Shipping Cost from Stockton, California to Ho Chi Minh City

A grand piano (weighing between 500 to 1,300 pounds) will cost substantially more to ship than an upright piano (typically weighing 300 to 900 pounds). For instance, shipping a piano internationally can cost up to $5,000, with costs varying based on the type and size of the piano.

Piano mover costs typically range from $200 to $600 for local moves, averaging around $424, but can jump to $1,000-$2,000+ for long distances or complex jobs involving stairs, narrow hallways, or large grand pianos, with stairs alone adding $5-$10+ per step. Factors like piano size, distance, accessibility (stairs, tight turns, elevators), and the need for special equipment (like cranes) greatly influence the final price, with smaller uprights being cheaper than large grands.

A piano dolly is essential for moving an upright piano yourself, but hiring professional piano movers is almost always better and safer, especially for valuable instruments, because pros use specialized equipment (dollies, ramps, straps, blankets) and have the training to handle the extreme weight (hundreds to over a thousand pounds) and awkward shape, preventing costly damage and serious injury, which can outweigh the cost of movers. A dolly alone isn't enough; you need strong people, a truck with a ramp, padding, and expertise to avoid accidents.