Austin to San Antonio Movers & Costs (2026)
An Austin to San Antonio, TX move (~79 miles) starts around $70 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $3,548 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 San Antonio?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Austin to San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
A move from Austin to San Antonio runs $70 to $3,548*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $488 - $3,548
- Moving containers: $509 - $1,603
- Rental trucks: $70 - $136
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 | $488 - $2,315 | $509 - $926 | $70 - $107 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $988 - $2,774 | $653 - $1,279 | $77 - $130 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,369 - $3,548 | $860 - $1,603 | $89 - $136 |
*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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio
Moving from Austin to San Antonio 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 San Antonio
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 San Antonio
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 San Antonio compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. San Antonio
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 | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,496 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $216,453 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $62,917 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,194 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $4,931 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and San Antonio 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 San Antonio are 15% lower than in Austin. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in San Antonio are 58% lower than Austin. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in San Antonio 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 San Antonio is 34% lower than Austin. The savings typically free up 34% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in San Antonio is 37% lower than Austin. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in San Antonio runs 9% higher than Austin. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in San Antonio and Austin match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,980 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. San Antonio
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in San Antonio might look different from Austin in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Austin | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 1,434,625 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | republican 68-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 41ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 33" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 48.06 |
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).
- San Antonio is 47% 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, San Antonio voted republican and Austin voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in San Antonio (94°F) match Austin (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Austin (38°F) and San Antonio (41°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Austin (35 inches) and San Antonio (33 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Austin and San Antonio is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in San Antonio (48.06) is higher than Austin (42.91). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in San Antonio
San Antonio balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in San Antonio
- The Alamo
- Witte Museum
- The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids
- Briscoe Western Art Museum
- McNay Art Museum
Parks in San Antonio
- Brackenridge Park
- Phil Hardberger park
- Japanese Tea Garden
- Mercado O'liva
- McAllister Park
Sports teams in San Antonio
- UTSA Roadrunners American football
- San Antonio Spurs Basketball
- San Antonio Missions
- San Antonio FC
Universities in San Antonio
- UT Health San Antonio
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Texas A&M University–San Antonio
- Alamo Community College District
- Trinity University
Final verdict: Austin to San Antonio 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 $70 - $3,548, based on our analysis of 843+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Austin to San Antonio
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to San Antonio?
A full-service move from Austin to San Antonio costs $465 - $2,055 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $988 - $2,774, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,369 - $3,548.
What percentage of Austin movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 43% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Antonio?
The cheapest time to move to San Antonio is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to San Antonio?
Moving containers from Austin to San Antonio cost $363 - $895 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $653 - $1,279, and a larger home costs $860 - $1,603.
How many movers in Austin offer labor-only help?
42% of movers in Austin offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.