Top-rated local movers that handle Sacramento to Houston moves
When planning a move from Sacramento to Houston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 26 local movers in Sacramento who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Sacramento to Houston.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- A Better Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fuller Moving Services: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Sierra Valley Moving & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190058
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Snyir Inc. , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189243
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: SmartBox Portable Storage and Moving , North American Van Lines/Motherlode Van & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0170373
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 528679
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189919
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1644858
Alternate Names: Fuller North American , Fuller Moving & Storage , Roseville Van & Storage Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190332
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 786470
Alternate Names: Sierra Valley Moving and Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento to Houston?
Movers in California charge $128 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 | $1,218 – $4,994 | $1,143 – $2,634 | $1,096 – $2,218 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,228 – $7,062 | $2,097 – $3,978 | $1,138 – $2,641 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,944 – $10,560 | $2,597 – $5,802 | $1,557 – $3,233 |
Cost to hire movers from Sacramento to Houston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Sacramento to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,218 and $4,994. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,228 to $7,062 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Sacramento to Houston typically runs between $5,944 and $10,560.
Cost of moving containers from Sacramento to Houston
When moving from Sacramento to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,143 and $2,634. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,097 to $3,978. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,597 up to $5,802. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Sacramento to Houston
Renting a moving truck in Sacramento is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. 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 $1,096 and $2,218. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,138 and $2,641. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,557 and $3,233.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Sacramento to Houston
The cost of Sacramento movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,421, but larger homes can run up to $10,347.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Sacramento.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,096–$2,894) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Sacramento to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 4% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Sacramento.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Sacramento versus $2,656 in Sacramento; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,191.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Sacramento | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,080 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,540 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $476,699 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,954 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,656 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,191 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Houston than in Sacramento, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 45% lower in Houston than in Sacramento.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 12% less in Houston than in Sacramento.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Houston and Sacramento, you shouldn’t see much difference.
- If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 16% more than it is in Sacramento.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 47% lower than that of Sacramento. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Houston than in Sacramento. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Houston can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Sacramento with Houston:
| Living Expense | Sacramento | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $356.80 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.14 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.58 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.27 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.08 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Sacramento than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Sacramento than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Sacramento than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Sacramento than in Houston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Sacramento than in Houston.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Houston
| Sacramento | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 49 |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 50.79 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 338% greater than Sacramento.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Sacramento’s score of 6.
- Houston and Sacramento are similarly walkable.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Sacramento, which has a score of 67.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Sacramento with a score of 63.5 compared to Sacramento’s 49.21. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Sacramento with a score of 36.5 vs Sacramento’s 50.79.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Sacramento it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Sacramento to Houston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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
Now that you’ve chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Sacramento to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Sacramento to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Sacramento are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sacramento to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from Sacramento to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Sacramento to Houston take?
A move of 1,930 miles from Sacramento, CA to Houston, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Sacramento sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Sacramento?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Sacramento, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Sacramento offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 22 movers in Sacramento have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 17 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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