Local moving companies in California
When you’re moving from California to Austin, TX, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant ATX.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Austin, TX.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Austin, TX
This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Austin, TX, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,160 – $4,662 | $1,005 – $2,449 | $959 – $1,770 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,007 – $6,516 | $1,670 – $3,397 | $968 – $2,106 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,384 – $9,367 | $2,419 – $4,974 | $1,282 – $2,523 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,596-mile move from California to Austin, TX using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Austin, TX
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Austin, TX, typically costs between $1,160 and $4,662. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,007 and $6,516. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Austin, TX, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,384 up to $9,367.
Cost of moving containers from California to Austin, TX
When relocating from California to Austin, TX, you’ll typically spend between $1,005 and $2,449 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,670 up to $3,397. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,419 and $4,974. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Austin, TX
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 from California to Austin, TX, expect to pay between $959 and $1,770. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $968 to $2,106. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,282 and $2,523.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from California to Austin, TX
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Austin, TX
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Austin, TX differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: California vs. Austin, TX
| California | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,765 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $68,258 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 129 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.5% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
Austin sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent prices in Austin and California are pretty similar, so you probably won’t have to tweak your budget much.
- Buying a home in Austin could be more affordable, with prices averaging 34% less than in California.
- Expect salaries in Austin to be approximately 26% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Moving to Austin means unemployment is roughly 35% lower than in California, giving you stronger job prospects.
- Since Texas doesn’t have an income tax, you’ll enjoy larger take-home pay, giving you more room in your budget.
How life is different in Austin from California
| Austin | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Austin leaned Democrat, while California went Democratic.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 96ºF in Austin, warmer than the average 87ºF in California. With more sunshine, you’ll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- Winter in Austin brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 38ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Austin treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Austin vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- Austin doesn’t get snow, while California sees around 7 inches annually. Relocating to Austin means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Austin are higher than in California, with a crime index of 42.91 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Austin
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Austin.
Museums in Austin
- Texas Memorial Museum
- George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- Thinkery
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Parks in Austin
- Pease Park
- Butler Metro Park
- Zilker Park
- Sculpture Falls
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Sports teams in Austin
- Round Rock Express
- Austin Spurs
- Texas Stars
- Austin Outlaws
- Austin Huns
Universities in Austin
- Acton School of Business
- Austin Community College District
- Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Concordia University Texas
- Huston–Tillotson University
Other considerations when moving to Austin, TX
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Texas, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Texas on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Austin take?
The time it takes to move from California to Austin, TX depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Austin will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Austin can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Austin?
If you’re planning a 1,596-mile move from California to Austin, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin, TX?
Summer temperatures in Austin can soar to 96°F, while winters can get as chilly as 38°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Austin prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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