Washington DC, MD to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Austin typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,523 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Austin
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Austin, TX typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,523-mile move from Washington DC to Austin, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,479 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,810 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,730 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 29, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 26, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Austin
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$3,000) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Austin movers by type
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Austin
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Washington DC to Austin, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MD→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 51 Maryland moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Austin
Many movers find Austin easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 16% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,345 for one person in Austin versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $7,815 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Austin from Washington DC, you'll find that rent is roughly 26% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 14% less in Austin than in Washington DC.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 33% lower in Austin compared to Washington DC.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Austin. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 16% lower than in Washington DC.
- Choosing to move to Austin can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 30% less than in Washington DC.
- Austin enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 50% lower compared to Washington DC, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 38% in Austin over Washington DC, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Washington DC and Austin:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Washington DC than in Austin.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Austin.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Austin.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Austin.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Austin.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Austin
| Washington DC | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 54 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 45% greater than Washington DC.
- Austin's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Austin is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 42.91 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 59.87 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Austin move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Austin
Now that you've decided to make the move to ATX, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what Austin has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Austin, such as the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Austin?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Austin?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC to Austin, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Austin take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Austin, TX covers 1,523 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Austin.
Which movers in Washington DC give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Washington DC?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 59 movers in Washington DC advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Washington DC provide antique moving services. State totals show 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
