($832+) Irvine, CA to Austin, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX ranges from $1,278 to $9,542, with an average cost of $3,550. Moves can be as low as $832 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,362 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

Moving options from Irvine to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,278 - $9,542 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,362 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,362-mile route from Irvine to Austin, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,278 - $5,456 $1,336 - $2,698 $849 - $1,640 $1,203 - $2,244
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,083 - $6,767 $1,794 - $3,730 $984 - $2,050 $1,350 - $2,926
4+ bedrooms $5,255 - $9,542 $2,388 - $4,532 $1,143 - $2,478 $1,968 - $3,969

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

Full-service movers for the 1,362-mile relocation from Irvine, California, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,278 and $9,542. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $452 - $3,012, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Irvine typically charge a base rate around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,278 - $5,456
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,083 - $6,767
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,255 - $9,542

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Irvine to Austin.

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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Austin, 81% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$753 - $7,530
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers$301 - $1,807/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$452 - $3,614
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,506 - $4,518
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,765 - $15,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,128 - $2,143
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,506 - $3,765
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,205 - $5,271
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers$452 - $2,259
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company$979 - $3,012
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$452 - $22,590+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$452 - $5,271+

What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Austin?

Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Irvine, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,336 and $4,532. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Irvine typically runs around $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,698
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,794 - $3,730
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,388 - $4,532

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Irvine, CA and Austin, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,054 in Irvine, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $113 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $226 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

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 $1,336. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,794 - $3,730, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Irvine to Austin?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Irvine to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Irvine:

  • California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
  • Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
  • Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

Truck rentals from Irvine, California, to Austin, Texas, range from $849 - $2,478 for the 1,362-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $653 - $746
  • Daily insurance: $45/day
  • Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
  • Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Irvine to Austin based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $849 - $1,640
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $984 - $2,050
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,143 - $2,478

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Irvine to Austin starts at $849 - $2,478, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($653 - $746) , overnight lodging ($226/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $653 - $746 for the 1,362-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Irvine, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,054.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,362-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $226 per night, adding $452 - $678 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $75 and $452.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Austin?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX

For larger DIY moves from Irvine, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Austin, Texas.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,350 and $2,926.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,244
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,926
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,968 - $3,969

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $113 - $226 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Irvine, California, typically costs $1,054.

What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Austin?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs Austin, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Irvine, CA Austin, TX
Cost of living index165129
Average rent$4,000/mo$1,765/mo
Median home value$1,113,305$512,969
Average income$129,647/yr$91,461/yr
Unemployment rate5.4%3.5%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score43/10042/100
Safety index68.99/10059.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Irvine, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,362-mile move.

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Our take

The 1,362-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Austin, TX, costs between $1,278 and $9,542 with full-service movers, $1,336 - $4,532 with a moving container, and $849 - $2,478 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,083 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.

FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Austin, TX

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($653 - $746), daily insurance ($45/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $226/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Austin, TX?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

Is Austin a safe place to live?

Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.