Moving from Plano to Austin, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Plano to Austin costs $281–$6,475, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 214-mile route within Texas take 1–2 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.
- AB Moving leads local picks at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 867 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Plano to Austin?
Moving from Plano to Austin 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 AB Moving (4.7/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 214-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,691–$4,722 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,260–$2,267 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $326–$588 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | AB Moving | $92/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 285+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Plano to Austin?
Movers typically charge between $281 and $6,475 for a Plano to Austin move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 214-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,039–$6,475
- Moving containers: $979–$3,013
- Rental trucks: $281–$716
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 leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 214 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,039–$4,038 | $979–$1,688 | $281–$497 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,691–$4,722 | $1,260–$2,267 | $326–$588 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,273–$6,475 | $1,540–$3,013 | $381–$716 |
*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 Plano to Austin move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Plano to Austin move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but 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 | $92/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 Plano to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Plano to Austin, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. AB Moving leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 867 verified customer reviews. At 214 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 Plano to Austin. 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 214 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.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
AB Moving is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Plano to Austin, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. AB Moving has been in business since 2000 (26 years), with 68.1% of 867 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin to Plano guide.
How does Austin compare to Plano?
Cost of living: Plano vs. Austin
Cost-of-living factors in Plano vs. Austin go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Austin stacks up against Plano.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Austin is 16% lower than Plano. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- Home prices in Austin are 17% higher than Plano. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Austin is 16% lower than Plano. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- 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.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Austin are 29% higher than Plano. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment in Austin runs 36% lower than Plano. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Austin and Plano. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Plano, expect to budget around $3,990 to maintain the same lifestyle in Austin.
How life is different in Plano vs. Austin
A side-by-side comparison of life in Plano vs. Austin helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Plano and Austin so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| 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 |
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Austin is 241% larger in size than Plano. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and Plano voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) and Plano (94°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Plano (33°F) match Austin (38°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Plano runs 41 inches, vs. 35 inches in Austin. Expect drier conditions and reduced wet-weather gear demands.
- 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) runs higher than Plano (23.02). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
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: best movers from Plano to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Plano to Austin, 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, AB Moving (4.7 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 68.1% positive reviews across 867 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 $281–$6,475 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 Plano to Austin
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Plano to Austin?
A full-service move from Plano to Austin ranges from $923 to $3,431 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,691–$4,722. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,273–$6,475 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Plano to Austin?
Moving containers from Plano to Austin break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $700 to $1,676. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,260 and $2,267. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,540 to $3,013.
How much is a moving truck from Plano to Austin?
A rental moving truck from Plano to Austin costs $304–$492 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $326–$588, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $381 and $716.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Plano-to-Austin movers?
Ideally, book your move from Plano to Austin at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Plano-to-Austin movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?
For the cheapest move to Austin, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
