($877+) Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $877 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,543 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,408 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 $2,131, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,543 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,363 - $4,504, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $877 - $2,296.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,705 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
Moving options from Washington DC to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,705 - $6,268 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 65% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,408 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,408-mile route from Washington DC to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,131 - $5,179 | $1,363 - $2,597 | $877 - $1,581 | $1,203 - $2,269 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,705 - $6,268 | $1,741 - $3,452 | $949 - $2,017 | $1,310 - $2,790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,783 - $8,543 | $2,296 - $4,504 | $1,194 - $2,296 | $1,930 - $3,790 |
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 Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,408-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $2,131 - $8,543. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $388 - $2,588 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Washington DC and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Washington DC movers tend to run around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,131 - $5,179
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,705 - $6,268
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,783 - $8,543
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 Washington DC to Houston.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC 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 packing80% of local movers | $647 - $6,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $259 - $1,553/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $388 - $3,106 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,294 - $3,882 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,235 - $12,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $969 - $1,841 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,294 - $3,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,035 - $4,529 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $388 - $1,941 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $841 - $2,588 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $388 - $19,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $388 - $4,529+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD, 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 Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,363 and $4,504. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,363 - $2,597
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,741 - $3,452
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,296 - $4,504
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 Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $906, 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 $97 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $194 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, 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 Maryland 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 $1,363. 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 $1,741 - $3,452.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
Plan on $877 - $2,296 for a rental moving truck on the 1,408-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $580 - $663
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $877 - $1,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $949 - $2,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,296
Pro tip: A rental truck from Washington DC to Houston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $877 - $2,296. But once you factor in fuel ($580 - $663), overnight lodging ($194/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $97 and $453.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $194.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $580 and $663 for the 1,408-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $906 for 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Houston, 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 $1,310 and $2,790.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,269
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,310 - $2,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,930 - $3,790
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 Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $906.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $97 - $194 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 Washington DC 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: If speed matters on your move from Washington DC to Houston, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 97 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 36.5/100 |
| 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 Houston, TX to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maryland 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 206 movers in Maryland, so you have real options to compare for this 1,408-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Washington DC, MD, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,131 for a studio to $8,543 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,408-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,363 - $4,504. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $877 - $2,296, 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 $2,705 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 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 Washington DC, MD, to Houston, TX
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX?
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 $949 - $2,017. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Houston, 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.
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 percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.