($574+) St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $574 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,147 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 824 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,700, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,147 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,099 - $3,418, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $574 - $1,468.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,172 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Louis to Austin: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,172 - $5,465. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 824 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 824-mile route from St. Louis to Austin, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,700 - $4,299 | $1,099 - $1,867 | $574 - $1,072 | $1,008 - $1,857 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,172 - $5,465 | $1,344 - $2,864 | $619 - $1,286 | $1,075 - $2,181 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,893 - $8,147 | $1,859 - $3,418 | $791 - $1,468 | $1,473 - $2,876 |
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 St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
For the 824-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,700 and $8,147. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $306 - $2,040 (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 St. Louis generally start around $247 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,700 - $4,299
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,172 - $5,465
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,893 - $8,147
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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in St. Louis, MO. 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 St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,099 and $3,418. 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 St. Louis typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,099 - $1,867
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,344 - $2,864
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,859 - $3,418
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Louis, MO and Austin, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $714 in St. Louis, MO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $153 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,099. 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 $1,344 - $2,864.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 824 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Austin, Texas, running $574 - $1,468. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $267 - $306
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $574 - $1,072
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $619 - $1,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $791 - $1,468
Pro tip: The base rate of $574 - $1,468 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Louis to Austin. Fuel ($267 - $306), lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $714.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $267 - $306 for the 824-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $332, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 per night for hotel stops on the 824-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $306 - $459.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO to Austin, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from St. Louis, 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 $1,075 and $2,181.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,008 - $1,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,075 - $2,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,473 - $2,876
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In St. Louis, Missouri, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $714.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $153 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from St. Louis to Austin. 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: St. Louis, 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 St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $180,206 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $55,279/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | None |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 30.35/100 | 59.87/100 |
| 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 Austin, TX to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Texas in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 105 movers based in Missouri, handy for sizing up options on this 824-mile route.
Our take
A move from St. Louis, MO, to Austin, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,700 - $8,147 on the 824-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,099 - $3,418, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $574 - $1,468. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,172 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 St. Louis, MO, to Austin, TX
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.
What do local movers charge in St. Louis?
Local movers based in St. Louis typically start around $247 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Austin run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 Austin?
For families, Rollingwood, West Lake, and Brushy Creek are worth a look in Austin. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cherrywood, North University, and Old West Austin tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, compared to 66 and 58 in St. Louis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.