Houston to Austin Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Houston to Austin, TX (~165 miles) typically ranges from $192 to $5,182.
Local movers such as A Better Tripp Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/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 Houston
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 Houston to Austin?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Houston to Austin 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 A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by 3 Men Movers (4.58/5). 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 Houston to Austin moves complete in 1 - 2 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 Houston to Austin?
The cost to move from Houston to Austin ranges from $192 to $5,182*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $744 - $5,182
- Moving containers: $802 - $2,285
- Rental trucks: $192 - $435
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $744 - $3,025 | $802 - $1,327 | $192 - $316 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,301 - $3,812 | $972 - $1,757 | $190 - $364 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,818 - $5,182 | $1,228 - $2,285 | $245 - $435 |
*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 Houston, TX movers.
How Houston to Austin moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 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 $900.
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. 12% of Houston 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 10% of Houston movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: A Better Tripp 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 Houston to Austin
Moving from Houston to Austin 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. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Houston to Austin
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:
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars): 88.8% positive customer ratings.
- 3 Men Movers (4.58/5 stars): 81.1% positive customer ratings.
- Student Movers Inc. (4.52/5 stars): 68.5% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.52/5 stars): 45.4% positive customer ratings.
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage (4.44/5 stars): 92.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 50 movers in Houston, drawing on 17,258 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Houston to Austin
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 Houston, TX
Houston residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Austin compare to Houston?
Cost of living: Houston vs. Austin
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.
| Houston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,765 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $512,969 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $91,461 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Houston and Austin 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 Austin are 14% higher than in Houston. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 14% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Austin are 98% higher than Houston. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Austin is 45% higher than Houston. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Austin is 21% higher than Houston. Plan to add roughly 21% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Austin is 9% higher than Houston. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Austin runs 15% lower than Houston. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Austin and Houston match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,630 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Austin
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Austin might look different from Houston in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Houston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 974,447 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democrat 71-26 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 42.91 |
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).
- Austin is 58% smaller in size than Houston. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and Houston voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match Houston (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Houston (43°F) and Austin (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 35 inches in Austin. The drier climate in Austin typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in Houston and Austin is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Austin (42.91) is lower than Houston (63.5). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Austin
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Austin's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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
Final verdict: Houston to Austin 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, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 88.8% positive reviews across 249 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $192 - $5,182, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Houston to Austin
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?
The cheapest time to move to Austin is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
What percentage of Houston movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Austin?
A full-service move from Houston to Austin costs $669 - $2,784 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,301 - $3,812, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,818 - $5,182.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-Austin movers?
Book your Houston to Austin 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 long does a move from Houston to Austin take?
Most moves from Houston to Austin take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
