Fort Worth to Houston Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
Moving from Fort Worth to Houston, TX (~264 miles) typically costs $360–$7,362, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 341 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $80/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.
July availability is going fast in Fort Worth
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 Fort Worth to Houston?
At 264 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Texas companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by Olde World Movers (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 264-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,911–$5,314 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,288–$2,564 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $374–$753 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $80/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 Fort Worth to Houston?
Moving from Fort Worth to Houston costs between $360 and $7,362, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 264-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,134–$7,362
- Moving containers: $1,061–$3,368
- Rental trucks: $360–$895
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 264 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,134–$4,652 | $1,061–$1,775 | $360–$681 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,911–$5,314 | $1,288–$2,564 | $374–$753 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,708–$7,362 | $1,716–$3,368 | $496–$895 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 285+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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 Fort Worth, TX movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Fort Worth to Houston move?
The most common extra fees on a Fort Worth to Houston move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 | $80/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 Fort Worth to Houston
At 264 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Texas movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 341 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Texas specialize in intrastate logistics, Texas regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 264 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 58 Fort Worth movers drawing on 15,006 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 341 verified reviews. 84.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Olde World Movers at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 296 verified reviews. 93.2% of customers rate them positively.
- Secured Moving Company LLC at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 220 verified reviews. 99.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Bellhop Moving at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 21 verified reviews. 61.9% of customers rate them positively.
- VIP Moving Company at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 275 verified reviews. 91.3% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's 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.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- 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 popular routes from Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
What to know about moving from Fort Worth to Houston
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Fort Worth and Houston are both in Texas, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Texas law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Texas movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Texas intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Texas, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Texas intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 264 miles, most Fort Worth-to-Houston moves complete in 1–4 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Fort Worth and Houston commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Texas summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Texas expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Fort Worth to Houston move:
- Verify your mover holds Texas intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston to Fort Worth guide.
How does Houston compare to Fort Worth?
Cost of living: Fort Worth vs. Houston
Cost-of-living differences between Fort Worth and Houston extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Houston compares to Fort Worth.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fort Worth | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,773 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $270,851 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,602 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,842 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Fort Worth and Houston comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Houston are 13% lower than in Fort Worth. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Houston are about the same as Fort Worth. Buyers can plan a comparable mortgage and equity timeline.
- Average income in Houston is 18% lower than Fort Worth. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
- Daily expenses for one person are similar in Fort Worth and Houston. Groceries, transit, and utilities track in line with your current spend.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Houston matches Fort Worth. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment in Houston runs 14% higher than Fort Worth. Confirm employer offers in writing before committing to the move.
- Sales taxes match in Houston and Fort Worth. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Fort Worth, you'd need roughly $2,970 to maintain the same lifestyle in Houston.
How life is different in Fort Worth vs. Houston
Life in Houston compared to Fort Worth differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Fort Worth | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 918,915 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 37" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 43.19 | 63.5 |
- Houston is 150% larger in size than Fort Worth. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- Fort Worth and Houston both voted Republican in the last election.
- Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Fort Worth (96°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Fort Worth fall to 35°F, vs. 43°F in Houston. Plan for a milder winter with reduced heating expense.
- Annual rainfall in Houston runs 53 inches, higher than Fort Worth's 37 inches. Drainage, basement waterproofing, and yard care expectations should adjust upward.
- Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Fort Worth averages 1 inch. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in Houston (63.5) is higher than Fort Worth (43.19). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.
Things to do in Houston
Houston offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Holocaust Museum Houston
Parks in Houston
- Hermann Park
- Terry Hershey Park
- Lake Houston Park
- Memorial Park
- Tranquility Park
Sports teams in Houston
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- Houston Astros (MLB
- Houston Dash (NWSL)
- Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
Universities in Houston
- Houston Community College
- San Jacinto College
- University of Houston
- University of Houston - Downtown
- Texas Southern University
Final verdict: best movers from Fort Worth to Houston
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Fort Worth to Houston, 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 smaller homes and apartment moves, Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.76 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 84.5% positive reviews across 341 verified customer reviews.
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 $360–$7,362 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 Fort Worth to Houston
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fort Worth to Houston?
A full-service move from Fort Worth to Houston costs $1,130–$3,664 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,911 to $5,314, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Fort Worth to Houston costs from $2,708 to $7,362.
How much are moving container companies from Fort Worth to Houston?
Moving containers from Fort Worth to Houston cost $776–$1,833 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,288 and $2,564. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,716–$3,368.
How much is a moving truck from Fort Worth to Houston?
A rental moving truck from Fort Worth to Houston costs $367–$655 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $374–$753. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $496–$895.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Fort Worth-to-Houston movers?
Book your movers for a Fort Worth to Houston move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time. Intrastate movers in Texas can often guarantee same-day or next-day delivery on this route once a booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Houston?
The cheapest moving deals to Houston fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
Is moving from Fort Worth to Houston considered a long-distance move?
A move from Fort Worth to Houston is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Texas, so Texas law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 264 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Fort Worth to Houston take?
Most moves from Fort Worth to Houston take 1–4 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 264 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
