A recent July 2026 survey commissioned by Intuit Credit Karma reveals that moving expenses are leaving a sizable portion of Americans in debt. Of the 1,029 adults who moved within the past five years, 35% reported taking on debt to finance their relocation, and the rate jumps to 50% among millennials.
How Much Are Movers Spending?
Three in ten recent movers spent $5,000 or more on their latest move, while 15% spent $10,000 or more. Forty percent say the total cost was at least twice what they originally expected, a figure that rises to 55% for millennials.
Sources of Financial Stress
Nearly half (47%) say the move itself was cheaper than the costs of settling in, with new furniture topping the list of unexpected expenses. For many, the biggest challenge began before a lease was signed: 38% of Gen Z respondents cite finding affordable housing as their top hurdle, and 28% rank saving enough money for the move as a major stressor.
How Movers Are Covering the Gap
Thirty‑three percent cut back on non‑essential spending, but 25% had to dip into savings or an emergency fund, and 18% reduced essential purchases such as gas and groceries. Millennials are more likely to charge extra to credit cards (31%), while 42% of Gen Z worked extra hours or overtime.
Overall, 28% placed moving costs on a credit card, 10% used personal loans (15% of millennials, 14% of Gen Z), and 9% turned to buy‑now‑pay‑later services (13% of both younger cohorts). In total, 35% of respondents took on some form of debt to move, yet 55% still consider the move worthwhile.
Recovery Timeline
Financial recovery is not immediate. Only 19% felt financially recovered in less than a month. A quarter reported it took three to six months, while 16% say they are still working to repay moving‑related debt.
Impact on Other Financial Goals
The debt burden often delays other priorities: 23% postponed vacation savings, 22% delayed building an emergency fund, and 21% put off paying off existing credit‑card debt. Younger movers also report setbacks in retirement savings, down‑payment goals, and student‑loan repayment.
Personal and Family Effects
Forty percent say the financial strain made it hard to enjoy their new home initially, and the same share would have made different financial choices had they known the true cost. Money‑related stress also sparked conflict for 32% of respondents, rising to 46% among millennials.
Why Many Still Feel It Was Worth It
Despite the challenges, 27% say the move hurt their finances but improved quality of life, and 28% say it improved both. A majority of younger movers (58% of millennials, 47% of Gen Z) relocated to higher‑cost areas for better job opportunities or school districts.
Living Trade‑offs
To afford their desired location, many have downsized their living space (22%), paid more than 30% of income on rent or mortgage (21%), accepted longer commutes (19% overall, 25% of Gen Z), taken on roommates (13% overall, 20% of Gen Z), or tolerated pest issues (11%).
When asked whether they would rather live paycheck‑to‑paycheck in a beloved area or comfortably elsewhere, 53% chose the former, and 62% said the financial premium of their current location is worth it.
Consumer Behavior After Moving
Moving often triggers impulse purchases: 32% admit they replace furniture or décor they didn’t truly need, with higher rates among younger adults. Regret follows for 35% of movers, especially 48% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials. Social media influences purchasing decisions for half of Gen Z and 56% of millennials.
Retailers most frequently used for furnishing include Target, Walmart, and HomeGoods (37% overall), followed by Amazon (35%). IKEA attracts 19% overall, with stronger appeal among younger movers.
Methodology
The online survey was conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma between July 22 and July 24, 2026, sampling 1,029 American adults who had moved within the previous five years.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
