Removal costs by city: London, Surrey, Manchester and more
The same move costs different amounts in different places, for good reasons.
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Removal prices depend on the size of the move, the distance, the crew and the access. Place matters too: parking, congestion, stairs and local demand all change what a company needs to charge.
Why London costs more
Parking, congestion and permit costs, narrow streets, flats without lifts and busy roads all add time. Read our London removals cost guide and the parking suspension guide.
Surrey and the home counties
Access is often easier, with driveways, but distances are longer and jobs may involve larger homes. See our pages for the boroughs and districts of Surrey and the home counties.
Other UK cities
Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol vary with traffic, hills and housing type. Long-distance moves are priced by distance and volume.
How to compare fairly
- Give each company the same inventory and access details.
- Check whether packing, parking and VAT are included.
- Compare the whole price, not only the hourly rate.
See typical ranges on our removal costs page, then compare up to 5 quotes for your own move.
Frequently asked questions
Why are removals in London more expensive?
Parking, congestion and access add time and cost.
Is a long-distance move priced differently?
Yes, usually by volume and distance, and it may need more than a day.
How do I get an accurate price?
Give each company the same details and ask for a written quote. See our guide on accurate quotes.
Related guides
- How much do removals cost in London?
- How to get accurate removal quotes
- The true cost of moving house in the UK: every fee to budget for
Prices and rules in this guide are general guides and change over time. Check GOV.UK or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
Why prices differ between cities
Removal prices vary across the UK because of local wages, the cost of running vehicles, parking and congestion rules, the type of housing, and how busy the market is. London is the most expensive, mostly because of parking and operating costs. Large regional cities are typically lower, and smaller towns can be lower still, though long travel times can offset that. The same move in two cities can differ by a few hundred pounds, which is one more reason to compare quotes for your own route.
What shapes the price in each type of place
- London. Narrow streets, parking restrictions, the Congestion Charge in the central zone, ULEZ across the capital, and many flats with stairs. See moving house in London.
- Large regional cities. Competitive markets and a mix of terraces, flats and suburbs. Prices are generally lower than London, though city centre access can be tight.
- Historic cities and hilly areas. Narrow streets, steps and hills can slow the job.
- Scotland. Tenement flats with stairs and parking restrictions can add time in some cities.
- Rural areas. Fewer companies and longer travel can raise prices, and some roads limit vehicle size.
How to use city price guides
Treat price guides as a sanity check. They show whether a quote is in a sensible range, not the exact price. Your own price depends on the volume, the access, the date and the services. For ranges by move type, see the removal costs guide and man and van prices per hour.
Compare for your own move
Choose your area to see local advice: London, Surrey, home counties and UK cities. When you request quotes, give the postcode of each address, so the companies can price the route accurately. For longer moves, see long distance removals and popular routes.
Common questions
Which UK city is cheapest for removals?
It varies by month and by company. Large regional cities tend to be cheaper than London, but the best way to find out is to compare quotes for your own move.
Why are London removals more expensive?
Parking, congestion and emission charges, traffic, wages and operating costs all push prices up.
Are rural removals cheaper?
Not always. There are fewer companies and the travel time is longer, which can offset lower local costs.
