San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Houston typically costs $3,700–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,928 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Houston
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX typically costs $3,700–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,928-mile move from San Francisco to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,790 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,530 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,730 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 07, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Houston
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,700, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,300–$3,400) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Houston movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Houston
If you want to simplify your interstate move from San Francisco to Houston, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Houston
Many movers find Houston easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 27% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,770 for one person in Houston versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $7,157 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Houston from San Francisco, you'll find that rent is roughly 52% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 79% less in Houston than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 49% lower in Houston compared to San Francisco.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 27% lower than in San Francisco.
- Choosing to move to Houston can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 18% less than in San Francisco.
- Houston enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 24% lower compared to San Francisco, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Houston and San Francisco (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and Houston:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Houston.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Houston
| San Francisco | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 49 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Houston's population is about 185% greater than San Francisco.
- Houston's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Houston is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 47 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Houston and San Francisco have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 61.41, respectively.
- Houston and San Francisco have a similar safety level, with scores of 36.5 and 38.59.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Houston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you've decided to make the move to HOU, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what Houston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Houston?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Houston take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX covers 1,928 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 70 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 63 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
