How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost? (NYC Price Breakdown for 2026)
Buying cardboard boxes for a move adds up faster than most people expect. Whether you’re moving a studio or a 3-bedroom apartment in NYC, here’s exactly what you’ll pay — and whether renting reusable bins might be the smarter call.
How much do moving boxes cost? New cardboard boxes cost $1.50–$5.00 each depending on size. A studio apartment needs 20–30 boxes ($40–$120 total). A 2-bedroom needs 40–60 boxes ($80–$240). Add $10–$50 for tape, markers, and packing paper. Renting reusable bins is a flat weekly rate — no per-box cost, delivered to your door.
Moving Box Prices by Type
Prices reflect typical NYC retail and online sources in 2026.
| Box Type | Average Cost Each | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1.5 cu ft) | $1.50–$2.50 | Books, kitchen items, heavy objects |
| Medium (3.0 cu ft) | $2.50–$4.00 | Clothing, pots, miscellaneous |
| Large (4.5 cu ft) | $3.50–$5.00 | Pillows, bedding, bulky items |
| Wardrobe box | $10–$15 | Hanging clothes |
| Mirror / picture box | $8–$12 | Framed art, mirrors |
| Dish pack | $6–$10 | Fragile dishes and glassware |
Total Moving Box Cost by Home Size
Box count only — add $10–$50 for tape, markers, and packing materials.
| Home Size | Boxes Needed | Estimated Box Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 20–30 boxes | $40–$120 |
| 1 Bedroom | 30–40 boxes | $60–$160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 40–60 boxes | $80–$240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 60–80 boxes | $120–$320 |
Where to Buy Moving Boxes in NYC
All of these options are available in NYC — pick based on how much time you have.
Home Depot / Lowe’s
Wide selection at fair prices. Bundles available. Delivery to NYC addresses. Good for most sizes.
U-Haul
Sells bundles by home size. Convenient if you’re also renting a truck. Returns allowed on unused boxes.
Amazon
Competitive per-box pricing. Good if you’re planning 1–2 weeks ahead and want delivery. Prime members get fast shipping.
Staples / Office Depot
Great for small and medium boxes. Many NYC locations offer same-day or next-day delivery.
Ways to Reduce Moving Box Costs
Get free boxes first
Liquor stores, Buy Nothing Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Craigslist often have free boxes from recent movers. Takes 3–7 days to source. See our free boxes guide →
Buy bundles, not singles
Per-box price drops 15–25% when buying a pack of 10–20 vs. individual boxes. Always go bundle if you need more than 5 of the same size.
Return unused boxes
Home Depot and U-Haul allow returns on unused boxes with receipt. Buy a few extra without risk of wasting money.
Rent bins instead
Reusable plastic bins from EazyCrate ship at a flat weekly rate — no per-box cost, no tape needed, pickup included when you’re done. Often cheaper than buying boxes for a full apartment move.
Renting Bins vs. Buying Cardboard Boxes: Full Cost Comparison
Most people only think about the box price — here’s the full picture.
| Cost Factor | Cardboard Boxes | EazyCrate Reusable Bins |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes / bins | $40–$240 | Flat weekly rate |
| Tape | $5–$15 | $0 — snap-close lids |
| Markers | $3–$5 | $0 — label slots built in |
| Assembly time | 30–60 min | $0 — ready to use |
| Disposal after move | 1–2 hours | $0 — we pick up |
| Total (studio) | $60–$130 | See pricing → |
| Total (2BR) | $120–$280 | See pricing → |
When you factor in time cost — sourcing, assembling, disposing — renting bins often comes out ahead for full apartment moves.
The Bottom Line
Plan to spend $60–$300 on cardboard boxes for a NYC apartment move, plus tape and supplies. If you’re moving a full 1-bedroom or larger and want to skip the disposal headache, a flat-rate bin rental usually comes out ahead on both time and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy moving boxes for a NYC apartment?
How many moving boxes do I need?
Where is the cheapest place to buy moving boxes in NYC?
Is it cheaper to rent bins or buy cardboard boxes for an NYC move?
What are the hidden costs of buying moving boxes?