Moving from Garland to Houston, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Garland to Houston costs between $335 to $6,801 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 252-mile route within Texas take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Garland to Houston
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Garland to Houston 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 Houston, 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 252 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,764 - $5,111 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,330 - $2,369 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $363 - $709 | 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 Houston?
It costs between $335 to $6,801 to move from Garland to Houston. The prices below break down your 252-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,091 - $6,801
- Moving containers: $1,061 - $2,993
- Rental trucks: $335 - $843
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,091 - $4,388 | $1,061 - $1,814 | $335 - $599 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,764 - $5,111 | $1,330 - $2,369 | $363 - $709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,580 - $6,801 | $1,685 - $2,993 | $477 - $843 |
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 Houston
At 252 miles, your Garland to Houston 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 Houston. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 252 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Garland to Houston. 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 Houston to Garland guide.
Considerations when moving from Garland to Houston
Cost of living: Garland vs. Houston
When weighing the cost of living in Garland versus Houston, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Houston really compares to Garland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Garland | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,624 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $249,342 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,717 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,827 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Houston are similar to those in Garland, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices are the same in Houston and Garland, meaning your overall housing investment likely won’t change much, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Income in Houston is 16% lower than in Garland, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Houston and Garland. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
- If you’re moving to Houston, you’ll find that the cost of living is 8% lower than in Garland. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Houston is 37% lower than in Garland. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Houston and Garland, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Garland, you’d need about $2,940 in Houston.
How life is different in Garland vs. Houston
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Garland and Houston. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Garland | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 239,928 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-43 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 37.13 | 63.5 |
Houston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Houston is about 859% larger than Garland. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Garland and Houston leaned Republican.
- In Houston and Garland, summer highs run about the same — 94°F vs. 96°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- During the coldest months, Garland is colder than Houston, with temperatures falling to 35°F compared to Houston’s 43°F.
- Houston receives more annual rainfall than Garland, with about 53 inches per year compared to Garland’s 40 inches.
- Houston has no annual snowfall, while Garland averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Houston reports a higher crime index than Garland, with scores of 63.5 and 37.13, respectively.
Things to do in Houston
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Houston has it all.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Garland to Houston?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Garland to Houston, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,044 and $3,489. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,764 up to $5,111. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,580 to $6,801 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Garland to Houston?
Moving containers from Garland to Houston will cost you $747 to $1,781 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,330 to $2,369. A larger home will cost $1,685 to $2,993.
How much is a moving truck from Garland to Houston?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $335 to $630. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $363 and $709. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Garland to Houston, costs usually fall between $477 and $843.
How far in advance should I book Garland-to-Houston movers?
To make your move from Garland to Houston as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Houston?
For the best deals on your move to Houston, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
