Moving Loan Calculator: Monthly Payment to Finance a Move
Work out the monthly payment and total interest on a moving loan — used to spread the cost of an out-of-state relocation across the months that follow.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Year-by-year amortization schedule
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total of payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4k · 12% · 2-year | $188.29 | $519.05 | $4,519.05 |
| $8k · 10% · 3-year (long-distance) | $258.14 | $1,292.95 | $9,292.95 |
| $1.5k · 15% · 1-year | $135.39 | $124.65 | $1,624.65 |
| $15k · 8% · 5-year (international) | $304.15 | $3,248.75 | $18,248.75 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the amount financed (movers + truck rental + deposits + travel + temporary housing), the APR, and the term. The calculator turns the APR into one constant monthly payment using the amortization formula and shows total interest paid across the loan.
The Formula
Fixed-Rate Amortization
P = loan amount, r = monthly rate (APR ÷ 12), n = number of monthly payments
Worked Example
Financing $4,000 of moving costs at 12% APR over 2 years gives a monthly payment of about $188. Total repayments come to roughly $4,519, so interest adds about $519 — a 13% premium on top of the move itself for the convenience of paying over time.
Key Insight
Most movers underestimate total relocation cost by 30% to 50%. The obvious bills (movers, truck) are easy; the gotchas land later — security deposit on the new place, utility setup fees, replacement furniture for items damaged in transit, and the gap when two rents overlap. Build in 25% margin on the loan or savings target, then keep what's unused as a buffer for the first months in the new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a moving loan cover?
Professional movers or truck rental, packing supplies, travel during the move, first/last month rent and security deposit on the new place, utility setup fees, and temporary housing if needed. Many movers don't budget for everything.
What rate should I expect?
Unsecured personal loans for moving expenses typically run 8% to 18% APR depending on credit. Some movers offer financing through third parties (often higher rates); a direct personal loan from a credit union is usually cheaper.
Are moving expenses tax-deductible?
For most US taxpayers, no — the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended the moving expense deduction through 2025 for non-military filers. Active military members on PCS orders can still deduct certain moving costs.
Save or borrow for a move?
Save where possible — moving loans add interest to costs that are already higher than expected. If you must borrow, prioritize a personal loan or 0% credit card promo over moving-company financing, which often carries higher rates.
How can I reduce moving cost?
DIY moving (truck rental + friends with pizza), off-peak timing (avoid June through August), portable container services for long-distance moves, and selling/donating before the move rather than paying to ship items you'll replace anyway.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 1 independent, dated source. The starting values for interest rate are taken from the benchmarks below and refresh whenever the snapshots are updated.
Methodology & Review
Payments use the standard fixed-rate amortization formula. The calculator assumes a fixed APR over the term. Moving loans are unsecured personal loans; rates depend on credit profile, not collateral.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.