($883+) Houston, TX to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $865 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,225 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,403 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,186, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,225 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,372 - $4,816, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $865 - $2,405.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,041 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 Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Houston to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,041 - $7,181 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,403 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,403-mile route from Houston to Arlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,186 - $5,429 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,372 - $2,695), rental truck ($865 - $1,690), or freight trailer ($1,273 - $2,448). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,041 - $7,181 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,225.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,403-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $2,186 - $9,225. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $371 - $2,476. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Houston and Arlington. Local movers in Houston typically start around $175 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $5,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,041 - $7,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,164 - $9,225
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 Houston to Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 66% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing96% of local movers | $619 - $6,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $248 - $1,486/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $371 - $2,971 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs66% of local movers | $1,238 - $3,714 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,095 - $12,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $927 - $1,762 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $1,238 - $3,095 |
| Piano | Any piano type54% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $990 - $4,333 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers | $371 - $1,857 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $805 - $2,476 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $371 - $18,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $371 - $4,333+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Arlington?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Houston, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,372 and $4,816. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Houston typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,372 - $2,695
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,860 - $3,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,332 - $4,816
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 Houston, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $867, 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 $93 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $186 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Houston, TX, and Arlington, VA, 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 Texas to Virginia 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 $1,372. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,860 - $3,507, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Houston to Arlington?
- 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Summit Moving And Storage Houston (4.6/5), 5 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
A rental truck for this 1,403-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $865 and $2,405. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $553 - $632
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Houston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Houston to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,405
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Houston to Arlington starts at $865 - $2,405, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($553 - $632) , overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $186 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 Houston, Texas, usually costs about $867 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,403-mile drive falls between $553 and $632, 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 $62 and $371 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston to Arlington?
- 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 Houston, TX to Arlington, VA
If you're moving a larger household from Houston, Texas, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Arlington, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,402 and $2,981.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,448
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,402 - $2,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,885 - $4,009
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $93 - $186 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $867.
What are the best freight companies from Houston to Arlington?
- 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.
- W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (4.58/5 stars): W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Houston to Arlington. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Houston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 97 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,549/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $258,925 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $62,894/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 47/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 36.5/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Houston, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to Virginia, 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 289 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,403-mile move.
Our take
The 1,403-mile move from Houston, TX, to Arlington, VA, costs between $2,186 and $9,225 with full-service movers, $1,372 - $4,816 with a moving container, and $865 - $2,405 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 $3,041 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, to Arlington, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $985 - $1,990. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($553 - $632), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $186/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Houston, TX to Arlington, VA?
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 Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
