Mobile, AL to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Mobile to Houston typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 467 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Mobile to Houston
Moving from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 467-mile move from Mobile to Houston, 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,796 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $1,795 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,707 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
Factors that affect moving costs from Mobile to Houston
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Mobile to Houston may only cost $1,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Mobile.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Mobile, AL guide.
Best Mobile to Houston movers by type
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Professional
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Mobile to Houston
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Mobile to Houston. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
How we chose the best AL→TX movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Mobile to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Houston runs about 52% higher for singles and 74% higher for families than Mobile.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Houston versus $1,825 in Mobile; families pay $7,157 compared with $4,104.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Mobile | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,083 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,833 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $186,159 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,825 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,104 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 19% more expensive in Houston than in Mobile. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 42% steeper in Houston compared to Mobile.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 13% greater in Houston than in Mobile, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Houston, with the cost of living for a single person being 52% more than in Mobile. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Houston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 74% higher than in Mobile.
- Houston has a lower unemployment rate than Mobile by about 34%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 18% cheaper in Houston compared to Mobile. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- 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 the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Mobile versus Houston:
| Living Expense | Mobile | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $165.58 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $68.33 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.50 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.31 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.13 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Mobile than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mobile than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Mobile than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Mobile than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Mobile than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mobile than in Houston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mobile than in Houston.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Houston
| Mobile | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 34 | 49 |
| Crime index | 64.95 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 35.05 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 1131% greater than Mobile.
- Houston's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mobile's score of 3.
- Houston is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Mobile's 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Houston and Mobile have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 64.95, respectively.
- Houston and Mobile have a similar safety level, with scores of 36.5 and 35.05.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Mobile it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile to Houston move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Houston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Houston
With your sights set on HOU, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Houston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Houston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Mobile to Houston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Mobile.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Houston?
Want to save on your move from Mobile to Houston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Mobile to Houston take?
The 467-mile move from Mobile, AL, to Houston, TX, takes one to four days. Some Mobile movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Houston.
What kinds of discounts do Mobile movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Mobile?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Mobile provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.