Moving from Austin to Plano, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Austin to Plano costs $304–$6,281, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 214-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 Plano?
Moving from Austin to Plano 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 214-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 | $1,760–$4,872 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,272–$2,406 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $313–$601 (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 Plano?
Movers typically charge between $304 and $6,281 for a Austin to Plano move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 214-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,060–$6,281
- Moving containers: $1,017–$2,810
- Rental trucks: $304–$752
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 214 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,060–$4,078 | $1,017–$1,773 | $304–$497 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,760–$4,872 | $1,272–$2,406 | $313–$601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,296–$6,281 | $1,605–$2,810 | $404–$752 |
*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 Plano move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Austin to Plano move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but 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 Plano
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Austin to Plano, 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 214 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 Plano. 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 214 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 Plano, 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 Plano to Austin guide.
How does Plano compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. Plano
Cost-of-living factors in Austin vs. Plano go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Plano stacks up against Austin.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $2,100 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $440,202 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $108,649 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,506 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $6,078 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and Plano 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 Plano are 19% higher than in Austin. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Plano are 14% lower than Austin. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Plano is 19% higher than Austin. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Living expenses for one person in Plano are 25% lower than Austin. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Plano is 22% lower than Austin. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Plano is 57% higher than Austin. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes match in Plano and Austin. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Austin, expect to budget around $2,250 to maintain the same lifestyle in Plano.
How life is different in Austin vs. Plano
A side-by-side comparison of life in Austin vs. Plano helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Austin and Plano so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Austin | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 285,494 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 2" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 23.02 |
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Plano is 71% smaller in size than Austin. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
- In the last presidential election, Plano voted Republican and Austin voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in Plano (94°F) and Austin (96°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Austin (38°F) match Plano (33°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Plano hits 41 inches, higher than Austin's 35 inches. The wetter climate shifts outdoor habits and raises maintenance costs.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while Plano averages 2 inches. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Plano (23.02) is lower than Austin (42.91). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Plano
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Plano. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Plano
- Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway
- Heritage Farmstead Museum
Parks in Plano
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Bob Woodruff Park
- Oak Point Park
Sports teams in Plano
- World Olympic Gymnastics Academy
Universities in Plano
- Collin College
- Dallas Baptist University
Final verdict: best movers from Austin to Plano
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Austin to Plano, 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 $304–$6,281 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 Plano
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to Plano?
A full-service move from Austin to Plano ranges from $904 to $3,465 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,760–$4,872. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,296–$6,281 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to Plano?
Moving containers from Austin to Plano break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $679 to $1,628. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,272 and $2,406. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,605 to $2,810.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to Plano?
A rental moving truck from Austin to Plano costs $307–$544 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $313–$601, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $404 and $752.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Austin-to-Plano movers?
Ideally, book your move from Austin to Plano at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Austin-to-Plano movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Plano?
For the cheapest move to Plano, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
