($867+) Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX ranges from $1,218 to $9,000, with an average cost of $3,350. Moves can be as low as $867 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,351 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Moving options from Los Angeles to San Antonio fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,218 - $9,000 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,350, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,351 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 1,351-mile route from Los Angeles to San Antonio, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,218 - $5,196 $1,273 - $2,327 $793 - $1,531 $1,228 - $2,117
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,712 - $6,576 $1,709 - $3,451 $848 - $1,877 $1,367 - $2,625
4+ bedrooms $4,762 - $9,000 $2,321 - $4,454 $1,168 - $2,292 $1,875 - $3,492

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
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 trailer
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 Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Full-service movers for the 1,351-mile relocation from Los Angeles, California, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,218 and $9,000. 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 $401 - $2,672, 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 Los Angeles typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to San Antonio:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,218 - $5,196
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,712 - $6,576
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,762 - $9,000

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 Los Angeles to San Antonio.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Antonio, 70% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing78% of local movers$668 - $6,680
Storage in transitNew place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$267 - $1,603/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$401 - $3,206
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers$1,336 - $4,008
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,340 - $13,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,001 - $1,901
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$1,336 - $3,340
PianoAny piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$1,069 - $4,676
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers$401 - $2,004
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA)$868 - $2,672
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$401 - $20,040+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$401 - $4,676+

What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to San Antonio?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,273 and $4,454. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to San Antonio:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,327
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,709 - $3,451
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,321 - $4,454

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Los Angeles, CA and San Antonio, 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 $935 in Los Angeles, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 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 $1,273. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,709 - $3,451.

What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to San Antonio?

  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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:

  • Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
  • Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
  • Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Truck rentals from Los Angeles, California, to San Antonio, Texas, range from $793 - $2,292 for the 1,351-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $574 - $656
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to San Antonio based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $793 - $1,531
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $848 - $1,877
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,168 - $2,292

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Los Angeles to San Antonio starts at $793 - $2,292, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($574 - $656), overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $200 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $87 and $434 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $574 - $656 in fuel for the 1,351-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $935 in Los Angeles, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to San Antonio?

  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 Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, to San Antonio, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,202 and $2,625.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to San Antonio:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,228 - $2,117
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,625
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,492

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $935.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $100 and $200 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to San Antonio?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to San Antonio quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Antonio, TX

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

Measure Los Angeles, CA San Antonio, TX
Cost of living index16291
Average rent$2,960/mo$1,496/mo
Median home value$878,142$216,453
Average income$80,366/yr$62,917/yr
Unemployment rate10.6%3.8%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score69/10037/100
Safety index46.19/10051.94/100
Air qualityModerateModerate

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 San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,351-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Los Angeles, CA, to San Antonio, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,218 for a studio to $9,000 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,351-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,273 - $4,454. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $793 - $2,292, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,712 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.

FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to San Antonio, TX

What is the cheapest way to move from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, TX?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $848 - $1,877. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is San Antonio a safe place to live?

San Antonio has a safety index of 51.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.06, compared to 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to San Antonio, 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.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

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.

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

About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.