the crew. 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.