($540+) Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $540 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,812 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 737 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,535, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,812 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,002 - $3,248, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $540 - $1,348.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Kansas City, MO, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,103 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
Moving options from Kansas City to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,103 - $5,400 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 737-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 737-mile route from Kansas City to Austin, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,535 for a studio up to $7,812 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,002 - $3,248 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $540 - $1,348, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $939 - $2,815, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
For the 737-mile move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,535 and $7,812. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,088 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Kansas City generally start around $251 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Kansas City to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,535 - $4,015
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,103 - $5,400
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,900 - $7,812
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Kansas City to Austin.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Kansas City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Sunrise Moving and Packing - Kansas City | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Kansas City to Austin?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Kansas City, MO. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Kansas City, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,002 and $3,248. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Kansas City costs roughly $75/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Kansas City to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,002 - $1,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,248
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Kansas City, MO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $731, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Kansas City, MO, and Austin, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,002. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,300 - $2,523.
What are the best moving containers Kansas City to Austin?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Kansas City to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Kansas City:
- Moving Proz (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- The Dudes Moving Company LLC (4.9/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
A rental truck for this 737-mile move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, costs between $540 and $1,348. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $245 - $280
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Kansas City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Kansas City to Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $540 - $1,005
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $550 - $1,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 - $1,348
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Kansas City to Austin starts at $540 - $1,348, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($245 - $280), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Kansas City, Missouri, usually costs about $731 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 737-mile drive falls between $245 and $280, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $313 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Kansas City to Austin?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Kansas City, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,029 and $1,998.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Kansas City to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $939 - $1,638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,029 - $1,998
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,815
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $157.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Kansas City, Missouri, for roughly five hours typically average $731.
What are the best freight companies from Kansas City to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Austin quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Kansas City, MO vs Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Kansas City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Kansas City, MO | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 88 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $223,324 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $67,449/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | None |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 42.6/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Kansas City, MO guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 138 movers licensed in Missouri, useful context for sizing up this 737-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Kansas City, MO, to Austin, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,535 for a studio to $7,812 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 737-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,002 - $3,248. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $540 - $1,348, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,103 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Austin, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($245 - $280), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Kansas City, MO to Austin, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Austin a safe place to live?
Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, compared to 42.6 and 58.4 in Kansas City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Kansas City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Kansas City handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.