($1,342+) Seattle, WA to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $1,342 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,737 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,315 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,932, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,737 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,704 - $6,072, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,342 - $3,568.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,859 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 Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
Moving options from Seattle to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,859 - $8,153 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 65% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,315 miles and typically takes 7 to 18 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,315-mile route from Seattle to Houston, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,932 - $6,068, container $1,704 - $3,092, rental truck $1,342 - $2,570, freight trailer $1,472 - $2,930.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,859 - $8,153, container $2,295 - $4,571, rental truck $1,356 - $2,970, freight trailer $1,712 - $3,729.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,548 - $12,737, container $2,911 - $6,072, rental truck $1,729 - $3,568, freight trailer $2,498 - $5,006.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,315-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Houston, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,932 - $12,737. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $401 - $2,672. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Seattle and Houston. Local movers in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,932 - $6,068
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,859 - $8,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,548 - $12,737
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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Seattle 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 packing69% of local movers | $668 - $6,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $267 - $1,603/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,206 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,336 - $4,008 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,340 - $13,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,001 - $1,901 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,336 - $3,340 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,069 - $4,676 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $401 - $2,004 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $868 - $2,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,676+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA, 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 Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,704 and $6,072. 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 Seattle costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,704 - $3,092
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,295 - $4,571
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,911 - $6,072
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Seattle, WA 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 $935 in Seattle, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 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 Washington 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 $1,704. 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 $2,295 - $4,571.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
A rental truck for this 2,315-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Houston, Texas, costs between $1,342 and $3,568. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $984 - $1,125
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,570
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,970
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,729 - $3,568
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,342 - $3,568 does not include fuel ($984 - $1,125), lodging ($200/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Seattle 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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $200 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $87 and $434 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $984 - $1,125 in fuel for the 2,315-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $935 in Seattle, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Houston, TX
If you're moving a larger household from Seattle, Washington, 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 $1,712 and $3,729.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,472 - $2,930
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,712 - $3,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,498 - $5,006
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 Seattle, Washington, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $935.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $100 and $200 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle 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 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: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 97 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | None | None |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 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 Seattle, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington 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. Washington alone has 279 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,315-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,315-mile route from Seattle, WA, to Houston, TX, run $2,932 - $12,737 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,704 - $6,072, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,342 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,859, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Seattle, WA, to Houston, TX
What is the cheapest way to move from Seattle, WA 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 $1,356 - $2,970. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Seattle, WA to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,342 to $12,737, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,932 and $12,737, 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 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 do local movers charge in Seattle?
Local movers based in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $141/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 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 Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.