Moving From Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX ($1,065 - $11,609)
Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Houston, TX, (roughly 1,547 miles) costs between $1,065 and $11,609, with an average of $1,188 – $8,370. Pricing depends primarily on move type (full-service vs. DIY), home size, distance, and add-on services like packing. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,812, while larger 4-5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,609 or more.
- Renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest option, typically running $1,065 for a 1-bedroom up to $3,246 for 4+ bedrooms.
- Moving containers range from $1,622 – $5,738, giving you flexibility without full-service pricing. Truck rentals cost between $1,065 and $3,246.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with an average 2-bedroom quote of $4,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Cost of full-service movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
For the 1,547-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,812 and $11,609. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $486 - $3,240 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs in Los Angeles by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $2,812 - $6,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,767 - $8,370
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,255 - $11,609
Other full-service moving costs to keep in mind
- Storage: If your timing in Houston, TX doesn't align, monthly storage typically costs $324–$1,944. Once your shipment enters a mover's warehouse, you generally won't have access until it's delivered. If you need more flexibility, moving containers are a practical alternative.
- Optional added coverage: If something gets damaged in transit, standard released-value coverage pays just $0.60 per pound per item, which won't go far for most household goods. Full-value protection requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse at current market value, giving you much stronger recourse. Most companies charge 1%–2% of declared shipment value for this upgrade, which comes out to around $300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment.
- Shuttle fees: When direct truck access isn't possible at your Los Angeles, CA or Houston, TX address, additional shuttle fees of $486 to $3,888 may apply.
- Full packing: Professional packing services generally range from $810–$8,100.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Best full-service movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX move
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Best for contents coverage
rating
4.9 / 5
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Los Angeles, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% – 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,622 and $5,738. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place.
Take a look at moving container pricing in Los Angeles by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,622 - $3,042
- 2-3 bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,602
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,909 - $5,738
Other moving container costs to keep in mind
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $122 per month for smaller containers and around $243 per month for larger units.
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about five hours will run you around $1,134 in Los Angeles, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically runs 1%–2% of your total declared value, around $500–$1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Houston, TX destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,805. Underestimating and needing 1 – 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,179 – $4,602, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
Best moving containers Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX move
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Best for locally owned service
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value container
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
rating
4.8 / 5
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Plan on spending between $1,065 and $3,246 for a rental moving truck for the 1,547-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas. This is the most hands-on option. Packing, loading, and the drive are all yours to manage. Costs are based primarily on truck size, total mileage, and rental duration.
These are typical moving truck rental costs in Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,065 - $2,190
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,404
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $3,246
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,065 – $3,246 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Los Angeles to Houston. Fuel , lodging at around $243/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 – $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
Other rental truck costs to keep in mind
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours usually runs about $1,134.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend roughly between $97 and $527 depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $243 per night for hotel stops on the 1,547-mile drive. With 2-3 overnight stops, total lodging typically runs $486–$729.
Best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX move
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Best value rental
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Most reliable
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): Best availability
rating
4.3 / 5
Freight trailer costs from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, 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 $1,458 and $3,681.
Take a look at freight trailer costs in Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,475 - $2,822
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,327 - $4,497
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
Other costs to consider with freight trailers
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Los Angeles, California, hiring two movers for about five hours typically runs $1,134.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $122 and $243 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
Best freight companies for your Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX move
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value freight trailer
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.66/5 stars)
rating
4.5 / 5
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Los Angeles to Houston, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Not every move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, fits neatly into a standard service model. Smaller shipments may fall below minimum weight thresholds, while high-value items or commercial relocations often call for specialized equipment and handling. From dorm moves and office transitions to fine art and wine collections, having the right mover for the job matters.
Small moves from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Most full-service movers enforce a minimum shipment of 2,000–3,000 pounds, which prices out studio and small 1-bedroom moves. Small moving companies like MiniMoves have no minimum weight requirement.
Pro tip: Small-move companies offer many of the same services as full-service movers, including packing and standard furniture disassembly and reassembly, usually bundled into a flat-rate price. If you have anything complicated, like custom-built pieces, antiques, or complex flat-pack furniture, check with the company first. They may need advance notice or charge an additional fee.
rating
4.8 / 5
Commercial movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Relocating a business from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, takes careful coordination, especially when you're dealing with IT setups, employee schedules, and heavy office furniture. Most full-service movers offer specialized support for commercial moves. For a 15-person office, commercial moving specialists typically complete the move in 1–2 business days using inventory management systems, IT equipment crating, and phased scheduling to keep downtime to a minimum.
Small commercial moves (up to 15 employees) from Los Angeles to Houston cost $4,050 and $16,200, while larger workplaces with 50–100 employees can cost $8,100-$40,500.
Pro tip: Before moving day, write out exactly what's moving and where it's going. A room-by-room inventory of furniture, equipment, and IT assets keeps the crew on track and cuts down on the time your business is out of commission.
Top commercial movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- Best California Movers
- Flex Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
Car shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Car shipping from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, costs between $1,213 and $2,305, with most vehicles delivered in 2-7 days, depending on how much carrier demand there is on the route. Nine out of 10 people go with open transport. The reason open transport costs less comes down to capacity. Open carriers move 7–10 vehicles per truck, which brings per-vehicle costs in 30%–40% below enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport adds $486–$972 to the base rate on this route but provides full protection from weather and road debris, making it the standard choice for vehicles valued above $50,000.
If you're weighing your options, our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Pro tip: Book your car shipment separately from your household move to avoid broker markups that can inflate the price.
Top car shippers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
- Nexus Auto Transport (4.7/5 stars): Best overall value
- Sherpa Auto Transport (4.5/5 stars): Most accurate pricing
- Navi Auto Transport (4.4/5 stars): Best for budget-conscious shippers
Explore more highly rated car shippers serving Los Angeles, California
rating
4.7 / 5
Antiques & fine art movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Transporting antiques or fine art from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, will add $1,620-$4,050 to your total moving cost, depending on the size and value of your collection. Experienced antique movers are trained to wrap and secure fragile, high-value pieces, and many offer custom wooden crating to prevent movement during transit. Fine art handling costs between $81 and $810 per piece, while custom crating generally ranges from $243-$324 per item. Confirm that your mover has direct experience with similar pieces, and ask about climate-controlled storage if temperature sensitivity is a concern.
Pro tip: Investing in professional packing and full-value protection is well worth it when you're transporting irreplaceable heirlooms or original artwork.
Top antiques & fine art movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- Best California Movers
- Flex Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
Piano movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Moving a piano on its own from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, requires a dedicated piano moving specialist. Transport typically runs between $1,296 and $5,670, depending on the instrument type. Larger pianos require more crew members, specialized padding, and sometimes custom crating.
For specialized piano transport on this route, we recommend Modern Piano Moving. See other top-rated full-service piano movers
Pro tip: Only use a piano-only mover when the piano is the sole item being shipped. If you're also moving household goods, including it with full-service movers is almost always more cost-effective.
Typical costs by piano type:
- Upright piano: $1,296 and $2,430
- Baby grand piano: $1,944 and $4,050
- Grand piano: $2,916 and $5,670
Pool table movers from California to Texas
Moving a pool table from Los Angeles, CA, to Houston, TX, typically costs between $402-$2,010 or more for long-distance moves. Pricing depends on table size, slate configuration, and complexity. Three-piece slate tables are generally easier and cheaper to transport than one-piece slate models. While full-service companies can handle pool tables as part of a larger move, professional disassembly and reassembly are required, and stairs or elevators can increase costs. For careful disassembly and re-leveling on a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Houston, TX, we recommend SOLO®.
Pro tip: Pool tables require precise leveling during reassembly. Hiring experienced professionals helps prevent long-term damage to the slate and frame.
Prices vary, but here are some average costs for pool table moving:
- 6-7 ft. table: $201-$536
- 8-9 ft. table: $536-$938
- 10-12 ft. table: $536-$1,340
Hot tub movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Moving a hot tub from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, is more involved than most people expect. They typically weigh 500–900 pounds and require crane or dolly equipment, licensed electrical disconnection, and reinforced transport Long-distance hot tub transport typically costs between $1,053 and $3,240, depending on size, access, and setup requirements. Our pick for professional spa relocation on this route is Platinum Hot Tub Movers.
Pro tip: Hot tubs need to be properly drained, disconnected, and secured before transport. Hiring specialists reduces the risk of cracking the shell or damaging electrical components.
Wine collection movers from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
Shipping a wine collection from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, requires climate-controlled transport and specialized packaging. Costs typically range between $486 and $24,300+, depending on collection size and whether temperature-controlled service is required. Our pick for specialized wine moves is The Wine Mover.
Pro tip: Even brief exposure to extreme temperatures can permanently damage wine. Always confirm that climate-controlled vehicles and insulated packaging are part of the service before booking.
Average pricing by collection size:
- 10 cases: $486 and $972
- 100 cases: $2,430 and $4,860
- 1,000+ cases: $12,960 and $24,300+
Pet transport services from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX
If you're not able to transport your pet yourself from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, a specialty pet relocation company is the right call. Services typically range between $486 and $5,670+. Ground transport is the most affordable option, while private or VIP services provide door-to-door handling with minimal transfers.
Our pick for pet relocation on this route is Airpets International. Check out more recommendations for top pet shipping services
Pro tip: Have vaccination records and health certificates ready well before your move date. Missing paperwork can delay travel and drive up costs.
How much pet moving services typically cost:
- Standard long-distance: $486 and $1,134
- Private/VIP long-distance: $3,240 and $6,480
- Domestic air: $810 and $3,240
- Flight nanny: $810 and $2,430
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, CA, 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 $2,812 to $11,609 on the 1,547-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,622–$5,738, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,065–$3,246. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top pick on this route, averaging $4,300 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX?
Full-service movers typically run between $2,812 and $11,609 depending on home size, while moving containers and rental trucks come in lower. Timing also matters. Moving during peak season (May through September) tends to push prices higher.
The cost depends on how much you're moving and which type of service you choose. For this route, prices generally range from $2,812 for a small DIY truck rental up to $11,609 for a full-service move of a larger home.
How long does a move from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves on this route within 5-7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers move faster and with more delivery consistency than full-service movers, making them the quickest option on this route other than driving a rental truck yourself. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What is the cheapest way to move from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the lowest upfront cost option since you're handling the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. For this route, truck rentals typically start around $1,065.
Just keep in mind that fuel, mileage fees, lodging, and equipment rentals can add up quickly on top of the base rate. Make sure you run the full numbers before assuming it's your most affordable option for the move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX?
If keeping costs down is your priority, aim for a move between October and March. Demand drops significantly in the fall and winter, which means better availability, lower rates, and more room to negotiate with movers on this route.
Peak moving season runs from mid-May through mid-September, and prices across all service types tend to climb during that stretch. Weekends and the end of the month are also more expensive regardless of the season, so a midweek, mid-month move date is your best bet for saving money on your move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas.
What are some tips for moving from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX?
A 500-pound reduction in shipment weight, the rough equivalent of clearing out one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200–$400 on a full-service move on this route.
Beyond that, staying organized is everything. A solid moving checklist helps you track deadlines, book services on time, and avoid last-minute scrambles that can cost you money and add unnecessary stress to your move from Los Angeles, California, to Houston, Texas.
