Top-rated local movers that handle San Diego to Houston moves
When planning a move from San Diego 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 29 local movers in San Diego 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 San Diego to Houston.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
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 money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
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 cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego 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 | $1,166 – $4,865 | $998 – $2,500 | $910 – $1,725 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,826 – $6,513 | $1,732 – $3,473 | $946 – $2,012 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,080 – $9,308 | $2,449 – $4,771 | $1,202 – $2,336 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Houston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,166 and $4,865. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,826 to $6,513 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Diego to Houston typically runs between $5,080 and $9,308.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Houston
When moving from San Diego to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $998 and $2,500. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,732 to $3,473. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,449 up to $4,771. 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 San Diego to Houston
Renting a moving truck in San Diego 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 $910 and $1,725. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $946 and $2,012. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,202 and $2,336.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Diego to Houston
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,426, but larger homes can run up to $7,904.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Diego.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($910–$2,136) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Houston
Many movers find Houston easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 17% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,770 for one person in Houston versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $7,157 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 46% lower in Houston than in San Diego, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 74% lower in Houston than in San Diego.
- The average income in Houston and San Diego is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Houston, where the cost of living for a single person is 17% less than in San Diego.
- Moving to Houston could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 7% less than in San Diego.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 38% lower than that of San Diego. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 6% higher in Houston than in San Diego. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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 San Diego with Houston:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Houston.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Houston
| San Diego | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 49 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 66% greater than San Diego.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Diego’s score of 6.
- Houston is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 47 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 63.5 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 36.5 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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 San Diego to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Diego to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Diego are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from San Diego 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 San Diego to Houston take?
A move of 1,469 miles from San Diego, CA to Houston, generally takes three to eight days. Movers in San Diego 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 San Diego?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Diego, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Diego offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 21 movers in San Diego have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 16 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.
Helpful moving resources
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