Moving from Garland to Austin, TX

Quick answer: Moving from Garland to Austin costs between $290 to $6,220 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.

Most moves on this 214-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Garland to Austin

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Garland to Austin are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Garland to driving and unloading in Austin, but cost the most
  • Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
  • Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
  • Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 214 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,692 - $4,922 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,235 - $2,245 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $326 - $607 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only AM Moving Company LLC $92/hr Need a loading crew and already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

How much does it cost to move from Garland to Austin?

It costs between $290 to $6,220 to move from Garland to Austin. The prices below break down your 214-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $978 - $6,220
  • Moving containers: $921 - $2,954
  • Rental trucks: $290 - $695
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $978 - $3,917 $921 - $1,655 $290 - $503
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,692 - $4,922 $1,235 - $2,245 $326 - $607
4+ bedrooms $2,388 - $6,220 $1,605 - $2,954 $388 - $695
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 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.

Extra costs to budget for

Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Packing service $300 - $2,500+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $92/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $80/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $200 - $800 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50 - $200 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Garland to Austin

At 214 miles, your Garland to Austin move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.

Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics

Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Garland to Austin. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 214 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Garland to Austin. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 189 verified reviews are positive.

More Texas moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin to Garland guide.

Considerations when moving from Garland to Austin

Cost of living: Garland vs. Austin

The cost of living in Garland vs. Austin isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Austin compares to what you’re used to in Garland.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Garland Austin
Average rent cost $1,624 $1,765
Average home cost $249,342 $512,969
Average income (per capita) $74,717 $91,461
Cost of living (single person) $2,827 $3,345
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $7,815
Unemployment rate 6.5% 3.5%
Average Sales Tax 8.25% 8.25%
  • Rent prices in Austin are 9% higher than in Garland, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in Austin are 106% higher than in Garland, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
  • You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Austin, where average income is 22% higher than in Garland — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
  • Living costs for one person are 18% higher in Austin compared to Garland. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
  • Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Austin as it was in Garland, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
  • The unemployment rate in Austin is 46% lower than in Garland. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
  • You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Austin and Garland, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.

If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Garland, you’ll need about $3,540 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Austin.

How life is different in Garland vs. Austin

Before you move, check out how life in Austin measures up to Garland. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.

Garland Austin
Population 239,928 974,447
Political leaning Republican 56-43 Democrat 71-26
Summer high 96ºF 96ºF
Winter low 35ºF 38ºF
Annual rain 40" 35"
Annual snow 1" 0"
Crime index 37.13 42.91
  • Austin has a population roughly 306% higher than Garland. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
  • In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat, while Garland leaned Republican.
  • You’ll find that both Austin and Garland have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
  • In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Garland and Austin—with winter lows around 35°F and 38°F.
  • Both Garland and Austin see similar yearly rainfall—Garland averages 40 inches, while Austin gets 35 inches.
  • Austin has no annual snowfall, while Garland averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
  • Austin shows a higher crime rate than Garland, with index scores of 42.91 compared to 37.13.

Things to do in Austin

Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Austin has plenty to offer:

Museums in Austin

  • Texas Memorial Museum
  • George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
  • Thinkery
  • Blanton Museum of Art
  • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Parks in Austin

  • Pease Park
  • Butler Metro Park
  • Zilker Park
  • Sculpture Falls
  • Onion Creek Metropolitan Park

Sports teams in Austin

  • Round Rock Express
  • Austin Spurs
  • Texas Stars
  • Austin Outlaws
  • Austin Huns

Universities in Austin

  • Acton School of Business
  • Austin Community College District
  • Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
  • Concordia University Texas
  • Huston–Tillotson University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Garland to Austin?

Shipping furniture from Garland to Austin with a moving company typically costs between $886 and $3,231. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,692 to $4,922. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,388 and $6,220 for that same route.

How much are moving container companies from Garland to Austin?

If you’re planning a move from Garland to Austin and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $693 and $1,644. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,235 to $2,245. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,605 to $2,954.

How much is a moving truck from Garland to Austin?

If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $293 and $498. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $326 and $607. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Garland to Austin, truck rentals usually range from $388 up to $695.

How far in advance should I book Garland-to-Austin movers?

To make your move from Garland to Austin as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?

The cheapest time of year to move to Austin is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.