Quick answer: The cost to move from San Francisco to Austin ranges from $1,413 to $8,827 and the journey will take approximately five to 16 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,757-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Austin to San Francisco guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from San Francisco to Austin
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from San Francisco to Austin isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to TX move
Local moving companies servicing San Francisco to Austin moves
When planning a move from San Francisco to Austin, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in San Francisco who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Francisco to Austin.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Austin?
San Francisco movers charge $150 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 | $1,554 - $6,304 | $1,268 - $3,162 | $1,215 - $2,436 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,057 - $8,827 | $2,498 - $5,108 | $1,413 - $3,075 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,051 - $12,696 | $3,380 - $6,271 | $1,694 - $3,584 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Texas
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Texas, you can expect prices to land between $1,554 and $6,304. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,057 to $8,827 for the trip from CA to TX. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $7,051 and $12,696.
Cost of moving containers from California to Texas
Moving from California to Texas? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,268 and $3,162. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,498 to $5,108. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,380 up to $6,271. 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 California to Texas
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $1,215 and $2,436. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,413 and $3,075. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,694 and $3,584.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Austin
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Austin
Moving from San Francisco to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Francisco compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Francisco | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $1,241,003 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 46% lower than in San Francisco, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Austin.
Home prices in Austin are 59.0% lower than in San Francisco. - Income in Austin is 50.1% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Austin — including Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Austin. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 11.5% lower than in San Francisco.
- A move to Austin can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 10.3% less than what it costs in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 35.19% lower than in San Francisco.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the city's sales taxes in Austin are 4.40% lower than in San Francisco.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,654.06 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Austin
Austin | San Francisco | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 808,988 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 10 |
Walkability score | 42 | 99 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 99 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 61.41 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 38.59 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Austin's population is about 20% greater than San Francisco.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
- Austin is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 42 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 42.91 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 59.87 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Austin move
- Weather: Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Austin without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Austin
With your sights set on ATX, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
Now that you've made the move to Texas it's the perfect time to explore Austin From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Austin, such as the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Austin?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Francisco to Austin. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Austin?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Austin moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Austin take?
Covering 1,757 miles, the move from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX typically takes five to 16 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Austin can help bridge the gap.