Moving from Houston to Garland, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Garland costs between $346 to $7,012 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 Houston to Garland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Houston to Garland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Houston to driving and unloading in Garland, 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 | $1,875 - $5,431 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,252 - $2,418 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $386 - $724 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $75/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 Houston to Garland?
It costs between $346 to $7,012 to move from Houston to Garland. The prices below break down your 252-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,149 - $7,012
- Moving containers: $1,040 - $3,086
- Rental trucks: $346 - $914
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,149 - $4,344 | $1,040 - $1,761 | $346 - $630 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,875 - $5,431 | $1,252 - $2,418 | $386 - $724 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,555 - $7,012 | $1,736 - $3,086 | $477 - $914 |
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 | $291 - $2,425+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $194 - $776 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $49 - $194 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Houston to Garland
At 252 miles, your Houston to Garland 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 Houston to Garland. 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 Houston to Garland. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 86.5% of their 111 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Garland to Houston guide.
Considerations when moving from Houston to Garland
Cost of living: Houston vs. Garland
When weighing the cost of living in Houston versus Garland, 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 Garland really compares to Houston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,624 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $249,342 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $74,717 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,827 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Garland are similar to those in Houston, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices are the same in Garland and Houston, meaning your overall housing investment likely won’t change much, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Salaries here are, on average, 19% higher than in Houston. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Garland and Houston. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
- The cost of living for a family in Garland is 9% higher than in Houston. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Garland less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Garland is 59% higher than in Houston. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Garland and Houston, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Houston, you’d need about $3,060 in Garland.
How life is different in Houston vs. Garland
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Houston and Garland. 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.
| Houston | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 239,928 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-43 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 37.13 |
Garland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Garland is approximately 90% lower than the population of Houston. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Houston and Garland leaned Republican.
- In Garland and Houston, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 94°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, Garland is colder than Houston, with winter lows of 35°F versus Houston’s 43°F.
- Houston usually sees more rain than Garland, with about 53 inches of rainfall each year compared to Garland’s 40 inches.
- Houston sees no annual snowfall, while Garland averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Garland offers more peace of mind than Houston, with a lower crime index of 37.13 versus 63.5.
Things to do in Garland
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Garland has it all.
Museums in Garland
- Garland Landmark Museum
Parks in Garland
- Rowlett Creek Preserve
- Spring Creek Park
- Lake Ray Hubbard
Sports teams in Garland
- Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools
Universities in Garland
- Richland College
- Amberton University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Garland?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Houston to Garland, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,044 and $3,703. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,875 up to $5,431. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,555 to $7,012 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to Garland?
Moving containers from Houston to Garland will cost you $732 to $1,747 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,252 to $2,418. A larger home will cost $1,736 to $3,086.
How much is a moving truck from Houston to Garland?
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 $367 to $643. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $386 and $724. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Houston to Garland, costs usually fall between $477 and $914.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-Garland movers?
To make your move from Houston to Garland 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 Garland?
For the best deals on your move to Garland, 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.
