Irving to Houston Movers & Costs (2026)

An Irving to Houston, TX move (~251 miles) starts around $299 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $5,474 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.

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 $92/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 Irving

Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.

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What are the best ways to move from Irving to Houston?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like Irving to Houston 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 Olde World Movers (4.64/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service 3 Men Movers $1,465 - $4,419 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,093 - $1,947 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $302 - $644 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only 3 Men Movers $92/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most Irving to Houston moves complete in 1 - 4 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 Irving to Houston?

A move from Irving to Houston runs $299 to $5,474*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.

Here's what each option costs:

  • Full-service movers: $944 - $5,474
  • Moving containers: $872 - $2,434
  • Rental trucks: $299 - $744

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 $944 - $3,499 $872 - $1,476 $299 - $497
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,465 - $4,419 $1,093 - $1,947 $302 - $644
4+ bedrooms $2,059 - $5,474 $1,385 - $2,434 $396 - $744

*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 Irving, TX movers.

How Irving to Houston moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $92 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 $1,100.

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 Irving 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 Irving movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick:
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 Irving to Houston

Moving from Irving to Houston 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 Irving to Houston

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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 41
  • 93% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.64 / 5
  • Years in Business: 38
  • 97% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.52 / 5
  • Years in Business: 18
  • 95% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Our top local picks:

  1. 3 Men Movers (4.62/5 stars): 92.8% positive customer ratings.
  2. Olde World Movers (4.64/5 stars): 96.9% positive customer ratings.
  3. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.52/5 stars): 95.3% positive customer ratings.
  4. Firehouse Movers Inc. (4.66/5 stars): 98.0% positive customer ratings.
  5. AM Moving Company LLC (4.56/5 stars): 87.1% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 281 movers in Irving, drawing on 109,961 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from Irving to Houston

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.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 Irving, TX

Irving residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.

How does Houston compare to Irving?

Cost of living: Irving vs. Houston

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.

Irving Houston
Average rent cost $1,606 $1,549
Average home cost $288,314 $258,925
Average income (per capita) $79,641 $62,894
Cost of living (single person) $2,827 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $7,157
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.1%
Average sales tax 1.0% 8.25%

Cost-of-living data for Irving and Houston 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 Houston match Irving. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
  • Home prices in Houston are 10% lower than Irving. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
  • Average income in Houston is 21% lower than Irving. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
  • Cost of living for one person in Houston matches Irving. A Irving budget translates directly to Houston without revision.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Houston is 8% lower than Irving. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
  • Unemployment in Houston runs 38% lower than Irving. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
  • Sales taxes in Houston are 725% higher than Irving. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,940 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Irving.

How life is different in Irving vs. Houston

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Houston might look different from Irving in ways that matter more once you've settled in.

Irving Houston
Population256,6842,301,572
Political leaningRepublican 56-42Republican 56-42
Summer high96ºF94ºF
Winter low36ºF43ºF
Annual rain37"53"
Annual snow1"0"
Crime index30.6463.5

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).

  • Houston is 797% larger in size than Irving. 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, both Irving and Houston voted Republican.
  • Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Irving (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in Irving drop to 36°F, colder than Houston's 43°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
  • Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 37 inches in Irving. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
  • Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Irving averages 1 inch. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
  • Crime index in Houston (63.5) is higher than Irving (30.64). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.

Things to do in Houston

Houston balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.

Museums in Houston

  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • Children’s Museum of Houston
  • The Menil Collection
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Holocaust Museum Houston

Parks in Houston

  • Hermann Park
  • Terry Hershey Park
  • Lake Houston Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Tranquility Park

Sports teams in Houston

  • Houston Texans (NFL)
  • Houston Astros (MLB
  • Houston Dash (NWSL)
  • Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
  • Houston Rockets (NBA)

Universities in Houston

  • Houston Community College
  • San Jacinto College
  • University of Houston
  • University of Houston - Downtown
  • Texas Southern University

Final verdict: Irving to Houston 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 $299 - $5,474, based on our analysis of 843+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Irving to Houston

Is moving from Irving to Houston considered a long-distance move?

A move from Irving to Houston 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 Irving to Houston take?

Most moves from Irving to Houston take 1 - 4 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 Irving movers handle piano or antique moves?

About 41% of movers in Irving handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.

How many movers in Irving offer labor-only help?

34% of movers in Irving offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.

Do movers in Texas offer storage?

57% of movers in Texas offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.