San Antonio to Austin Movers & Costs (2026)

The cost to move from San Antonio to Austin, TX (~79 miles) typically ranges from $72 to $3,950.

Local movers such as 3 Men Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 278 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $96/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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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.

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What are the best ways to move from San Antonio to Austin?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like San Antonio 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 3 Men Movers (4.72/5) as the top local pick, followed by Swift Movers LLC (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:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service 3 Men Movers $1,047 - $3,064 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $707 - $1,439 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $87 - $147 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only 3 Men Movers $96/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Austin?

The cost to move from San Antonio to Austin ranges from $72 to $3,950*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.

Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:

  • Full-service movers: $555 - $3,950
  • Moving containers: $545 - $1,666
  • Rental trucks: $72 - $150

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
  • Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
  • Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $555 - $2,713 $545 - $973 $72 - $121
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,047 - $3,064 $707 - $1,439 $87 - $147
4+ bedrooms $1,466 - $3,950 $902 - $1,666 $94 - $150

*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 San Antonio, TX movers.

How San Antonio to Austin moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $96 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 $1,152.

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.
23% of San Antonio 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
26% of San Antonio movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Swift Movers LLC
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 San Antonio to Austin

Moving from San Antonio 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. 3 Men Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 278 verified customer reviews.

Best local & regional movers from San Antonio 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 41
  • 92% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.58 / 5
  • Years in Business: 15
  • 96% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.64 / 5
  • Years in Business: 26
  • 81% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Our top local picks:

  1. 3 Men Movers (4.72/5 stars): 91.7% positive customer ratings.
  2. Swift Movers LLC (4.58/5 stars): 96.4% positive customer ratings.
  3. AB Moving (4.64/5 stars): 80.5% positive customer ratings.
  4. Move Logistics Inc. (4.58/5 stars): 98.0% positive customer ratings.
  5. Jackson Movers (4.52/5 stars): 55.5% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 31 movers in San Antonio, drawing on 6,629 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from San Antonio 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.

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 San Antonio, TX

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

How does Austin compare to San Antonio?

Cost of living: San Antonio 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.

San Antonio Austin
Average rent cost $1,496 $1,765
Average home cost $216,453 $512,969
Average income (per capita) $62,917 $91,461
Cost of living (single person) $2,194 $3,345
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,931 $7,815
Unemployment rate 3.8% 3.5%
Average sales tax 8.25% 8.25%

Cost-of-living data for San Antonio 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 18% higher than in San Antonio. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 18% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
  • Home prices in Austin are 137% higher than San Antonio. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
  • Average income in Austin is 45% higher than San Antonio. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
  • Cost of living for one person in Austin is 52% higher than San Antonio. Plan to add roughly 52% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Austin is 58% higher than San Antonio. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
  • Unemployment in Austin runs 8% lower than San Antonio. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
  • Sales taxes in Austin and San Antonio match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,560 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Antonio.

How life is different in San Antonio vs. Austin

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

San Antonio Austin
Population1,434,625974,447
Political leaningrepublican 68-42Democrat 71-26
Summer high94ºF96ºF
Winter low41ºF38ºF
Annual rain33"35"
Annual snow0"0"
Crime index48.0642.91

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 32% smaller in size than San Antonio. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
  • In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and San Antonio voted republican.
  • Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match San Antonio (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in San Antonio (41°F) and Austin (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
  • Annual rainfall in San Antonio (33 inches) and Austin (35 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in San Antonio and Austin is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
  • Crime index in Austin (42.91) is lower than San Antonio (48.06). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.

Things to do in Austin

Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Austin's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.

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: San Antonio 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, 3 Men Movers (4.72/5) is the top local choice, with 91.7% positive reviews across 278 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $72 - $3,950, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from San Antonio to Austin

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?

The cheapest time to move to Austin is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.

How much are moving container companies from San Antonio to Austin?

Moving containers from San Antonio to Austin cost $366 - $903 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $707 - $1,439, and a larger home costs $902 - $1,666.

How many movers in San Antonio offer labor-only help?

52% of movers in San Antonio offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.

Is moving from San Antonio to Austin considered a long-distance move?

A move from San Antonio to Austin 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 much is a moving truck from San Antonio to Austin?

A rental truck from San Antonio to Austin costs $72 - $122 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $87 - $147 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $94 - $150 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.