Moving from Austin to El Paso, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Austin to El Paso costs $542–$9,389, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 576-mile route within Texas take 1–6 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Austin to El Paso?
Moving from Austin to El Paso doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 576-mile move:
Moving from Austin to El Paso costs between $542 and $9,389, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 576-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,599–$6,751 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,557–$3,054 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $591–$1,261 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $90/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 285+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Austin to El Paso?
Movers typically charge between $542 and $9,389 for a Austin to El Paso move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 576-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,687–$9,389
- Moving containers: $1,250–$3,982
- Rental trucks: $542–$1,464
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 576 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,687–$5,002 | $1,250–$2,167 | $542–$1,001 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,599–$6,751 | $1,557–$3,054 | $591–$1,261 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,505–$9,389 | $2,057–$3,982 | $715–$1,464 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 285+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Austin to El Paso move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Austin to El Paso move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $90/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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 El Paso
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Austin to El Paso, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 576 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Austin to El Paso. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Texas, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 576 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our El Paso to Austin guide.
How does El Paso compare to Austin?
Cost of living: Austin vs. El Paso
Cost-of-living factors in Austin vs. El Paso go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in El Paso stacks up against Austin.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,510 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $172,129 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $58,734 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $1,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $4,360 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 7.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Austin and El Paso comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in El Paso is 14% lower than Austin. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- Home prices in El Paso are 66% lower than Austin. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in El Paso is 36% lower than Austin. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- Living expenses for one person in El Paso are 45% lower than Austin. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in El Paso is 44% lower than Austin. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in El Paso is 34% higher than Austin. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes in El Paso are 12% lower than Austin. Annual savings compound on routine spending and big-ticket items alike.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Austin, expect to budget around $1,650 to maintain the same lifestyle in El Paso.
How life is different in Austin vs. El Paso
A side-by-side comparison of life in Austin vs. El Paso helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Austin and El Paso so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Austin | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 678,815 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 10" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 3" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 32.51 |
- El Paso is 30% smaller in size than Austin. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
- In the last presidential election, El Paso voted Republican and Austin voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in El Paso (96°F) and Austin (96°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in El Paso drop to 31°F, vs. 38°F in Austin. Budget for higher heating bills and a longer cold-weather season.
- Annual rainfall in Austin runs 35 inches, vs. 10 inches in El Paso. Expect drier conditions and reduced wet-weather gear demands.
- Annual snowfall in Austin is zero, while El Paso averages 3 inches. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in El Paso (32.51) is lower than Austin (42.91). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in El Paso
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in El Paso. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in El Paso
- El Paso Museum of Art
- El Paso Museum of History
- El Paso Museum of Archaeology
- Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
- The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
Parks in El Paso
- Westside Community Park
- Vista del Valle Park
- Tom Lea Park
- Madeline Park
- Franklin Mountains State Park
Sports teams in El Paso
- El Paso Chihuahuas (TAW)
- El Paso Locomotive FC (USLC)
- El Paso Rhinos (WSHL)
- UTEP Miners (NCAA)
Universities in El Paso
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
- Texas Tech College of Architecture at El Paso
- Brightwood College
Final verdict: best movers from Austin to El Paso
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Austin to El Paso, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Texas service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $542–$9,389 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Austin to El Paso
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to El Paso?
A full-service move from Austin to El Paso ranges from $1,450 to $4,183 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $2,599–$6,751. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $4,505–$9,389 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to El Paso?
Moving containers from Austin to El Paso break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $889 to $2,000. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,557 and $3,054. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $2,057 to $3,982.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to El Paso?
A rental moving truck from Austin to El Paso costs $531–$1,072 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $591–$1,261, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $715 and $1,464.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Austin-to-El Paso movers?
Ideally, book your move from Austin to El Paso at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Austin-to-El Paso movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to El Paso?
For the cheapest move to El Paso, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
