Moving Cost Breakdown Dubai 2026 | Where Your Money Goes

That moving quote is just a number—but what's actually IN it? Understanding the breakdown helps you spot overcharges, compare quotes fairly, and negotiate intelligently. Here's exactly where your money goes.

What's Changed in Cost Components for 2026

The breakdown has shifted:

Labor now 45-55%: Wage increases have pushed labor from 40-50% to 45-55% of total cost
Materials up 15%: Cardboard and packaging material costs have increased globally
Insurance premiums stable: Good news—insurance hasn't increased significantly
Fuel portion down: Fuel costs have stabilized, reducing transportation percentage slightly

What Goes Into a Moving Quote?

When you get a quote from professional movers in Dubai, the number can seem like a black box. Understanding the breakdown helps you compare quotes fairly and negotiate effectively.

For overall pricing, see our main guide on how much movers cost in Dubai.

The Major Cost Components

1. Labor (40-50% of total cost)

The largest portion of your moving cost is human labor.

Crew Size	Best For	Approx. Cost/Hour
2 movers	Studio, 1BR	AED 150-200
3 movers	2BR apartment	AED 200-280
4 movers	3BR, small villa	AED 280-380
5+ movers	Large villa	AED 350-500

What Labor Includes

Loading items onto truck
Unloading at destination
Basic furniture wrapping
Furniture disassembly/reassembly
Placement in rooms

What Affects Labor Cost

Experience level: Trained crews cost more
Crew size: More people = faster but pricier
Hours worked: Longer moves cost more
Difficulty: Stairs, narrow access add time

2. Transportation (20-30% of total cost)

The truck and fuel to get your belongings from A to B.

Truck Size	Capacity	Best For
1.5-ton	10-15 m³	Studio, small 1BR
3-ton	20-25 m³	1-2BR apartment
5-ton	35-40 m³	3BR, small villa
7-ton	50+ m³	Large villa

Transportation Cost Factors

Truck size: Larger = more expensive
Distance: Cross-Dubai adds AED 100-300
Multiple trips: If one truck isn't enough
Fuel: Usually included in quote
Tolls: Salik charges usually included

3. Packing Materials (10-15% if packing included)

Materials used to protect your belongings.

Material	Unit Cost	Typical Quantity (2BR)
Standard boxes	AED 10-20	30-50 boxes
Wardrobe boxes	AED 50-80	2-4 boxes
Bubble wrap roll	AED 40-80	2-4 rolls
Packing paper	AED 30-50/bundle	2-3 bundles
Tape	AED 10-15/roll	5-10 rolls
Stretch wrap	AED 30-50/roll	2-4 rolls

Materials Pricing Models

Full packing service: Materials included in package
Loading only: Materials charged separately or you provide
À la carte: Buy what you need

Learn about professional packing services.

4. Packing Labor (15-25% if packing included)

The time and expertise to pack your belongings safely.

Packing Level	What's Included	Approx. Add-On
Fragiles only	Kitchen, glass, artwork	AED 300-600
Partial	Kitchen + fragiles + some rooms	AED 500-900
Full packing	Everything professionally packed	AED 800-1,500
Unpacking	Removal from boxes, debris disposal	AED 400-800

5. Equipment (Usually included)

Professional moving equipment provided:

Dollies/hand trucks: For heavy items
Furniture dollies: For large pieces
Moving blankets: Protection during transport
Straps: Securing items in truck
Floor runners: Protect floors at both locations
Corner protectors: For walls and furniture

Specialty equipment (piano board, appliance dolly) may cost extra.

6. Insurance (Usually included)

Standard moving insurance coverage:

Basic coverage: Usually included in quote
Extended coverage: Available for additional cost
High-value items: May need separate declaration

See our insurance guide for details.

7. Permits and Access (Sometimes extra)

Building-related costs:

Move permit coordination: Some companies charge AED 100-200
Building deposit: You pay directly (refundable)
Elevator booking: Usually part of permit

See our building approval guide.

Sample Cost Breakdown: 2BR Apartment

Example: Marina to JLT, full service with packing

Component	Cost	% of Total
Labor (3 movers × 6 hours)	AED 1,200	43%
Truck (3-ton)	AED 400	14%
Packing materials	AED 350	13%
Packing labor	AED 500	18%
Insurance	Included	—
Fuel/distance	AED 100	4%
Company overhead/profit	AED 250	9%
Total	AED 2,800	100%

How Fixed vs Hourly Quotes Differ

Hourly Breakdown

Labor: Charged per hour
Truck: Often included in hourly rate
Materials: Charged separately
Total: Variable based on actual time

Fixed Quote Breakdown

All components bundled
Company estimates time and adds buffer
Price locked regardless of actual duration
Usually more comprehensive coverage

Compare in our hourly vs fixed guide.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

These may not be in the initial breakdown:

Stair carry fee: AED 50-150 per floor
Long carry fee: AED 100-300 if truck parks far
After-hours: 10-25% premium
Specialty items: Piano, safe, gym equipment
Waiting time: If you're not ready

Full details in our hidden charges guide.

What's Typically Included vs Extra

Service	Usually Included	Usually Extra
Loading/unloading	✓
Furniture wrapping	✓
Basic disassembly	✓
Full packing		✓
Packing materials	Varies	Varies
Piano/specialty		✓
Stair carry		✓
Storage		✓
Cleaning		✓

See what's included in a quote for details.

How to Reduce Costs

Reduce Labor Costs

Be fully packed and ready when movers arrive
Disassemble simple furniture yourself
Clear pathways and stage items near door
Have elevator booked and ready

Reduce Materials Costs

Source free boxes (supermarkets, neighbors)
Use linens and towels as padding
Pack your own non-fragiles

Reduce Transportation Costs

Declutter before moving (fewer items = smaller truck)
Ensure everything fits in one trip
Move mid-week for potential discounts

Comparing Quotes Fairly

When you have multiple quotes, check that each includes:

☐ Same services (packing level)
☐ Same crew size
☐ Same truck size
☐ Insurance coverage
☐ All potential extras listed

Learn more about choosing movers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do quotes vary so much between companies?

Different service levels, insurance coverage, equipment quality, and included services. Cheapest isn't always best value.

Should I expect to pay for the truck return trip?

Usually included in the quote. Ask if unclear.

Are tips included in the cost breakdown?

No, tips are separate and optional. See our tipping guide.

Can I negotiate the breakdown?

You can ask about removing services (e.g., "loading only, no packing") to reduce cost.

Get Your Personalized Breakdown

Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate, or request a detailed quote with full breakdown. Call +971 55 301 3309 for a line-by-line explanation.