Moving from San Antonio to Austin, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from San Antonio to Austin costs between $86 to $4,361 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 79-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Antonio to Austin
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Antonio to Austin are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Antonio to driving and unloading in Austin, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 79 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,155 - $3,375 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $795 - $1,556 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $103 - $164 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $96/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio to Austin?
It costs between $86 to $4,361 to move from San Antonio to Austin. The prices below break down your 79-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $618 - $4,361
- Moving containers: $566 - $1,835
- Rental trucks: $86 - $162
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $618 - $3,085 | $566 - $1,062 | $86 - $134 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,155 - $3,375 | $795 - $1,556 | $103 - $164 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,583 - $4,361 | $1,025 - $1,835 | $118 - $162 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $96/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Antonio to Austin
At 79 miles, your San Antonio to Austin move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from San Antonio to Austin. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 79 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Antonio to Austin. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 91.4% of their 70 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin to San Antonio guide.
Considerations when moving from San Antonio to Austin
Cost of living: San Antonio vs. Austin
The cost of living in San Antonio vs. Austin isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Austin compares to what you’re used to in San Antonio.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 18% higher than in San Antonio, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Austin are 137% higher than in San Antonio, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Austin, where average income is 45% higher than in San Antonio — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 52% higher in Austin compared to San Antonio. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Austin, plan for living expenses to be about 58% higher than in San Antonio. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Austin is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 8% lower than in San Antonio. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Austin and San Antonio, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in San Antonio, you’ll need about $4,560 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Austin.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. Austin
Before you move, check out how life in Austin measures up to San Antonio. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| San Antonio | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 974,447 |
| Political leaning | republican 68-42 | Democrat 71-26 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 41ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 42.91 |
Austin sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Austin has roughly 32% fewer people than San Antonio. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat, while San Antonio leaned republican.
- You’ll find that both Austin and San Antonio have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both San Antonio and Austin—with winter lows around 41°F and 38°F.
- Both San Antonio and Austin see similar yearly rainfall—San Antonio averages 33 inches, while Austin gets 35 inches.
- Both San Antonio and Austin receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Austin posts a lower crime rate than San Antonio, with a crime index of 42.91 compared to San Antonio’s 48.06.
Things to do in Austin
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Austin has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Antonio to Austin?
Shipping furniture from San Antonio to Austin with a moving company typically costs between $532 and $2,627. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,155 to $3,375. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,583 and $4,361 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from San Antonio to Austin?
If you’re planning a move from San Antonio to Austin and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $442 and $995. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $795 to $1,556. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,025 to $1,835.
How much is a moving truck from San Antonio to Austin?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $84 and $141. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $103 and $164. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from San Antonio to Austin, truck rentals usually range from $118 up to $162.
How far in advance should I book San Antonio-to-Austin movers?
To make your move from San Antonio to Austin as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?
The cheapest time of year to move to Austin is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
