Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Houston typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,408 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Houston
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Houston, TX typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,408-mile move from Washington DC to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $6,597 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,475 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,341 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Washington DC to Houston
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Washington DC to Houston may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Washington DC.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,000–$2,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Houston movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Houston
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Washington DC to Houston. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MD→TX movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 51 Maryland moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Houston
Many movers find Houston easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 30% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,770 for one person in Houston versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $7,157 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 35% less expensive in Houston than in Washington DC, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 56% cheaper in Houston than in Washington DC.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 31% less in Houston than in Washington DC.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Houston. The cost of living for a single person there is 30% below that of Washington DC.
- A move to Houston can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower compared to Washington DC.
- Houston has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 41%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Houston surpass those in Washington DC by 38%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Washington DC versus Houston:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Houston.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Houston
| Washington DC | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 49 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 242% greater than Washington DC.
- Houston's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Houston is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Houston and Washington DC have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 60.37, respectively.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 36.5 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Houston move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Houston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Houston
With your sights set on HOU, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
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
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Houston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Washington DC to Houston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Washington DC to Houston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Houston?
Want to save on your move from Washington DC to Houston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Houston take?
The 1,408-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Houston, TX, takes three to eight days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Houston.
What kinds of discounts do Washington DC movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 14 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Washington DC?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 59 movers in Washington DC provide piano moving services. 44 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
