Moving from Lubbock to Houston, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Lubbock to Houston costs $493–$9,666, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 520-mile route within Texas take 1–6 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 Lubbock to Houston?
Moving from Lubbock to Houston 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 520-mile move:
Moving from Lubbock to Houston costs between $493 and $9,666, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 520-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
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 Lubbock to Houston?
A move from Lubbock to Houston runs $493 to $9,666, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 520-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $1,518–$9,666
- Moving containers: $1,140–$3,665
- Rental trucks: $493–$1,333
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 520 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 | $1,518–$4,528 | $1,140–$2,126 | $493–$943 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,436–$6,478 | $1,505–$2,822 | $520–$1,140 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,386–$9,666 | $1,885–$3,665 | $709–$1,333 |
*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 Lubbock to Houston move?
Common extra fees on a Lubbock to Houston 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 | $148/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 Lubbock to Houston
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Lubbock to Houston, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 520 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 Lubbock to Houston. 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 520 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.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston to Lubbock guide.
How does Houston compare to Lubbock?
Cost of living: Lubbock vs. Houston
The cost of living in Lubbock vs. Houston 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 Houston stacks up against Lubbock.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lubbock | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $197,578 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,487 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,715 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,996 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Lubbock and Houston 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 Houston are 24% higher than in Lubbock. Negotiate a cost-of-living adjustment or factor the gap into your relocation budget.
- Home prices in Houston are 31% higher than Lubbock. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Income levels in Lubbock and Houston are nearly identical. Local pay scales should not require an adjustment to your budget.
- Living expenses for one person in Houston run 62% higher than Lubbock. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 here runs 79% higher than Lubbock. The premium is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or school selection.
- Unemployment in Houston is 31% lower than Lubbock. A relocating professional with a current role can expect strong inbound recruiter activity.
- Sales taxes are equal in Houston and Lubbock. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,860 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Lubbock.
How life is different in Lubbock vs. Houston
Life in Houston vs. Lubbock 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.
| Lubbock | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,930 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 0" |
| Crime index | 50.39 | 63.5 |
- Houston is around 772% larger in size than Lubbock. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, both Lubbock and Houston voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Lubbock (92°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Lubbock hit 26°F, vs. 43°F in Houston. Heating bills typically drop, and outdoor winter activity becomes more accessible.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 20 inches in Lubbock. Plan for more wet days and higher home-maintenance demands.
- Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Lubbock averages 7 inches. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in Houston (63.5) is higher than Lubbock (50.39). 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: best movers from Lubbock to Houston
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Lubbock to Houston, 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 $493–$9,666 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 Lubbock to Houston
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lubbock to Houston?
A professional moving company from Lubbock to Houston charges $1,442–$3,950 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $2,436–$6,478. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $4,386–$9,666.
How much are moving container companies from Lubbock to Houston?
Moving containers from Lubbock to Houston typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $824 and go up to $2,025. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,505 and $2,822. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,885–$3,665.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to Houston?
A rental moving truck from Lubbock to Houston costs $503–$896 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $520–$1,140, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $709–$1,333.
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 Lubbock-to-Houston movers?
Book your move from Lubbock to Houston 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 Lubbock-to-Houston 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 Houston?
The cheapest time to move to Houston 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.
