($589+) Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $589 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,459 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 883 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 $2,135, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,459 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,054 - $3,510, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $589 - $1,686.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,696 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 Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
Moving options from Albuquerque to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,696 - $6,133 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 48% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 77% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 883-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 883-mile route from Albuquerque to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,135 - $4,945 | $1,054 - $2,033 | $589 - $1,168 | $960 - $1,737 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,696 - $6,133 | $1,399 - $2,738 | $615 - $1,374 | $1,130 - $2,145 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,435 - $8,459 | $1,977 - $3,510 | $804 - $1,686 | $1,520 - $2,927 |
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 Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 883-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $2,135 - $8,459. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $282 - $1,880 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Albuquerque and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Albuquerque movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,135 - $4,945
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,696 - $6,133
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,435 - $8,459
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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Albuquerque 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 packing86% of local movers | $470 - $4,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,128/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $282 - $2,256 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $940 - $2,820 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,350 - $9,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $704 - $1,338 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $940 - $2,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type19% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $752 - $3,290 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $282 - $1,410 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $611 - $1,880 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $282 - $14,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $282 - $3,290+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Houston?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,054 and $3,510. 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 Albuquerque runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,054 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,738
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,977 - $3,510
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $658 in Albuquerque, NM. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $71 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $141 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Houston, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $1,054. 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 $1,399 - $2,738.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Faith Moving Company Albuquerque, 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
Renting a moving truck for the 883-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Houston, Texas, costs between $589 and $1,686, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $264 - $302
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $589 - $1,168
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $615 - $1,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $804 - $1,686
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $589 - $1,686 does not include fuel ($264 - $302), lodging ($141/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Albuquerque 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, usually costs about $658 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 883-mile drive falls between $264 and $302, 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 $47 and $282 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Houston, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $846 and $2,145.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $960 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,130 - $2,145
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,520 - $2,927
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?
- 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 $71 - $141 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, typically costs $658.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Albuquerque, NM vs Houston, TX
Good news for your budget: Houston isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Albuquerque. Cost of living index runs 97 there against 92 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 43/100 and 28.28/100 here versus 47/100 and 36.5/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, TX to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 35 movers licensed in New Mexico, useful context for sizing up this 883-mile move.
Our take
A move from Albuquerque, NM, to Houston, 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 $2,135 - $8,459 on the 883-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,054 - $3,510, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $589 - $1,686. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,696 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 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 Albuquerque, NM, to Houston, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($264 - $302), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Albuquerque, NM 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 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.
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 28.28 and 71.72 in Albuquerque. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 19% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.