Piano Shipping Cost from Johnson City, Tennessee to San Jose, California

Piano mover costs typically range from $200-$400 for a simple local upright move to $1,000-$2,000 for long-distance or grand pianos, with potential extra fees for stairs, elevators, or disassembly adding $5-$10 per step or $100-$200 for complex jobs, depending on the piano's size, distance, and logistical challenges like stairs or narrow hallways.

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.

Long-Distance Moving a Piano Cost Benchmarks Per-mile charges range from $2.50 to $10, depending on fuel prices, demand, and route complexity. A 500-mile move could cost anywhere from $1,250 to $5,000 just in mileage. Fuel surcharges are common for interstate moves, especially when gas prices spike.