($959+) San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX ranges from $1,288 to $10,458, with an average cost of $3,700. Moves can be as low as $959 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,731 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.
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Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving options from San Francisco to Dallas fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,288 - $10,458 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 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,731 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 1,731-mile route from San Francisco to Dallas, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,288 - $5,377 with full-service movers, $1,459 - $2,780 with a container, $1,050 - $1,921 with a rental truck, or $1,300 - $2,551 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,058 - $6,942 full-service, $1,942 - $4,005 by container, $1,059 - $2,401 by rental truck, or $1,584 - $3,112 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,574 - $10,458 full-service, $2,471 - $4,962 by container, $1,349 - $2,796 by rental truck, or $2,100 - $4,135 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
For the 1,731-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Dallas, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,288 and $10,458. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $561 - $3,740 (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 San Francisco generally start around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,288 - $5,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,058 - $6,942
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,574 - $10,458
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 San Francisco to Dallas.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dallas, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $935 - $9,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $374 - $2,244/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $561 - $4,488 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,870 - $5,610 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,675 - $18,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,401 - $2,661 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,870 - $4,675 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,496 - $6,545 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $561 - $2,805 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,216 - $3,740 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $561 - $28,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $561 - $6,545+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Dallas?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Dallas, Texas, cost between $1,459 and $4,962. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Francisco typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,459 - $2,780
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,942 - $4,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,471 - $4,962
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 San Francisco, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,309, 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 $140 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $281 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Francisco, CA, and Dallas, 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 $1,459. 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 $1,942 - $4,005.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Dallas?
- 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
Truck rentals from San Francisco, California, to Dallas, Texas, range from $1,050 - $2,796 for the 1,731-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,030 - $1,177
- Daily insurance: $56/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Dallas based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,050 - $1,921
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,059 - $2,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,349 - $2,796
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Dallas looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,050 - $2,796. But once you factor in fuel ($1,030 - $1,177), overnight lodging ($281/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. 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 $140 and $655.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $281.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,030 and $1,177 for the 1,731-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 $1,309 for 2 movers in San Francisco, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Dallas?
- 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 San Francisco, CA to Dallas, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, to Dallas, 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 $1,683 and $3,112.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,300 - $2,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,584 - $3,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $4,135
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Francisco, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,309.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $140 - $281 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 San Francisco to Dallas?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Francisco to Dallas. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Dallas, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dallas, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 100 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,774/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $303,018 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $67,760/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Dallas, TX to San Francisco, 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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,731-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from San Francisco, CA, to Dallas, 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 $1,288 - $10,458 on the 1,731-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,459 - $4,962, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,050 - $2,796. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,058 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 Dallas tend to point to ample economic opportunity and fabulous weather, though high housing costs and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and American Airlines Group, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Dallas, TX
What are the best neighborhoods in Dallas?
For families, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, and Uptown are worth a look in Dallas. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, and Design District tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, 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 $1,059 - $2,401. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Dallas a safe place to live?
Dallas has a safety index of 48.6 out of 100 and a crime index of 51.4, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA to Dallas, 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 percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.