Moving from Houston to Lubbock, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Lubbock costs between $478 to $9,477 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 518-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Houston to Lubbock
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Houston to Lubbock 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 Lubbock, 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 518 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,461 - $6,669 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,535 - $2,766 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $547 - $1,140 | 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 Lubbock?
It costs between $478 to $9,477 to move from Houston to Lubbock. The prices below break down your 518-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,416 - $9,477
- Moving containers: $1,129 - $3,484
- Rental trucks: $478 - $1,320
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,416 - $4,712 | $1,129 - $2,085 | $478 - $906 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,461 - $6,669 | $1,535 - $2,766 | $547 - $1,140 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,567 - $9,477 | $1,905 - $3,484 | $669 - $1,320 |
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 Lubbock
At 518 miles, your Houston to Lubbock 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 Lubbock. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 518 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Houston to Lubbock. 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 Lubbock to Houston guide.
Considerations when moving from Houston to Lubbock
Cost of living: Houston vs. Lubbock
When comparing the cost of living between Houston and Lubbock, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Lubbock stacks up against Houston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Lubbock | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $197,578 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $60,487 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $1,715 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $3,996 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Lubbock is about 19% cheaper than in Houston, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Lubbock are 24% lower than in Houston, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- You’ll find that income levels in Houston and Lubbock are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Cost of living for one person in Lubbock is 38% lower than in Houston. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Lubbock is 44% lower than in Houston. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Lubbock is 44% higher than in Houston. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Lubbock and Houston, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,860 in Lubbock to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Lubbock
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Lubbock vs. Houston. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Houston | Lubbock | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 263,930 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 50.39 |
Lubbock sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Lubbock has about 89% fewer people than Houston. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Houston and Lubbock voted Republican.
- Both Lubbock and Houston average summer highs close to 92°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest months, Lubbock gets chillier than Houston, with lows of 26°F compared to 43°F.
- Houston tends to be wetter than Lubbock, averaging 53 inches of annual rainfall compared to Lubbock’s 20 inches.
- Houston sees no annual snowfall, while Lubbock averages about 7 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Lubbock is safer than Houston, boasting a lower crime index of 50.39 compared to Houston’s 63.5.
Things to do in Lubbock
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Lubbock has you covered.
Museums in Lubbock
- The Buddy Holly Center
- National Ranching Heritage Center
- Science Spectrum Museum
- Silent Wings Museum
- American Wind Power Center
Parks in Lubbock
- Maxey Park
- Alex & Verna Cooke Park
- Mackenzie Park
- Prairie Dog Town
- Tech Terrace Park
Sports teams in Lubbock
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Lubbock Renegades
- Lubbock Matadors
Universities in Lubbock
- Texas Tech University
- Lubbock Christian University
- South Plains College
- Wayland Baptist University
- Sunset International Bible Institute
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Lubbock?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Houston to Lubbock, expect to pay between $1,401 and $3,949 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,461 and $6,669. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,567 up to $9,477 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to Lubbock?
If you’re moving from Houston to Lubbock and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $776 and go up to $1,888. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,535 and $2,766. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,905 and $3,484.
How much is a moving truck from Houston to Lubbock?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $508 to $896. A larger move will cost $547 to $1,140, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Houston to Lubbock costs from $669 to $1,320.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-Lubbock movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Houston to Lubbock at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Houston-to-Lubbock movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lubbock?
To save money on your move to Lubbock, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
