($1,011+) Oakland, CA to Austin, TX Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX ranges from $1,191 to $10,075, with an average cost of $3,800. Moves can be as low as $1,011 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,747 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
Moving options from Oakland to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,191 - $10,075 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,747 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,747-mile route from Oakland to Austin, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,191 - $5,027 | $1,506 - $2,758 | $1,032 - $1,984 | $1,262 - $2,481 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,158 - $6,745 | $1,832 - $3,976 | $1,160 - $2,243 | $1,496 - $3,274 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,583 - $10,075 | $2,553 - $4,969 | $1,435 - $2,801 | $2,083 - $4,101 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
For the 1,747-mile move from Oakland, California, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,191 and $10,075. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $508 - $3,384 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Oakland generally start around $281 plus $147 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $5,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,158 - $6,745
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,583 - $10,075
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 Oakland to Austin.
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 Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $846 - $8,460 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $338 - $2,030/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $508 - $4,061 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,692 - $5,076 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,230 - $16,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,267 - $2,408 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,692 - $4,230 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,354 - $5,922 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $508 - $2,538 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationally | $1,100 - $3,384 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $508 - $25,380+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $508 - $5,922+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Austin?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Oakland, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,506 and $4,969. 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 Austin. If you go over that window, storage in Oakland adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,506 - $2,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,832 - $3,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,553 - $4,969
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 Oakland, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,184, 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 $127 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $254 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Oakland, CA, and Austin, 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.
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 $1,506. 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 $1,832 - $3,976.
What are the best moving containers Oakland to Austin?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,747 miles from Oakland, California, to Austin, Texas, running $1,032 - $2,801. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $941 - $1,075
- Daily insurance: $51/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $34
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Oakland to Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,032 - $1,984
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,160 - $2,243
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,435 - $2,801
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,032 - $2,801 when pricing out a rental truck from Oakland to Austin. Fuel alone runs $941 - $1,075, and overnight lodging ($254/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Oakland, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,184.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $941 - $1,075 for the 1,747-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $102 and $550, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $254 per night for hotel stops on the 1,747-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $508 - $761.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland to Austin?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Oakland, CA to Austin, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, to Austin, 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 $1,523 and $3,274.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,262 - $2,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,496 - $3,274
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,083 - $4,101
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?
- 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 $127 - $254 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 Oakland, California, typically costs $1,184.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Austin?
- 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.
- 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.
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: Oakland, 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 Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 129 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Oakland, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,126 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,747-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Oakland, CA, to Austin, 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 $1,191 - $10,075 on the 1,747-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,506 - $4,969, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,032 - $2,801. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,158 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 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 Oakland, CA, to Austin, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Oakland, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Oakland, CA to Austin, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,011 to $10,075, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,191 and $10,075, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, compared to 75 and 65 in Oakland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($941 - $1,075), daily insurance ($51/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $34) on top. Overnight stops can add another $254/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.