Moving from Austin to Dallas, TX
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Austin to Dallas costs $254–$6,297, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 194-mile route within Texas take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- NorthStar Moving Company leads local picks at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 43 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Austin to Dallas?
Moving from Austin to Dallas doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and NorthStar Moving Company (4.62/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 194-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,569–$4,625 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,201–$2,147 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $270–$515 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $90/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 285+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Dallas?
A move from Austin to Dallas runs $254 to $6,297, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 194-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $1,029–$6,297
- Moving containers: $932–$2,870
- Rental trucks: $254–$661
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 194 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,029–$4,041 | $932–$1,650 | $254–$435 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,569–$4,625 | $1,201–$2,147 | $270–$515 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,337–$6,297 | $1,556–$2,870 | $354–$661 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 285+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Austin to Dallas move?
Common extra fees on a Austin to Dallas move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $90/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Austin to Dallas
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Austin to Dallas, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. NorthStar Moving Company leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 43 verified customer reviews. At 194 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Austin to Dallas. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Texas, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 194 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
NorthStar Moving Company is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Austin to Dallas, earning 4.62 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business since 1995 (31 years), with 93.0% of 43 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas to Austin guide.
How does Dallas compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. Dallas
The cost of living in Austin vs. Dallas goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Dallas stacks up against Austin.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,774 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $303,018 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $67,760 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,828 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and Dallas comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Dallas are nearly identical to Austin. Your housing line item won't shift in the move.
- Home prices in Dallas are 41% lower than Austin. Equity from a Austin sale typically buys more square footage in Dallas.
- Average income in Dallas is 26% lower than Austin. Confirm the move pencils out by checking whether housing and daily expenses drop by a similar margin.
- Cost of living for one person in Dallas is 15% lower than Austin. Apply the difference to debt paydown, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 matches across Dallas and Austin. Plan the move on existing household budget assumptions.
- Unemployment rates in Dallas match Austin. Job seekers should expect similar competition and time-to-hire.
- Sales taxes are equal in Dallas and Austin. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,550 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Dallas
Life in Dallas vs. Austin differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Austin | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 1,304,379 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 39" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 51.4 |
-
Dallas is around 34% larger in size than Austin. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, Dallas leaned Republican, while Austin went Democrat.
- Summer highs in Dallas (96°F) match Austin (96°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Austin (38°F) and Dallas (36°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Austin (35 inches) and Dallas (39 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while Dallas averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Dallas (51.4) is higher than Austin (42.91). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Dallas
Dallas balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Dallas
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Rainbow Vomit
Parks in Dallas
- Klyde Warren Park
- White Rock Lake Park
- Main Street Garden Park
- Fair Park
- Reverchon Park
Sports teams in Dallas
- Texas Rangers (MLB)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- FC Dallas (MLS)
Universities in Dallas
- Dallas County Community College District
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Criswell College
Final verdict: best movers from Austin to Dallas
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Austin to Dallas, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Texas service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, NorthStar Moving Company (4.62 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 93.0% positive reviews across 43 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $254–$6,297 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Austin to Dallas
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to Dallas?
A professional moving company from Austin to Dallas charges $914–$3,346 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $1,569–$4,625. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $2,337–$6,297.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to Dallas?
Moving containers from Austin to Dallas typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $685 and go up to $1,561. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,201 and $2,147. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,556–$2,870.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to Dallas?
A rental moving truck from Austin to Dallas costs $267–$440 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $270–$515, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $354–$661.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Austin-to-Dallas movers?
Book your move from Austin to Dallas at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Austin-to-Dallas movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dallas?
The cheapest time to move to Dallas is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
