Moving from Washington DC to Texas: Cost and Tips

Before you make your move from DC to TX, know the important factors that may affect the cost of your move.

Sergio Ocampo

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Jun 16 · 5 min

Washington DC to central Texas is a 23-hour drive.

That’s a long-distance move.

Of course, if you’re planning this move, you already know this.

What you are probably wondering is: How much will moving from Washington DC to Texas cost?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Washington DC to Texas is $3,500-$6,250 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Surely with that big range, you’ll understand that there are a few factors involved that affect your cost.

Luckily, we’re about to delve into those factors.

After you get a quick moving estimate using our moving cost calculator, let’s jump right in.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Washington DC to Texas?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,790-$2,455	$1,923-$2,429	$1,710-$2,160	$1,118-$1,509
2-3 bedroom	$2,970-$4,632	$2,890-$3,650	$2,518-$3,180	$1,306-$1,783
4+ bedroom	$3,923-$7,340	$3,620-$4,573	$3,325-$4,200	$1,571-$2,121

*Estimates for truck rentals includes fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.

Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?

Your moving options defines the price you pay. Professional movers cost the most, but they take a lot of stress out of the moving experience. To save money use moving containers, freight moving companies, and DIY truck rentals as other options.

For example, moving containers and freight companies only move your belongings, you must complete the packing and unpacking.

If you rent a truck you are responsible for every step of the moving process, which can be both physically and mentally stressful. It all depends on how much sweat you want to put into your move.

Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price

The popularity of a state can also impact your moving cost. For example. Texas is growing at a rate of a 1000 people a day, so you may be able to get a good price on a move as moving companies are already heading in that direction. A shared freight move with others going from DC to Texas can drastically reduce your spending.

Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price

When you move also affects your cost. If you move during moving season you will pay more. Offseason moves will save you a lot if you can choose your moving dates. Compare the costs of a moving season move (summer) to an offseason move (fall or winter).

November 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,923-$7,340
July 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $7,137-$11,350

Use the moving cost calculator to get your customized estimate based on your moving dates and the size of your move.

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Why Are People Moving from Washington DC to Texas?

High housing costs are driving Washington DC residents to look for work in more affordable states.

Texas continues to offer a relatively low cost of living and plenty of work opportunities. No state tax on personal income is another perk.

Best Places to Move in Texas

The size of the Lone Star State gives you a lot of options for moving destinations. Here are just a few locations that many newcomers to the state have come to love.

Dallas, Texas

Many DC migrants are looking to make their home in Texas big cities like Dallas. Dallas, Texas boasts a high median annual salary, a strong job market and reasonable cost of living.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area also provides the benefit of suburban life with access to metro downtown. Dallas prides itself on a small-town feel in the big city, so southern friendliness is not lost even at city street corners.

Houston, Texas

Houston is another big city option in Texas. Like Dallas, Houston delivers lots of job opportunities and a lower cost of living.

Houston residents make a median salary of $43,820, more than $3000 above the national average. Houston is also a highly diverse city and is home to major employment hubs like NASA.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas offers much of the cultural life and recreation that Texas has to offer. Think Tex-Mex barbecue joints and the year-round Six Flags amusement park.

Ranked #34 as one of the best places to live, San Antonio is home to more than 50 fairs and festivals which help keep everyone busy throughout the year.

See full San Antonio Relocation Guide.
Check out this San Antonio, TX neighborhood guide.
Cost to Move to San Antonio.
Cost of Living in San Antonio.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi, Texas is quickly becoming the next epicenter of Texas economic success. Young professionals in particular are flocking to the city. The energy sector and long-standing shipping industry have injected profit growth into this Texas city.

More jobs and a reasonable cost of living sweeten the deal. The city of Corpus Christi also boasts a door-to-door 20-minute commute for most residents.

Beaumont, Texas

Families moving to Texas move want to look into Beaumont. This Texas town is quickly becoming one the best kept secrets in the state.

The natural gas and petrochemical industries offer lots of employment opportunities and keep cost of living low. Starter families will appreciate the relatively low housing costs.

Plano, Texas

If you’re looking for other family-friendly destinations, Texas has plenty. Plano, Texas offers a diverse school system and low crime rate.

Many families enjoy the safe and friendly community that Plano has to offer. Peaceful and prosperous are words that most residents use to describe Plano.

Austin, Texas

Lots of younger people come to Texas to find new experiences. With that goal in mind, Austin, Texas is the place to go. You’ll find an energetic entertainment scene in Austin.

Neighboring towns like Allendale offer a comfortable suburb not far from the city limits. Cherrywood is a mix of students and hipsters and serves a younger crowd. For the artistic, East Austin serves the bohemian community of Austin residents.

See full Austin Relocation Guide.
Check out this Austin, TX neighborhood guide.
Cost to Move to Austin.
Cost of Living in Austin.

College Station, Texas

For many, the cost of housing is the main focus of where they choose to move. If that’s your objective, check out College Station. You’ll find single-family homes for less than $200,000.

College Station is also the home of the famous A&M University, so a thriving college town atmosphere is part of this friendly city’s backdrop.

The local college economy has made College Station a great starter community for families and singles. Residents love the small-town feel with a sophisticated college town flavor. Diversity is rich and life affordable.

Whether you’re seeking new job opportunities or a low cost of living for your family, Texas has numerous options as a prime destination for anyone from around the US.