($937+) San Diego, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,301 to $9,967, with an average cost of $3,550. Moves can be as low as $937 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,469 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 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 San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Moving options from San Diego to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,301 - $9,967 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,469 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,469-mile route from San Diego to Houston, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,301 - $5,349 with full-service movers, $1,409 - $2,663 with a container, $918 - $1,865 with a rental truck, or $1,293 - $2,444 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,966 - $6,696 full-service, $1,800 - $3,533 by container, $1,053 - $2,218 by rental truck, or $1,469 - $2,826 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,170 - $9,967 full-service, $2,397 - $4,860 by container, $1,300 - $2,606 by rental truck, or $1,918 - $3,848 by freight.
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 San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Full-service movers for the 1,469-mile relocation from San Diego, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,301 and $9,967. 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 $395 - $2,636, 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 San Diego typically charge a base rate around $226 plus $200 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,301 - $5,349
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,966 - $6,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,170 - $9,967
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 San Diego to Houston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Houston, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $659 - $6,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $264 - $1,582/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $395 - $3,163 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,318 - $3,954 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,295 - $13,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $987 - $1,876 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,318 - $3,295 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,054 - $4,613 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $395 - $1,977 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp | $857 - $2,636 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $395 - $19,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $395 - $4,613+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Houston?
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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Diego, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,409 and $4,860. 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 San Diego typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,409 - $2,663
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,800 - $3,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,397 - $4,860
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 San Diego, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $923, 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 $99 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $198 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Diego, CA, 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 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 $1,409. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,800 - $3,533, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego:
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
- Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Truck rentals from San Diego, California, to Houston, Texas, range from $918 - $2,606 for the 1,469-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $616 - $704
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 San Diego to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $918 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,053 - $2,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,606
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Diego to Houston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $918 - $2,606. But once you factor in fuel ($616 - $704) , overnight lodging ($198/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $99 and $461.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $198.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $616 and $704 for the 1,469-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 $923 for 2 movers in San Diego, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego 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 San Diego, CA to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Diego, California, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,469 and $2,826.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,293 - $2,444
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,469 - $2,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,918 - $3,848
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $99 - $198 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Diego, California, typically costs $923.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego 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.
- Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: San Diego, 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 San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 97 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 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 San Diego, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,469-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,469-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Houston, TX, costs between $1,301 and $9,967 with full-service movers, $1,409 - $4,860 with a moving container, and $918 - $2,606 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 $2,966 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 San Diego, CA, to Houston, TX
How much does it cost to move from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,301 to $9,967, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,301 and $9,967, 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 is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA 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 $1,053 - $2,218. 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 ($616 - $704), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $198/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX 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 San Diego, CA 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.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
