Quick answer: The cost to move from Irvine to Houston ranges from $1,297 to $8,451 and the journey will take approximately four to 15 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,532-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Houston to Irvine guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Irvine to Houston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Irvine to go to Houston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to TX move
Local moving companies in Irvine
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Merit Moving Systems: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192009
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 1839600
Alternate Names: Merit Moving & Logistics LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0137029
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Houston?
Irvine movers charge $75 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,500 - $6,344 | $1,306 - $3,123 | $1,199 - $2,124 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,694 - $8,451 | $2,333 - $4,467 | $1,297 - $2,735 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,836 - $11,362 | $3,177 - $6,149 | $1,571 - $3,024 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Texas
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Texas, you can expect to spend between $1,500 and $6,344. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,694 to $8,451 on the same route (CA to TX). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Texas typically runs between $6,836 and $11,362.
Cost of moving containers from California to Texas
If you're moving from California to Texas, expect to pay between $1,306 and $3,123 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,333 up to $4,467. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,177 and $6,149. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Texas
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,199 and $2,124. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,297 and $2,735. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,571 and $3,024.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Houston
What to know before moving from Irvine to Houston
Moving from Irvine to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Irvine | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $1,561,760 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 61% lower than in Irvine, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Houston are 83.1% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Houston is 38.8% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston — including H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 69.8% lower than in Irvine.
- A move to Houston can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 60.2% less than what it costs in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 24.07% lower than in Irvine.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Houston, since its sales taxes are 6.45% higher than what you are paying in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $906.51 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Houston
Houston | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 307,670 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 47 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 69 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Houston is about 648% greater than Irvine, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Houston offers better access to buses and trains than Irvine, based on public transportation ratings. Houston has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Irvine. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Houston means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Irvine. Houston is considered more walkable than Irvine, with a score of 47 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Irvine. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Houston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Irvine. While Irvine has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Houston earned a 49. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Houston is higher than in Irvine, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 63.5 in Houston, it is 31.01 in Irvine. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Houston. With a crime index of 36.5, Houston ranks lower in overall safety than Irvine, whose index is 68.99. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Houston and Irvine is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Houston move
- Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
With your sights set on HOU, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it's time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Houston?
The best time to move from Irvine to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Houston?
With many people choosing to move from Irvine to Houston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Irvine to Houston take?
The 1,532-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Houston, TX, takes four to 15 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Houston.