($1,098+) San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,233 to $11,012, with an average cost of $4,050. Moves can be as low as $1,098 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,928 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 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 Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Moving options from San Francisco to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,233 - $11,012 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,928 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,928-mile route from San Francisco to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,233 - $5,117 | $1,625 - $2,815 | $1,087 - $2,202 | $1,392 - $2,560 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,367 - $7,366 | $1,920 - $4,150 | $1,236 - $2,492 | $1,568 - $3,222 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,202 - $11,012 | $2,822 - $5,816 | $1,484 - $3,303 | $2,168 - $4,519 |
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 San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,928-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,233 - $11,012. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $557 - $3,716. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Francisco and Houston. Local movers in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $5,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,367 - $7,366
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,202 - $11,012
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 Francisco to Houston.
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 Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $929 - $9,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $372 - $2,230/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $557 - $4,459 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,858 - $5,574 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,645 - $18,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,392 - $2,644 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,858 - $4,645 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,486 - $6,503 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $557 - $2,787 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,208 - $3,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $557 - $27,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $557 - $6,503+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,625 and $5,816. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,625 - $2,815
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,920 - $4,150
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,822 - $5,816
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,301 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $139 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $279 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,625. 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 $1,920 - $4,150.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,928 miles from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas, running $1,087 - $3,303. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,140 - $1,303
- Daily insurance: $56/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $2,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,484 - $3,303
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Houston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,087 - $3,303. But once you factor in fuel ($1,140 - $1,303), overnight lodging ($279/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $279 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 San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,301 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,928-mile drive falls between $1,140 and $1,303, 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 $93 and $557 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
If you're moving a larger household from San Francisco, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Houston, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,568 and $3,222.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,392 - $2,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $3,222
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,168 - $4,519
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,301.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $139 and $279 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Francisco to Houston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Francisco, 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 Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 97 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 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 Francisco, 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 1,126 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,928-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,233 for a studio to $11,012 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,928-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,625 - $5,816. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,087 - $3,303, 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 $3,367 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 San Francisco, CA, to Houston, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/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.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, 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 $1,236 - $2,492. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.