Lubbock to Houston Movers & Costs (2026)
A Lubbock to Houston, TX move (~520 miles) starts around $412 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $8,092 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
moveBuddha recommends Safeway Moving as the top full-service pick for this route at 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hart Moving & Storage Inc. leads local picks at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified customer reviews.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Lubbock
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 Lubbock to Houston?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Lubbock 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.
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) and Hart Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Lubbock to Houston moves complete in 1 - 6 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 288+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Lubbock to Houston?
A move from Lubbock to Houston runs $412 to $8,092*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $1,297 - $8,092
- Moving containers: $1,003 - $3,288
- Rental trucks: $412 - $1,208
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 | $1,297 - $3,907 | $1,003 - $1,710 | $412 - $765 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,230 - $5,534 | $1,286 - $2,435 | $449 - $907 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,823 - $8,092 | $1,660 - $3,288 | $600 - $1,208 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 288+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of September 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 Lubbock, TX movers.
How Lubbock to Houston moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $148 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 $1,777.
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. 50% of Lubbock movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% 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 25% of Lubbock movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Little Guys Movers |
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 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. Hart Moving & Storage Inc. leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified customer reviews. Both local and national movers can handle a move this size well, so your best fit really comes down to home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics from Lubbock to Houston
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 brings logistics infrastructure that most local operators simply can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best local & regional movers from Lubbock to Houston
A strong local or regional mover is often priced the same as a national operator on a route like this, with 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.
- Hart Moving & Storage Inc. at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified reviews. 83.3% of customers rate them positively.
- Little Guys Movers at 4.36 out of 5 stars across 258 verified reviews. 91.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Joe's Pack & Move at 3.98 out of 5 stars across 7 verified reviews. 71.4% of customers rate them positively.
More popular routes from Lubbock, TX
Lubbock residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Houston compare to Lubbock?
Cost of living: Lubbock 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.
| 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 September 2026 across 288+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Houston are 24% higher than in Lubbock. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 24% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- 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.
- Average income in Houston matches Lubbock. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Houston is 62% higher than Lubbock. Plan to add roughly 62% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Houston is 79% higher than Lubbock. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Houston runs 31% lower than Lubbock. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Houston and Lubbock match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
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
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Houston might look different from Lubbock in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
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 35% of movers in Texas, vs 33% nationally).
- Houston is 772% larger in size than Lubbock. 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 Lubbock and Houston voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Lubbock (92°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Lubbock drop to 26°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. 20 inches in Lubbock. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- 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: Lubbock 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, Hart Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5) is the top local choice, with 83.3% positive reviews across 174 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $412 - $8,092, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Lubbock to Houston
How far in advance should I book Lubbock-to-Houston movers?
Book your Lubbock to Houston movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from Lubbock to Houston take?
Most moves from Lubbock to Houston take 1 - 6 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.
Do movers in Texas offer storage?
80% of movers in Texas offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to Houston?
A rental truck from Lubbock to Houston costs $438 - $765 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $449 - $907 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $600 - $1,208 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Is moving from Lubbock to Houston considered a long-distance move?
A move from Lubbock 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.