Dallas to Austin Movers & Costs (2026)
Moving from Dallas to Austin, TX (~195 miles) typically costs $215 - $4,973, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as 3 Men Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 1,118 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $60/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 Dallas
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 Dallas to Austin?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Dallas to Austin 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 3 Men Movers (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by AB Moving (4.52/5). 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 Dallas to Austin 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 Dallas to Austin?
Moving from Dallas to Austin costs between $215 and $4,973*, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The breakdown below shows what each moving service typically runs, depending on your home size:
- Full-service movers: $790 - $4,973
- Moving containers: $758 - $2,381
- Rental trucks: $215 - $533
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the heavy lifting to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving and either do the heavy lifting yourself or hire moving labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $790 - $3,097 | $758 - $1,396 | $215 - $373 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,317 - $3,841 | $948 - $1,747 | $224 - $436 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,738 - $4,973 | $1,266 - $2,381 | $269 - $533 |
*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 Dallas, TX movers.
How Dallas to Austin moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $60 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 $720.
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. 13% of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas to Austin
Moving from Dallas to Austin 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. 3 Men Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 1,118 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Dallas to Austin
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
4.62 / 5
- Years in Business: 41
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.52 / 5
- Years in Business: 26
- 78% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 11
- 87% positive reviews
- BBB: A
Our top local picks:
- 3 Men Movers (4.62/5 stars): 92.8% positive customer ratings.
- AB Moving (4.52/5 stars): 78.3% positive customer ratings.
- AM Moving Company LLC (4.56/5 stars): 87.1% positive customer ratings.
- Fantastic Moves (4.62/5 stars): 88.6% positive customer ratings.
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.52/5 stars): 95.3% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 278 movers in Dallas, drawing on 108,349 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Dallas to Austin
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 Dallas, TX
Dallas residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Austin compare to Dallas?
Cost of living: Dallas vs. Austin
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.
| Dallas | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,774 | $1,765 |
| Average home cost | $303,018 | $512,969 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,760 | $91,461 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Dallas and Austin 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 Austin match Dallas. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Austin are 69% higher than Dallas. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Austin is 35% higher than Dallas. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Austin is 18% higher than Dallas. Plan to add roughly 18% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Austin matches Dallas. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment rates in Austin and Dallas match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Austin and Dallas match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,540 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Dallas.
How life is different in Dallas vs. Austin
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Austin might look different from Dallas in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Dallas | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 974,447 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democrat 71-26 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 39" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 42.91 |
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).
- Austin is 25% smaller in size than Dallas. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and Dallas voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match Dallas (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Dallas (36°F) and Austin (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Dallas (39 inches) and Austin (35 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while Dallas averages 1 inch. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in Austin (42.91) is lower than Dallas (51.4). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Austin
Austin offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Austin
- Texas Memorial Museum
- George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- Thinkery
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Parks in Austin
- Pease Park
- Butler Metro Park
- Zilker Park
- Sculpture Falls
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Sports teams in Austin
- Round Rock Express
- Austin Spurs
- Texas Stars
- Austin Outlaws
- Austin Huns
Universities in Austin
- Acton School of Business
- Austin Community College District
- Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Concordia University Texas
- Huston–Tillotson University
Final verdict: Dallas to Austin 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, 3 Men Movers (4.62/5) is the top local choice, with 92.8% positive reviews across 1,118 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $215 - $4,973, based on our analysis of 843+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Dallas to Austin
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?
The cheapest time to move to Austin 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.
Is moving from Dallas to Austin considered a long-distance move?
A move from Dallas to Austin is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Texas law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How long does a move from Dallas to Austin take?
Most moves from Dallas to Austin 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.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
How many movers in Dallas offer labor-only help?
34% of movers in Dallas offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.