($1,464) Movers From Houston, TX to California
Quick answer: The cost to move 1,765 miles from Houston, TX, to California averages from $1,292 to $8,148. The move can take anywhere from five to 16 days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Houston, TX guide.
The best Houston, TX to California full-service moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Houston to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier.
We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 10 local movers in Houston and 280 throughout the Lone Star State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the top long-distance moving companies serving Houston to California.
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Cost to hire full-service movers from Houston, TX, to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Houston to California will cost between $1,464 to $5,769. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Houston to CA will range from $4,016 to $8,148. A large move from Houston to California will cost anywhere from $6,638 to $12,576.
Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
The best moving containers for your Houston, TX, to California move
Using a moving container for your move from Houston to California is a smart way to save money without taking on a full DIY move. With moving containers, you pack and load your belongings. They’ll handle the transportation, so you won’t have to worry about driving a massive rental truck across state lines. Plus, since moving containers double as onsite storage pods, you can take your time unpacking.
Here are the best moving container companies in Houston, TX, to make your long-distance move to California easier:
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Cost of moving containers from Houston, TX, to California?
Moving pods from Houston to California will cost you $1,348 to $3,167. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can range from $2,334 to $4,536. Using container for a four-bedroom home or larger will run between $3,314 and $6,090. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Houston to California.
The best moving truck rentals from Houston to California
Renting a moving truck is the most budget-friendly way to move from Houston to California — and it gives you complete control over your schedule. You pack, load, and drive the truck yourself, which means no waiting around for delivery dates or worrying about shared shipping space. If you're comfortable behind the wheel and want the cheapest way to move, this is the route for you to take.
Check out the top truck rental companies in Houston, TX, to help you hit the road to California with confidence:
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Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston, TX, to California
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,255 to $2,294. A larger move will cost $1,292 to $2,844, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Houston to California costs from $1,611 to $3,654.
The best Houston to California hourly movers
If you need muscle but not a moving truck, labor-only moving companies are the way to go. These movers handle the heavy lifting — loading, unloading, and sometimes, even packing (for an extra fee). All you have to take care of is the transportation.
Here are the best labor-only moving companies in Houston, TX, to make your move to California easier:
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How much does it cost to move from Houston, TX, to California?
Below are average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck for your Houston to California move.
Hiring a professional Houston moving company will be on the pricier side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,464 - $5,769 | $1,348 - $3,167 | $1,255 - $2,294 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,016 - $8,148 | $2,334 - $4,536 | $1,292 - $2,844 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,638 - $12,576 | $3,314 - $6,090 | $1,611 - $3,654 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,765 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to California
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What to know before moving from Houston, TX, to California
If you’re moving to California from Houston, TX, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Houston vs. California
| Houston, TX | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $263,945 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 25% more expensive in California than in Houston.
- Home prices are about 168.9% higher in California than in Houston.
- The average income is about 30.2% higher in California than in Houston.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Houston by about 31.7%.
- Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Houston.
How life is different in Houston, TX, from California
| Houston, TX | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 28.43 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of California is approximately 1,596% greater than the population of Houston.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Houston voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Houston, it’s 94º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Houston gets down to 43º F.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 53 inches of rainfall in Houston.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in Houston.
Comparing the pros of Houston, TX, vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Houston vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Houston, TX | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Pleasant weather |
| Delicious seafood | Abundant recreational options |
| Diversity | High quality of life |
| Affordable housing | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Houston, TX, vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Houston for California.
| Cons of living in Houston, TX | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Tropical storms | High cost of living |
| Heat and humidity | Heavy tax burdens |
| Terrible traffic | Natural disasters |
| Limited public transportation | Terrible traffic |
| High crime rate | Strange laws |
Other considerations when moving to California from Houston
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Griffith Observatory
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Norton Simon Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Tallac Historic Site
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- Oakland Museum of California
- March Field Air Museum
- Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
- MacKerricher State Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Greystone Mansion and Park
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
- Serra Cross Park
- Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Palisades Park
- Irvine Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Northridge
FAQs
How long does a move from Houston to California take?
The time it takes to move from Houston, TX, to California depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If you’re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
What is the best way to get a car from Houston to California?
Need to get your car from Houston to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Houston to California car shippers.
Why are people moving from Houston to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Houston because of the tropical storms and heat and humidity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Houston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Houston.
