Moving from Houston to Fort Worth, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Fort Worth costs $339–$7,223, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 262-mile route within Texas take 1–4 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.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Houston to Fort Worth?
Moving from Houston to Fort Worth 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).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 262-mile move:
Moving from Houston to Fort Worth costs between $339 and $7,223, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 262-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,819–$5,484 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,277–$2,565 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $378–$754 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $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 Fort Worth?
Moving from Houston to Fort Worth costs between $339 and $7,223, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 262-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,160–$7,223
- Moving containers: $969–$3,241
- Rental trucks: $339–$923
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 loading and unloading work 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 for 262 miles and bring your own 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 | $1,160–$4,387 | $969–$1,868 | $339–$605 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,819–$5,484 | $1,277–$2,565 | $378–$754 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,480–$7,223 | $1,805–$3,241 | $473–$923 |
*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 Fort Worth move?
The most common extra fees on a Houston to Fort Worth move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 Fort Worth
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Houston to Fort Worth, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 262 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 Fort Worth. 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 262 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.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Worth to Houston guide.
How does Fort Worth compare to Houston?
Cost of living: Houston vs. Fort Worth
Cost-of-living differences between Houston and Fort Worth extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Fort Worth compares to Houston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Fort Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,773 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $270,851 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $76,602 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $6,842 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Houston and Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth are 14% higher than in Houston. The gap is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or housing tradeoffs.
- Home prices in Fort Worth are about the same as Houston. Buyers can plan a comparable mortgage and equity timeline.
- Average income in Fort Worth is 22% higher than Houston. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Daily expenses for one person are similar in Houston and Fort Worth. Groceries, transit, and utilities track in line with your current spend.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Fort Worth matches Houston. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment in Fort Worth runs 12% lower than Houston. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes match in Fort Worth and Houston. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Houston, you'd need roughly $3,030 to maintain the same lifestyle in Fort Worth.
How life is different in Houston vs. Fort Worth
Life in Fort Worth compared to Houston differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Houston | Fort Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 918,915 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 37" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 43.19 |
- Fort Worth is 60% smaller in size than Houston. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
- Houston and Fort Worth both voted Republican in the last election.
- Summer highs in Fort Worth (96°F) match Houston (94°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Fort Worth fall to 35°F, colder than Houston's 43°F. Add winter heating and weatherization to the relocation budget.
- Annual rainfall in Houston hits 53 inches, vs. 37 inches in Fort Worth. The drier climate shifts outdoor planning and lowers wet-weather expense.
- Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Fort Worth averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Fort Worth (43.19) is lower than Houston (63.5). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Fort Worth
Fort Worth offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Fort Worth
- Kimbell Art Museum
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- Log Cabin Village
- American Airlines CR Smith Museum
Parks in Fort Worth
- Trinity Park
- Dreampark
- Candleridge Park
- Adventure World Park
- Tillery Park
Sports teams in Fort Worth
- Panther City Lacrosse Club (NLL)
- Fort Worth Vaqueros FC (NPSL)
- Inocentes FC (UPSL)
- North Texas Fresh (UBA)
- Azul City Premier FC (UPSL)
Universities in Fort Worth
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- University of Texas at Arlington - Downtown Fort Worth campus
- University of North Texas Health Science Center
- TCU School of Medicine
Final verdict: best movers from Houston to Fort Worth
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Houston to Fort Worth, 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 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 $339–$7,223 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 Fort Worth
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Fort Worth?
A full-service move from Houston to Fort Worth costs $1,076–$3,416 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,819 to $5,484, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Houston to Fort Worth costs from $2,480 to $7,223.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to Fort Worth?
Moving containers from Houston to Fort Worth cost $718–$1,798 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,277 and $2,565. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,805–$3,241.
How much is a moving truck from Houston to Fort Worth?
A rental moving truck from Houston to Fort Worth costs $364–$636 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $378–$754. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $473–$923.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-Fort Worth movers?
Book your movers for a Houston to Fort Worth move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fort Worth?
The cheapest moving deals to Fort Worth fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
