Moving from Houston to Austin, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Austin costs $220–$5,835, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 165-mile route within Texas take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads local picks at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Houston to Austin?
Moving from Houston to Austin doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.62/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 165-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,462–$4,285 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,184–$2,016 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $232–$436 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $75/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 Houston to Austin?
The cost to move from Houston to Austin ranges from $220 to $5,835, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 165-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $854–$5,835
- Moving containers: $948–$2,701
- Rental trucks: $220–$499
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 the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 165 miles and provide all the 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 | $854–$3,691 | $948–$1,553 | $220–$385 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,462–$4,285 | $1,184–$2,016 | $232–$436 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,044–$5,835 | $1,528–$2,701 | $284–$499 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 285+ Texas 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Houston to Austin move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Houston to Austin move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
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 | $75/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 Houston to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Houston to Austin, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews. At 165 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Houston to Austin. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Texas, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 165 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- 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.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Houston to Austin, earning 4.62 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage has been in business since 1998 (28 years), with 88.8% of 249 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin to Houston guide.
How does Austin compare to Houston?
Cost of living: Houston vs. Austin
The cost of living in Houston vs. Austin is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Austin measures up against Houston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. 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 equity from a Houston sale may not stretch as far in the Austin market.
- Average income in Austin runs 45% higher than Houston. Job seekers can target a salary lift on a same-role move.
- Cost of living for one person is 21% higher in Austin than Houston. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Austin runs 9% higher than Houston. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- Unemployment in Austin is 15% lower than Houston. The tighter labor market favors job seekers with leverage on salary and benefits.
- Sales taxes are nearly identical in Austin and Houston. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Houston, you'll need about $3,630 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Austin.
How life is different in Houston vs. Austin
A look at how life in Austin measures up to Houston covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| 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 |
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Austin is roughly 58% smaller in size than Houston. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat, while Houston leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) match Houston (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Houston (43°F) and Austin (38°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, higher than Austin's 35 inches. Drier weather supports more outdoor activity and lower irrigation costs.
- Annual snowfall in Houston and Austin is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Austin (42.91) runs lower than Houston (63.5). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
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: best movers from Houston to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Houston to Austin, 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, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.62 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 88.8% positive reviews across 249 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 $220–$5,835 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 Houston to Austin
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Austin?
A full-service move from Houston to Austin typically costs $807–$3,135 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,462–$4,285. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,044 and $5,835 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to Austin?
Moving containers from Houston to Austin have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $648 and $1,559. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,184–$2,016. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,528 to $2,701.
How much is a moving truck from Houston to Austin?
A rental moving truck from Houston to Austin costs $223–$378 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $232–$436. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $284–$499.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-Austin movers?
Lock in your movers for a Houston to Austin move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and 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 falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
