($960+) Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

The cost to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,303 to $9,754, with an average cost of $3,700. Moves can be as low as $960 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,481 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 Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

Moving options from Moreno Valley to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,303 - $9,754 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,700, 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 1,481 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 1,481-mile route from Moreno Valley to Houston, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,303 - $5,148 $1,505 - $2,606 $894 - $1,730 $1,355 - $2,370
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,049 - $6,870 $1,758 - $3,940 $1,016 - $2,101 $1,555 - $2,942
4+ bedrooms $5,553 - $9,754 $2,644 - $4,857 $1,242 - $2,566 $1,974 - $3,846

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 Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,481-mile move from Moreno Valley, California, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $1,303 - $9,754. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $352 - $2,348 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Moreno Valley and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Moreno Valley movers tend to run around $239 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Moreno Valley to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,303 - $5,148
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,049 - $6,870
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,553 - $9,754

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 Moreno Valley to Houston.

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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 82% of Moreno Valley movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Houston, 66% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$587 - $5,870
Storage in transitNew place not ready82% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Burgess Moving and Storage$235 - $1,409/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$352 - $2,818
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs31% of local movers$1,174 - $3,522
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,935 - $11,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$879 - $1,671
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company$1,174 - $2,935
PianoAny piano type73% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company$939 - $4,109
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers$352 - $1,761
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company$763 - $2,348
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$352 - $17,610+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$352 - $4,109+

What are the best full-service movers from Moreno Valley to Houston?

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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Moreno Valley, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

Moving containers from Moreno Valley, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,505 and $4,857. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Houston. If you go over that window, storage in Moreno Valley adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Moreno Valley to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,505 - $2,606
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,758 - $3,940
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,644 - $4,857

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Moreno Valley, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $822, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $88 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $176 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Moreno Valley, CA, and Houston, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

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 $1,505. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,758 - $3,940, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Moreno Valley to Houston?

  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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley:

  • JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
  • Burgess Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 80 years in business
  • Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,481 miles from Moreno Valley, California, to Houston, Texas, running $894 - $2,566. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $553 - $632
  • Daily insurance: $35/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Moreno Valley daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
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 Moreno Valley to Houston based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $894 - $1,730
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,016 - $2,101
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,566

Pro tip: A rental truck from Moreno Valley to Houston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $894 - $2,566. But once you factor in fuel ($553 - $632) , overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $88 and $411.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $176.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $553 and $632 for the 1,481-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $822 for 2 movers in Moreno Valley, California, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Moreno Valley to Houston?

  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 Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, TX

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Moreno Valley, California, to Houston, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,555 and $2,942.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Moreno Valley to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,355 - $2,370
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,555 - $2,942
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,974 - $3,846

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Moreno Valley, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $822.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $88 - $176 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Moreno Valley to Houston?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Moreno Valley to Houston, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Houston, TX

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

Measure Moreno Valley, CA Houston, TX
Cost of living index13197
Average rent$2,550/mo$1,549/mo
Median home value$460,926$258,925
Average income$87,477/yr$62,894/yr
Unemployment rate9.1%4.1%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score33/10047/100
Safety index59.76/10036.5/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Houston, TX to Moreno Valley, 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 1,481-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Moreno Valley, CA, to Houston, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,303 - $9,754 on the 1,481-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,505 - $4,857, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $894 - $2,566. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,049 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.

FAQs: Moving from Moreno Valley, CA, to Houston, TX

What is the best time of year to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, 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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Houston a safe place to live?

Houston has a safety index of 36.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.5, compared to 59.76 and 40.24 in Moreno Valley. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Houston, 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 $1,016 - $2,101. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Houston?

For families, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, and Kingwood are worth a look in Houston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenway/Upper Kirby, and Montrose tend to be popular picks instead.

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

About 73% of movers in Moreno Valley handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.