($994+) Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,228 to $10,005, with an average cost of $3,650. Moves can be as low as $994 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,577 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,228 - $10,005 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,577 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,577-mile route from Santa Clarita to Houston, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,228 - $5,267 with full-service movers, $1,412 - $2,759 with a container, $918 - $1,818 with a rental truck, or $1,219 - $2,411 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,178 - $7,098 full-service, $1,786 - $3,819 by container, $1,045 - $2,097 by rental truck, or $1,429 - $3,114 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,313 - $10,005 full-service, $2,484 - $4,861 by container, $1,356 - $2,537 by rental truck, or $2,046 - $4,167 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Full-service movers for the 1,577-mile relocation from Santa Clarita, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,228 and $10,005. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $408 - $2,720, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Santa Clarita typically charge a base rate around $291 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,228 - $5,267
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,178 - $7,098
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,313 - $10,005
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 Santa Clarita to Houston.
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $680 - $6,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $272 - $1,632/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $408 - $3,264 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,360 - $4,080 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,400 - $13,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,019 - $1,935 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,360 - $3,400 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,088 - $4,760 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $408 - $2,040 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationally | $884 - $2,720 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $408 - $20,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $408 - $4,760+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Houston?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Santa Clarita, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,412 and $4,861. 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 Santa Clarita costs roughly /month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,412 - $2,759
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,819
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,484 - $4,861
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $102 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $204 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $952 in Santa Clarita, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Houston, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,412. 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 $1,786 - $3,819.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita to Houston?
- 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Truck rentals from Santa Clarita, California, to Houston, Texas, range from $918 - $2,537 for the 1,577-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $682 - $780
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $918 - $1,818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,045 - $2,097
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,537
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Clarita to Houston starts at $918 - $2,537, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($682 - $780), overnight lodging ($204/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $204 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $88 and $442 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $682 - $780 in fuel for the 1,577-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $952 in Santa Clarita, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita to Houston?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Clarita, California, to Houston, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,224 and $3,114.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $2,411
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,429 - $3,114
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,046 - $4,167
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $102 and $204.
- 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 Santa Clarita, California, for roughly five hours typically average $952.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Clarita to Houston?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Houston fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 97 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 36.5/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Houston, TX to Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,577-mile move.
Our take
The 1,577-mile move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Houston, TX, costs between $1,228 and $10,005 with full-service movers, $1,412 - $4,861 with a moving container, and $918 - $2,537 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,178 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Clarita, CA, to Houston, TX
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 are the best neighborhoods in Houston?
For families, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, and Kingwood are worth a look in Houston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenway/Upper Kirby, and Montrose tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Houston?
Houston has a walkability score of 47 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 35 and 33 in Santa Clarita. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Houston a safe place to live?
Houston has a safety index of 36.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.5, compared to 64.08 and 35.92 in Santa Clarita. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Clarita, CA to Houston, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.