($710+) Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $710 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,879 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,176 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,228, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,879 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,273 - $4,062, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $710 - $2,003.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,831 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 Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
Moving options from Minneapolis to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,831 - $6,782 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 47% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 72% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,176 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,176-mile route from Minneapolis to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,228 - $5,110 | $1,273 - $2,203 | $710 - $1,339 | $1,157 - $2,105 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,831 - $6,782 | $1,499 - $3,163 | $799 - $1,727 | $1,250 - $2,405 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,880 - $8,879 | $2,050 - $4,062 | $955 - $2,003 | $1,640 - $3,383 |
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 Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,176-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $2,228 - $8,879. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $309 - $2,060 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Minneapolis and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Minneapolis movers tend to run around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,228 - $5,110
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,831 - $6,782
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,880 - $8,879
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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis 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 packing82% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $206 - $1,236/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $309 - $2,472 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,030 - $3,090 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,575 - $10,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $771 - $1,466 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $670 - $2,060 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $309 - $15,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $309 - $3,605+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Houston?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Minneapolis, MN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,273 and $4,062. 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 Minneapolis typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,499 - $3,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,050 - $4,062
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 Minneapolis, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $721, 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 $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and Houston, 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 Minnesota 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 $1,273. 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 $1,499 - $3,163.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
A rental truck for this 1,176-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Houston, Texas, costs between $710 and $2,003. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $385 - $440
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $710 - $1,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $799 - $1,727
- 4+ bedrooms: $955 - $2,003
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $710 - $2,003 does not include fuel ($385 - $440), lodging ($155/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Minneapolis to Houston typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $385 - $440 for the 1,176-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $721.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,176-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $155 per night, adding $309 - $464 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $309.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Houston, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,250 and $2,405.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,250 - $2,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,383
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 $77 and $155.
- 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $721.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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: Minneapolis, MN vs Houston, TX
Day-to-day costs in Houston are close to what you're used to in Minneapolis: cost of living index of 97 versus 107, with average rent of $1,549/mo compared to $1,484/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 43.94/100 in Minneapolis versus 47/100 and 36.5/100 in Houston.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, TX to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Minnesota 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 151 movers in Minnesota, so you have real options to compare for this 1,176-mile move.
Our take
The 1,176-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Houston, TX, costs between $2,228 and $8,879 with full-service movers, $1,273 - $4,062 with a moving container, and $710 - $2,003 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 $2,831 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 Minneapolis, MN, to Houston, TX
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 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 do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/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 Houston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $710 to $8,879, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,228 and $8,879, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.