($1,115+) San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX ranges from $1,371 to $11,536, with an average cost of $4,050. Moves can be as low as $1,115 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,928 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 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 Houston, TX
Moving options from San Francisco to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,371 - $11,536 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,928 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,928-mile route from San Francisco to Houston, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,371 - $5,748 with full-service movers, $1,637 - $3,228 with a container, $1,139 - $2,307 with a rental truck, or $1,503 - $2,766 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,458 - $7,258 full-service, $2,011 - $4,479 by container, $1,206 - $2,773 by rental truck, or $1,626 - $3,480 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,432 - $11,536 full-service, $2,957 - $5,624 by container, $1,651 - $3,164 by rental truck, or $2,387 - $4,453 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,928-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $1,371 - $11,536. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $557 - $3,716 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Francisco movers tend to run around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,371 - $5,748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,458 - $7,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,432 - $11,536
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 Houston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Houston, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $929 - $9,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $372 - $2,230/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $557 - $4,459 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,858 - $5,574 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,645 - $18,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,392 - $2,644 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,858 - $4,645 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,486 - $6,503 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $557 - $2,787 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,208 - $3,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $557 - $27,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $557 - $6,503+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Houston?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Francisco, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,637 and $5,624. 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 Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,637 - $3,228
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,011 - $4,479
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,957 - $5,624
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 $1,301, 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 $139 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $279 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Francisco, CA, and Houston, 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 $1,637. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,011 - $4,479, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Houston?
- 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:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX
Plan on $1,139 - $3,164 for a rental moving truck on the 1,928-mile route from San Francisco, California, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,140 - $1,303
- 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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,206 - $2,773
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,651 - $3,164
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,139 - $3,164 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Houston. Fuel ($1,140 - $1,303) , lodging at around $279/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $139 and $650.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $279.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,140 and $1,303 for the 1,928-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 $1,301 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 Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
If you're moving a larger household from San Francisco, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Houston, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,626 and $3,480.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,503 - $2,766
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,387 - $4,453
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,301.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $139 and $279 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Francisco to Houston, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 97 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 36.5/100 |
| 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 Houston, TX to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,928-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,371 for a studio to $11,536 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,928-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,637 - $5,624. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,139 - $3,164, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,458 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Houston, TX
Is Houston a safe place to live?
Houston has a safety index of 36.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.5, 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 3 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 Houston, 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,140 - $1,303), daily insurance ($56/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $37) on top. Overnight stops can add another $279/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
