How SaveWise calculates and compares costs
Understand the formulas, assumptions, data limitations and uncertainty in our free tools.
MoveWise: planning, not a guaranteed price
The tool totals one-time cash needs such as transportation, deposits, supplies and fees from user inputs. Its move-versus-stay comparison estimates the chosen number of months of housing-cost differences together with one-time moving expenses. A refundable deposit affects cash required even if it is returned later.
QuoteCheck: written amount versus planning amount
QuoteCheck displays entered quoted charges and separately considers known extras and any uncertainty allowance the user chooses. The planning total is a scenario, not the amount a provider has agreed to charge. Rankings are based on the figures and assumptions supplied and should not substitute for comparing scope, quality, credentials, and warranty terms.
Fuel budgeting
A simplified fuel estimate is distance divided by miles per gallon, multiplied by the price per gallon and number of vehicles, plus user-entered extra costs. Actual fuel consumption varies with load, traffic, driving conditions and vehicle efficiency. The U.S. government trip calculator is a useful additional reference.
Interstate household moving estimates
We link to FMCSA guidance. The legal treatment of binding and nonbinding estimates depends on the circumstances, including requested additional services. Any informational audit must be checked against the actual contract and current official rules.
Pricing freshness
As of November 8, 2026: SaveWise's MVP does not automatically retrieve local contractor prices or live moving quotes. Figures entered into the calculators are provided by the visitor. We will indicate source dates and coverage before introducing regional benchmarks. If a number is an assumption, it should not be mistaken for a market rate.