Moving from Dallas to San Antonio, TX

Quick answer: Moving from Dallas to San Antonio costs $371–$6,939, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 273-mile route within Texas take 1–4 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.
  • Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

What are the best ways to move from Dallas to San Antonio?

Moving from Dallas to San Antonio 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).

Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 273-mile move:

Moving from Dallas to San Antonio costs between $371 and $6,939, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 273-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Potential downside
Full-service mover $1,930–$5,269 Movers handle loading, driving & unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container $1,330–$2,590 (around 30% less than full-service) Pack & load on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck $371–$776 (around 60% less than full-service) Lowest upfront cost You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only $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 San Antonio?

The cost to move from Dallas to San Antonio ranges from $371 to $6,939, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 273-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:

  • Full-service movers: $1,195–$6,939
  • Moving containers: $1,000–$3,272
  • Rental trucks: $371–$870

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
  • Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 273 miles and provide all the labor.
  • Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,195–$4,475 $1,000–$1,778 $371–$662
2–3 bedrooms $1,930–$5,269 $1,330–$2,590 $371–$776
4+ bedrooms $2,505–$6,939 $1,684–$3,272 $459–$870

*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 San Antonio move?

Plan for a few extra fees on a Dallas to San Antonio move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in 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 San Antonio

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Dallas to San Antonio, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 273 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 San Antonio. 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 273 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.

moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
  5. Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Antonio to Dallas guide.

How does San Antonio compare to Dallas?

Cost of living: Dallas vs. San Antonio

The cost of living in Dallas vs. San Antonio is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in San Antonio measures up against Dallas.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Dallas San Antonio
Average rent cost $1,774 $1,496
Average home cost $303,018 $216,453
Average income (per capita) $67,760 $62,917
Cost of living (single person) $2,828 $2,194
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $4,931
Unemployment rate 3.6% 3.8%
Average sales tax 8.25% 8.25%

Cost-of-living data for Dallas and San Antonio 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 in San Antonio runs 16% cheaper than Dallas. Consider upgrading to a larger unit or banking the savings.
  • Home prices in San Antonio are 29% lower than Dallas. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
  • Average income in San Antonio is 7% lower than Dallas. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
  • Cost of living for one person in San Antonio is 22% lower than Dallas. The savings typically free up 22% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
  • Living expenses for a family of 4 in San Antonio are 37% lower than Dallas. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
  • Unemployment in San Antonio runs 6% higher than Dallas. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
  • Sales taxes are nearly identical in San Antonio and Dallas. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.

If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Dallas, you'll need about $2,340 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in San Antonio.

How life is different in Dallas vs. San Antonio

A look at how life in San Antonio measures up to Dallas covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.

Dallas San Antonio
Population 1,304,379 1,434,625
Political leaning Republican 56-42 republican 68-42
Summer high 96ºF 94ºF
Winter low 36ºF 41ºF
Annual rain 39" 33"
Annual snow 1" 0"
Crime index 51.4 48.06
  • San Antonio is roughly 10% larger in size than Dallas. Bigger metros support more industry diversity and entertainment options, with the tradeoff of higher housing prices and longer commutes.
  • In the last presidential election, San Antonio voted republican, while Dallas leaned Republican.
  • Summer highs in San Antonio (94°F) match Dallas (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows are comparable in Dallas (36°F) and San Antonio (41°F). Heating loads stay level.
  • Annual rainfall in Dallas is 39 inches, higher than San Antonio's 33 inches. Drier weather supports more outdoor activity and lower irrigation costs.
  • Annual snowfall in San Antonio is zero, while Dallas averages 1 inch. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
  • Crime index in San Antonio (48.06) runs lower than Dallas (51.4). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.

Things to do in San Antonio

Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define San Antonio's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.

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: best movers from Dallas to San Antonio

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Dallas to San Antonio, 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 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 $371–$6,939 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 San Antonio

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Dallas to San Antonio?

A full-service move from Dallas to San Antonio typically costs $1,055–$3,452 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,930–$5,269. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,505 and $6,939 on the same route.

How much are moving container companies from Dallas to San Antonio?

Moving containers from Dallas to San Antonio have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $718 and $1,644. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,330–$2,590. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,684 to $3,272.

How much is a moving truck from Dallas to San Antonio?

A rental moving truck from Dallas to San Antonio costs $356–$656 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $371–$776. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $459–$870.

Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.

How far in advance should I book Dallas-to-San Antonio movers?

Lock in your movers for a Dallas to San Antonio move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Antonio?

The cheapest time of year to move to San Antonio is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.