Austin to Dallas Movers & Costs (2026)
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An Austin to Dallas, TX move (~194 miles) starts around $226 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $5,326 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Black Tie Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 193 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $90/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Austin to Dallas?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Austin to Dallas are regulated by Texas law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Texas companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Black Tie Moving (4.66/5) as the top local pick, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.62/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Austin to Dallas moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 288+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Dallas?
A move from Austin to Dallas runs $226 to $5,326*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $829 - $5,326
- Moving containers: $804 - $2,524
- Rental trucks: $226 - $565
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $829 - $3,419 | $804 - $1,452 | $226 - $407 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,396 - $3,949 | $1,056 - $1,891 | $245 - $481 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,016 - $5,326 | $1,397 - $2,524 | $288 - $565 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 288+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Austin, TX movers.
How Austin to Dallas moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $90 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,080.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 13% of Austin movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 26% of Austin movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Austin to Dallas
Moving from Austin to Dallas is a job for local and regional Texas movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Black Tie Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 193 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Austin to Dallas
Local movers operating within Texas know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Black Tie Moving (4.66/5 stars): 92.2% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.62/5 stars): 80.8% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.56/5 stars): 68.7% positive customer ratings.
- 3 Men Movers (4.52/5 stars): 92.7% positive customer ratings.
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars): 86.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 31 movers in Austin, drawing on 9,195 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Austin to Dallas
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Austin, TX
Austin residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Dallas compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. Dallas
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Austin | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,774 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $303,018 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $67,760 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,828 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and Dallas comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 288+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Dallas match Austin. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Dallas are 41% lower than Austin. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Dallas is 26% lower than Austin. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Dallas is 15% lower than Austin. The savings typically free up 15% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Dallas matches Austin. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment rates in Dallas and Austin match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Dallas and Austin match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,550 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Dallas
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Dallas might look different from Austin in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Austin | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 1,304,379 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 39" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 51.4 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Texas can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 35% of movers in Texas, vs 33% nationally).
- Dallas is 34% larger in size than Austin. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Dallas voted Republican and Austin voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in Dallas (96°F) match Austin (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Austin (38°F) and Dallas (36°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Austin (35 inches) and Dallas (39 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while Dallas averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Dallas (51.4) is higher than Austin (42.91). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Dallas
Dallas balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Dallas
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Rainbow Vomit
Parks in Dallas
- Klyde Warren Park
- White Rock Lake Park
- Main Street Garden Park
- Fair Park
- Reverchon Park
Sports teams in Dallas
- Texas Rangers (MLB)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- FC Dallas (MLS)
Universities in Dallas
- Dallas County Community College District
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Criswell College
Final verdict: Austin to Dallas movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Texas service. For smaller moves, Black Tie Moving (4.66/5) is the top local choice, with 92.2% positive reviews across 193 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $226 - $5,326, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Austin to Dallas
How many movers in Austin offer labor-only help?
48% of movers in Austin offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Do movers in Texas offer storage?
80% of movers in Texas offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to Dallas?
A full-service move from Austin to Dallas costs $774 - $2,886 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,396 - $3,949, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $2,016 - $5,326.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to Dallas?
Moving containers from Austin to Dallas cost $574 - $1,346 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,056 - $1,891, and a larger home costs $1,397 - $2,524.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to Dallas?
A rental truck from Austin to Dallas costs $237 - $399 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $245 - $481 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $288 - $565 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
