Plano to Austin Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Plano to Austin, TX (~214 miles) costs between $253 and $5,810, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as AB Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 867 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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September availability is going fast in Plano
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 Plano to Austin?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Plano to Austin 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 AB Moving (4.72/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Plano to Austin moves complete in 1 - 2 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 Plano to Austin?
Movers typically charge between $253 and $5,810* for a Plano to Austin move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $933 - $5,810
- Moving containers: $869 - $2,524
- Rental trucks: $253 - $605
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $933 - $3,695 | $869 - $1,486 | $253 - $452 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,444 - $4,417 | $1,044 - $2,056 | $257 - $534 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,941 - $5,810 | $1,328 - $2,524 | $318 - $605 |
*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 Plano, TX movers.
How Plano to Austin 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. 26% of Plano 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 23% of Plano movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: AB Moving |
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 Plano to Austin
Moving from Plano to Austin 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. AB Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 867 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Plano to Austin
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.
rating
Our top local picks:
- AB Moving (4.72/5 stars): 68.1% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars): 90.2% positive customer ratings.
- Wrightway Moving Company (4.64/5 stars): 83.9% positive customer ratings.
- Fantastic Moves (4.62/5 stars): 88.2% positive customer ratings.
- AM Moving Company LLC (4.64/5 stars): 80.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 65 movers in Plano, drawing on 17,009 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Plano to Austin
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.
Our top national picks:
- 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.
More popular routes from Plano, TX
Plano residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Austin compare to Plano?
Cost of living: Plano vs. Austin
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.
| Plano | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,100 | $1,765 |
| Average home cost | $440,202 | $512,969 |
| Average income (per capita) | $108,649 | $91,461 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,506 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,078 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 3.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Plano and Austin 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 Austin are 16% lower than in Plano. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Austin are 17% higher than Plano. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Austin is 16% lower than Plano. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Austin is 33% higher than Plano. Plan to add roughly 33% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Austin is 29% higher than Plano. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Austin runs 36% lower than Plano. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Austin and Plano match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,990 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Plano.
How life is different in Plano vs. Austin
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Austin might look different from Plano in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Plano | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 974,447 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democrat 71-26 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 41" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 0" |
| Crime index | 23.02 | 42.91 |
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).
- Austin is 241% larger in size than Plano. 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, Austin voted Democrat and Plano voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match Plano (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Plano (33°F) and Austin (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Plano is 41 inches, vs. 35 inches in Austin. The drier climate in Austin typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while Plano averages 2 inches. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in Austin (42.91) is higher than Plano (23.02). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Austin
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Austin. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Austin
- Texas Memorial Museum
- George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- Thinkery
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Parks in Austin
- Pease Park
- Butler Metro Park
- Zilker Park
- Sculpture Falls
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Sports teams in Austin
- Round Rock Express
- Austin Spurs
- Texas Stars
- Austin Outlaws
- Austin Huns
Universities in Austin
- Acton School of Business
- Austin Community College District
- Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Concordia University Texas
- Huston–Tillotson University
Final verdict: Plano to Austin 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, AB Moving (4.72/5) is the top local choice, with 68.1% positive reviews across 867 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $253 - $5,810, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Plano to Austin
What percentage of Plano movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 65% of movers in Plano handle piano moves, and 49% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Plano to Austin?
A full-service move from Plano to Austin costs $804 - $2,757 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,444 - $4,417, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,941 - $5,810.
How far in advance should I book Plano-to-Austin movers?
Book your Plano to Austin 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 Plano to Austin take?
Most moves from Plano to Austin take 1 - 2 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.
