Houston to Amarillo Movers & Costs (2026)
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A Houston to Amarillo, TX move (~598 miles) runs $564–$9,567 across all service types.
moveBuddha recommends Safeway Moving as the top full-service pick for this route at 4.9 out of 5 stars. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads local picks at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Houston
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Houston to Amarillo?
Moving from Houston to Amarillo 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 A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 598-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,781–$6,477 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,603–$3,144 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $602–$1,211 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $75/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 286+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Amarillo?
A move from Houston to Amarillo runs $564 to $9,567, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 598-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $1,719–$9,567
- Moving containers: $1,262–$3,981
- Rental trucks: $564–$1,582
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 598 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 | $1,719–$4,902 | $1,262–$2,120 | $564–$998 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,781–$6,477 | $1,603–$3,144 | $602–$1,211 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,779–$9,567 | $2,034–$3,981 | $729–$1,582 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 286+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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 Houston, TX movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Houston to Amarillo move?
Common extra fees on a Houston to Amarillo 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 | $75/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 Houston to Amarillo
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Houston to Amarillo, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews. At 598 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 Houston to Amarillo. 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 598 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
rating
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 local & regional movers for this route
For moves at 598 miles, a strong local or regional mover is often priced the same as a national operator and offers more scheduling flexibility. Local movers operating within Texas specialize in intrastate logistics, Texas regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified reviews. 88.8% of customers rate them positively.
- 3 Men Movers at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 644 verified reviews. 81.1% of customers rate them positively.
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 178 verified reviews. 92.7% of customers rate them positively.
More popular routes from Houston, TX
Houston residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
What to know about moving from Houston to Amarillo
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Houston and Amarillo are both in Texas, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Texas law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Texas movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Texas intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Texas, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Texas intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 598 miles, most Houston-to-Amarillo moves complete in 1–6 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Houston and Amarillo commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Texas summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Texas expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Houston to Amarillo move:
- Verify your mover holds Texas intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Amarillo to Houston guide.
How does Amarillo compare to Houston?
Cost of living: Houston vs. Amarillo
The cost of living in Houston vs. Amarillo 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 Amarillo stacks up against Houston.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Amarillo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,200 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $185,247 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $62,469 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $1,911 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $4,721 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Houston and Amarillo comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 286+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Amarillo is about 23% cheaper than Houston. Renters often use the difference to upgrade location, size, or building amenities.
- Home prices in Amarillo are 28% lower than Houston. Equity from a Houston sale typically buys more square footage in Amarillo.
- Income levels in Houston and Amarillo are nearly identical. Local pay scales should not require an adjustment to your budget.
- Cost of living for one person in Amarillo is 31% lower than Houston. Apply the difference to debt paydown, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Amarillo is 34% lower than Houston. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Amarillo runs 20% higher than Houston. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes are equal in Amarillo and Houston. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,070 in Amarillo to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Amarillo
Life in Amarillo vs. Houston 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.
| Houston | Amarillo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 308,297 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 22ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 21" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 15" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 25.31 |
- Amarillo is 87% smaller in size than Houston. Plan for lower density and a more concentrated local job market.
- In the last presidential election, both Houston and Amarillo voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Amarillo (91°F) match Houston (94°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Amarillo hit 22°F, colder than Houston's 43°F. Heating loads, winter wardrobe, and home weatherization budgets all rise.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 21 inches in Amarillo. The drier climate in Amarillo typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Amarillo averages 15 inches. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Amarillo (25.31) runs lower than Houston (63.5). Insurance costs and security investment typically drop accordingly.
Things to do in Amarillo
Amarillo balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Amarillo
- Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
- Texas Air & Space Museum
- Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian
- Amarillo Museum of Art
Parks in Amarillo
- Amarillo Botanical Gardens
- John Stiff Memorial Dog Park
- Floating Mesa
- John Stiff Memorial Skatepark
Sports teams in Amarillo
- Amarillo Sod Poodles (Texas League)
- Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL)
Universities in Amarillo
- Amarillo College
- West Texas A&M University
- Wayland Baptist University-Amarillo
Final verdict: best movers from Houston to Amarillo
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Houston to Amarillo, 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, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 88.8% positive reviews across 249 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 $564–$9,567 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 286+ Texas movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Houston to Amarillo
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Amarillo?
A professional moving company from Houston to Amarillo charges $1,464–$4,178 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $2,781–$6,477. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $4,779–$9,567.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to Amarillo?
Moving containers from Houston to Amarillo typically cost $837 to $2,185 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,603 and $3,144. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect $2,034–$3,981.
How much is a moving truck from Houston to Amarillo?
A rental moving truck from Houston to Amarillo costs $569–$1,072 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $602–$1,211, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $729–$1,582.
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 Houston-to-Amarillo movers?
Book your move from Houston to Amarillo 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 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. Intrastate movers within Texas can typically commit to same-day or next-day delivery at this distance once booked.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Amarillo?
The cheapest time to move to Amarillo 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.
Is moving from Houston to Amarillo considered a long-distance move?
A move from Houston to Amarillo is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Texas, so Texas law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 598 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Houston to Amarillo take?
Most moves from Houston to Amarillo take 1–6 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 598 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
