Moving from Dallas to Austin, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Dallas to Austin costs $257–$6,235, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 195-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.
- AB Moving leads local picks at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 487 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Dallas to Austin?
Moving from Dallas to Austin 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 AB Moving (4.64/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 195-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 | $1,716–$5,007 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,213–$2,237 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $290–$542 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | AB Moving | $60/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 Dallas to Austin?
A move from Dallas to Austin runs $257 to $6,235, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 195-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $990–$6,235
- Moving containers: $970–$2,842
- Rental trucks: $257–$629
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 195 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 | $990–$3,766 | $970–$1,650 | $257–$444 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,716–$5,007 | $1,213–$2,237 | $290–$542 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,270–$6,235 | $1,650–$2,842 | $354–$629 |
*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 Dallas to Austin move?
Common extra fees on a Dallas to Austin 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 | $60/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 Dallas to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Dallas to Austin, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. AB Moving leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 487 verified customer reviews. At 195 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 Dallas to Austin. 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 195 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
AB Moving is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Dallas to Austin, earning 4.64 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. AB Moving has been in business since 2001 (25 years), with 61.8% of 487 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 Austin to Dallas guide.
How does Austin compare to Dallas?
Cost of living: Dallas vs. Austin
The cost of living in Dallas vs. Austin 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 Austin stacks up against Dallas.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Austin are nearly identical to Dallas. Your housing line item won't shift in 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.
- Salaries in Austin average 35% higher than Dallas. Match your salary to local rates rather than your current pay band when negotiating.
- Living expenses for one person in Austin run 18% higher than Dallas. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 matches across Austin and Dallas. Plan the move on existing household budget assumptions.
- Unemployment rates in Austin match Dallas. Job seekers should expect similar competition and time-to-hire.
- Sales taxes are equal in Austin and Dallas. Retail spending remains level through the move.
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
Life in Austin vs. Dallas 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.
| 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 |
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Austin is 25% smaller in size than Dallas. Plan for lower density and a more concentrated local job market.
- In the last presidential election, Austin leaned Democrat, while Dallas went Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match Dallas (96°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- 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 similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- 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) runs lower than Dallas (51.4). Insurance costs and security investment typically drop accordingly.
Things to do in Austin
Austin balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of 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: best movers from Dallas to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Dallas to Austin, 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, AB Moving (4.64 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 61.8% positive reviews across 487 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 $257–$6,235 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 Dallas to Austin
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Dallas to Austin?
A professional moving company from Dallas to Austin charges $844–$3,086 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $1,716–$5,007. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $2,270–$6,235.
How much are moving container companies from Dallas to Austin?
Moving containers from Dallas to Austin typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $666 and go up to $1,623. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,213 and $2,237. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,650–$2,842.
How much is a moving truck from Dallas to Austin?
A rental moving truck from Dallas to Austin costs $275–$449 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $290–$542, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $354–$629.
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 Dallas-to-Austin movers?
Book your move from Dallas to Austin 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 Dallas-to-Austin 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 Austin?
The cheapest time to move to Austin 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.
