Shipping Cost from Melbourne to Santa Ana, California

Moving a piano costs roughly $150-$650 locally and $500-$2,500+ for long distances, depending heavily on the piano's type (grand is more), weight, distance, and obstacles like stairs, which add significant fees. Expect to pay more for larger pianos (concert grands) and complex moves involving many steps or tight spaces, potentially increasing costs to several thousand dollars, while simple upright moves are at the lower end.

Piano movers in Australia have broad charges that cater either for flat rates for local moves or an hourly rate for longer distances. Local Move (within 30km): $250 to $500 depending on access and size. Long-Distance Move (interstate or 100+ km): $3–$5 per km, which can bring the cost up to $700–$1,500 or more.

A piano dolly helps with short, flat moves but hiring professional piano movers is almost always better for safety, preventing costly damage (like a cracked soundboard or ruined floors), and handling stairs/tight spots, as they have specialized equipment, experience, and insurance for these heavy, delicate instruments. While a dolly saves money upfront, the risk of injury or significant repair costs usually outweighs the cost of professionals, especially for valuable or grand pianos.