$1,297 Movers From California to Texas

The cost to move from California to Texas averages from $1,004 to $6,977 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Texas to California guide.

Moving from California to Texas resources

Moving 1,407 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Texas movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Texas is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Texas.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to Texas?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Texas for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,297 - $5,107 $981 - $2,384 $937 - $1,743
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,953 - $6,977 $1,861 - $3,727 $1,004 - $2,093
4+ bedrooms $5,219 - $9,139 $2,408 - $4,723 $1,191 - $2,606
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,407 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Texas will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Texas?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Texas will cost between $1,297 to $5,107. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to TX will range from $2,953 to $6,977, and a large move from California to Texas will cost from $5,219 to $9,139.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Texas?

Moving containers from California to Texas will cost you $981 to $2,384 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,861 to $3,727. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,408 to $4,723. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to Texas?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $937 to $1,743. A larger move will cost $1,004 to $2,093, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Texas costs from $1,191 to $2,606.

Is moving from California to Texas a good idea?

If you’re moving to Texas from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs Texas

California Texas
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,082
Average home cost $746,055 $296,127
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $73,035
Cost of Living Index 100 93
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 8.19%
State Income Tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 32% less expensive in Texas than in California.
  • Home prices are about 60.3% lower in Texas than in California.
  • The average income is about 20.5% lower in Texas than in California.
  • Cost of living is 7.0% lower in Texas than in California.
  • Texas has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 14.6%.
  • Sales taxes are 5.65% lower in Texas than in California.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Texas than in California.

How is life different in Texas from California?

Texas California
Population 30,029,572 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 52-46 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 94ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 36ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 36" 22"
Annual Snow 2" 7"
Crime Index 26.47 27.88
  • The population of Texas is approximately 23% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Texas voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Texas is 94ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Texas reaches the temperature of 36ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Texas vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Texas, it snows about 2 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Texas has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 26.47.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Texas:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Texas side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Texas
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Favorable climate
Abundant recreational options Delicious barbecue
High quality of life Low taxes
Fresh and healthy foods Privacy and freedom

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Texas:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Texas.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Texas
High cost of living Severe weather
Heavy tax burdens Limited healthcare access
Natural disasters High crime rate
Terrible traffic Traffic issues
Strange laws Politics

Considerations for moving to Texas

  • Weather: Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
2905 Unicorn Rd, Bakersfield, CA, 93308
(661) 335-6191
All Star Movers & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA, 94568
(925) 905-9889

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Texas

While you’re in Texas, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • The Alamo
  • San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
  • Texas State Capitol
  • Dallas World Aquarium
  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Space Center Houston
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
  • Big Bend National Park
  • Moody Gardens and Aquarium, Galveston Island
  • Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Cadillac Ranch
  • Natural Bridge Caverns
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • The USS Lexington
  • Kemah Boardwalk
  • Six Flags Over Texas
  • Hamilton Pool
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park
  • Gruene Historic District

FAQs about moving from California to Texas

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Texas?

The cheapest way to move from California to Texas is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Texas?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Texas are the amazing upsides of living in Texas such as ample economic opportunity and favorable climate.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Texas