Fort Worth to Houston Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Fort Worth to Houston, TX (~264 miles) typically costs $317 - $6,415, 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 4.72 out of 5 stars across 507 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.
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September 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?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Fort Worth to Houston 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 Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.72/5) as the top local pick, followed by Secured Moving Company LLC (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:
Did you know: Most Fort Worth to Houston moves complete in 1 - 4 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 Fort Worth to Houston?
Moving from Fort Worth to Houston costs between $317 and $6,415*, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The breakdown below shows what each moving service typically runs, depending on your home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,011 - $6,415
- Moving containers: $924 - $2,581
- Rental trucks: $317 - $758
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 heavy lifting 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 and either do the heavy lifting yourself or hire moving 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 | $1,011 - $3,974 | $924 - $1,565 | $317 - $577 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,633 - $4,732 | $1,080 - $2,149 | $333 - $676 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,161 - $6,415 | $1,483 - $2,581 | $396 - $758 |
*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 Fort Worth, TX movers.
How Fort Worth to Houston moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $80 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 $960.
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. 25% of Fort Worth 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 23% of Fort Worth movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Firefighting's Finest 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 Fort Worth to Houston
Moving from Fort Worth to Houston 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. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 507 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Fort Worth to Houston
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:
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.72/5 stars): 88.4% positive customer ratings.
- Secured Moving Company LLC (4.56/5 stars): 99.5% positive customer ratings.
- VIP Moving Company (4.66/5 stars): 99.6% positive customer ratings.
- Olde World Movers (4.44/5 stars): 93.2% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.48/5 stars): 61.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 60 movers in Fort Worth, drawing on 15,251 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Fort Worth to Houston
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 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
How does Houston compare to Fort Worth?
Cost of living: Fort Worth vs. Houston
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.
| 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 September 2026 across 288+ Texas moving companies. 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 match Fort Worth. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Houston is 18% lower than Fort Worth. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Houston matches Fort Worth. A Fort Worth budget translates directly to Houston without revision.
- 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. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Houston and Fort Worth match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,970 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Fort Worth.
How life is different in Fort Worth vs. Houston
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Houston might look different from Fort Worth in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
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).
- 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.
- In the last presidential election, both Fort Worth and Houston voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Houston (94°F) match Fort Worth (96°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Fort Worth drop to 35°F, colder than Houston's 43°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 37 inches in Fort Worth. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- 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). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
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: Fort Worth to Houston 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, Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.72/5) is the top local choice, with 88.4% positive reviews across 507 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $317 - $6,415, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Fort Worth to Houston
How far in advance should I book Fort Worth-to-Houston movers?
Book your Fort Worth to Houston movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much is a moving truck from Fort Worth to Houston?
A rental truck from Fort Worth to Houston costs $311 - $544 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $333 - $676 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $396 - $758 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How much are moving container companies from Fort Worth to Houston?
Moving containers from Fort Worth to Houston cost $620 - $1,463 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,080 - $2,149, and a larger home costs $1,483 - $2,581.
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 $919 - $2,978 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,633 - $4,732, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $2,161 - $6,415.
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.
