Austin to Houston Movers & Costs (2026)
An Austin to Houston, TX move (~165 miles) starts around $178 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $4,655 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Square Cow, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,794 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $90/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Austin
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Austin to Houston?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Austin to Houston are regulated by Texas law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Texas companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Square Cow (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by 3 Men Movers (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Austin to Houston moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 843+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Houston?
A move from Austin to Houston runs $178 to $4,655*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $738 - $4,655
- Moving containers: $764 - $2,219
- Rental trucks: $178 - $418
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 your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- 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 | $738 - $2,944 | $764 - $1,214 | $178 - $289 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,227 - $3,814 | $945 - $1,709 | $198 - $344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,782 - $4,655 | $1,268 - $2,219 | $231 - $418 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 843+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
Learn more about the cost of Austin, TX movers.
How Austin to Houston moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $90 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,080.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 20% of Austin movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 7% of Austin movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Houston
Moving from Austin to Houston is a job for local and regional Texas movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Square Cow leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,794 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Austin to Houston
Local movers operating within Texas know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.76 / 5
- Years in Business: 18
- 90% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.58 / 5
- Years in Business: 41
- 95% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 31
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Square Cow (4.76/5 stars): 90.3% positive customer ratings.
- 3 Men Movers (4.58/5 stars): 95.1% positive customer ratings.
- NorthStar Moving Company (4.56/5 stars): 93.0% positive customer ratings.
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars): 93.7% positive customer ratings.
- Black Tie Moving (4.58/5 stars): 91.4% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 129 movers in Austin, drawing on 43,331 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Austin to Houston
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Austin, TX
Austin residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Houston compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. Houston
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Austin | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and Houston comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 843+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Houston are 12% lower than in Austin. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Houston are 50% lower than Austin. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Houston is 31% lower than Austin. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Houston is 17% lower than Austin. The savings typically free up 17% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Houston is 8% lower than Austin. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Houston runs 17% higher than Austin. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Houston and Austin match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,490 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Houston
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Houston might look different from Austin in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Austin | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 63.5 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Texas can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 18% of movers in Texas, vs 23% nationally).
- Houston is 136% larger in size than Austin. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Houston voted Republican and Austin voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Austin (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Austin (38°F) and Houston (43°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 35 inches in Austin. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Austin and Houston is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Houston (63.5) is higher than Austin (42.91). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Houston
Houston balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Holocaust Museum Houston
Parks in Houston
- Hermann Park
- Terry Hershey Park
- Lake Houston Park
- Memorial Park
- Tranquility Park
Sports teams in Houston
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- Houston Astros (MLB
- Houston Dash (NWSL)
- Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
Universities in Houston
- Houston Community College
- San Jacinto College
- University of Houston
- University of Houston - Downtown
- Texas Southern University
Final verdict: Austin to Houston movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Texas service. For smaller moves, Square Cow (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 90.3% positive reviews across 1,794 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $178 - $4,655, based on our analysis of 843+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Austin to Houston
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to Houston?
A full-service move from Austin to Houston costs $663 - $2,426 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,227 - $3,814, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,782 - $4,655.
How far in advance should I book Austin-to-Houston movers?
Book your Austin to Houston movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from Austin to Houston take?
Most moves from Austin to Houston take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Do movers in Texas offer storage?
57% of movers in Texas offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to Houston?
A rental truck from Austin to Houston costs $187 - $301 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $198 - $344 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $231 - $418 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.