($1,562) Cost of Moving From Texas to California
Quick answer: When planning a move from Texas to California, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,152 to $8,324. Most relocations will take about three–eight days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Texas guide.
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The best Texas to California full-service movers
Planning a move from Texas to California? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.
Start your move from Texas to California with these top-rated long-distance movers in Texas.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Texas
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in Texas, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 5 out of 5 stars
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage: 5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Firehouse Movers Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
12634 Carriage Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249Bellhop Moving, serving San Antonio, TX, since 2012, has established itself as a reputable local moving company. Known for their reliability and quality service, Bellhop Moving provides a range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Customer feedback speaks volumes, with an average rating of 4.4 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, distinguishing them from other local competitors. Accepting credit cards for convenience, Bellhop does require a deposit, ensuring commitment to their clients’ needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 009668291C
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhops, Inc.
Square Cow
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1748594
Years in Business: 17
20816 Park Row Drive, Katy, TX 77449Square Cow, a trusted local moving company based in Katy, TX, has been providing exemplary residential moving services since 2009. With an impressive 4.8 average rating from 316 Google reviews and a stellar 4.6 from 63 Yelp reviews, Square Cow is highly regarded for its professionalism and reliability. Unlike many nearby competitors, they boast a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, without requiring a deposit upfront. For those seeking dependable and well-reviewed local movers, Square Cow stands out as a top choice.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 1748594
- State license #: 006362543C
Alternative Business Names
- Square Cow Movers
- Square Cow Moovers LLC
Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 2783472
Years in Business: 22
1800 W Howard Ln, Austin, TX 78728Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX since 2003. Known for their exceptional customer satisfaction, the company boasts an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp, 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In addition to standard moving services, they excel in packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring the safe transport of fragile items, art, and antiques. Compared to other nearby movers, Firefighting's Finest stands out for their comprehensive service offerings and stellar reviews, making them a reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2783472
- State license #: 007074263C
- DOD certified
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 6
720 Bastrop Hwy, Austin, TX 78741College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, offering local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX, has established itself as a reputable and reliable choice since its inception in 2020. This company stands out among local competitors by providing comprehensive services such as office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, all without requiring a deposit. The team’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its impressive reviews: 751 on Google with an average rating of 4.9, 232 on Yelp with an average rating of 4.1, and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Accepting credit cards for convenience further underscores their dedication to hassle-free service.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
- State license #: 007743472C
Alternative Business Names
- College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Firehouse Movers Inc.
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1939062
Years in Business: 26
2535-B E. State Hwy 121, Suite 140, Lewisville, TX 75056Firehouse Movers Inc., serving Lewisville, TX, has been a trusted local residential moving service since 2000. With an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and stellar consumer reviews—averaging 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google—Firehouse Movers stands out among nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and storage options, and are equipped to handle special items like pianos and antiques. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit, Firehouse Movers provides convenient and reliable moving solutions tailored to meet any local residential need.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1939062
- State license #: 000570404B
The best Texas to California moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in Texas and delivering it to your new place in California.
Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:
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The best Texas to California moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Texas to California? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you'll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Texas to California labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from Texas to California, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your TX to CA move
How much does it cost to move from Texas to California?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Texas to California, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,562 - $5,851 | $1,195 - $2,786 | $1,044 - $1,957 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,558 - $8,324 | $2,027 - $4,317 | $1,152 - $2,400 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,040 - $11,016 | $2,814 - $5,577 | $1,522 - $2,961 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,406 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Texas to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Texas to California will cost between $1,562 and $5,851. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from TX to CA will range from $3,558 to $8,324, and a large move from Texas to California will cost from $6,040 to $11,016.
Cost of moving containers from Texas to California
If you’re relocating from Texas to California, you’ll typically spend between $1,195 and $2,786 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,027 up to $4,317. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,814 and $5,577. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,044 and $1,957. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,152 to $2,400. If you’re heading from Texas to California or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,522 and $2,961.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from TX to CA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Texas to California. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Texas.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from TX to CA
If you’re moving to California from Texas, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Texas vs. California
Before you move, take a moment to compare the cost of living in Texas and California. This simple side-by-side comparison highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment so you can see exactly how your budget may change. See how both states measure up on the essentials that impact your finances:
| Texas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,251 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $300,267 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,035 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.19% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 48% higher in California than in Texas. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in California to be about 157% more than what you'll find in Texas.
- Good news—you can expect to earn about 26% more in California than in Texas. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- Moving to California means you’ll be paying 44% more than you did in Texas. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- Unemployment in California is roughly 32% higher than in Texas. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales taxes are 6% higher in California than in Texas. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes in California are 13% higher than in Texas. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in California vs. Texas
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a new home, it’s about how your everyday life will actually feel. Factors like climate, safety, local culture, and the community’s size can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a quick comparison of what life is like in California versus Texas across key lifestyle categories:
| California | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 30,503,301 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 56-44 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 36" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 2" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 27.32 |
- If you’re moving from Texas to California, you’ll find California has about 28% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
- In the most recent presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while Texas went with Republican.
- Summers in California average 87ºF, compared to Texas, where highs reach 94ºF. Choosing a cooler summer spot means you’ll deal with less heat, save on energy costs, and get to spend more time outside, ideal if you value comfort and outdoor fun.
- Winter temperatures in California hover around 59ºF, while Texas can dip to a chilly 36ºF. By making the move to California, you’ll enjoy gentler winters, making life a bit easier and often more affordable. Plus, with less snow and cold, you’ll have more chances to get outdoors. If you’re ready to swap snow shovels for sunnier days, this is the perfect change for you.
- In California, you’ll see about 22 inches of rain each year, less than the 36 inches you’re used to in Texas. Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
- In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year. By comparison, Texas typically gets around 2 inches annually. Since both states see similar snowfall, your move shouldn’t come with any unexpected weather challenges.
- Both California and Texas share a crime rate of 27.32. However, crime levels can vary widely between different cities and neighborhoods, so it’s a good idea to look up local crime stats for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Texas vs. California
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in California to Texas.
| Pros of living in Texas | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Favorable climate | Pleasant weather |
| Delicious barbecue | Abundant recreational options |
| Low taxes | High quality of life |
| Privacy and freedom | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Texas vs. California
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Texas to California.
| Cons of living in Texas | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Severe weather | High cost of living |
| Limited healthcare access | Heavy tax burdens |
| High crime rate | Natural disasters |
| Traffic issues | Terrible traffic |
| Politics | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Texas to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a California moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in California
You’ll have plenty to explore in California! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
