Moving from Lubbock to Houston, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Lubbock to Houston costs between $478 to $9,193 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 520-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lubbock to Houston
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lubbock to Houston are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lubbock to driving and unloading in Houston, 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 520 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,412 - $6,669 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,447 - $2,908 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $520 - $1,085 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | $148/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 Lubbock to Houston?
It costs between $478 to $9,193 to move from Lubbock to Houston. The prices below break down your 520-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,504 - $9,193
- Moving containers: $1,186 - $3,593
- Rental trucks: $478 - $1,294
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,504 - $4,346 | $1,186 - $1,983 | $478 - $915 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,412 - $6,669 | $1,447 - $2,908 | $520 - $1,085 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,343 - $9,193 | $1,944 - $3,593 | $655 - $1,294 |
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 | $243 - $2,025+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $148/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $162 - $648 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $41 - $162 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lubbock to Houston
At 520 miles, your Lubbock to Houston 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 Lubbock to Houston. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 520 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Hart Moving & Storage Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lubbock to Houston. They've been in business since 1965 (61 years of experience) and 83.3% of their 174 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston to Lubbock guide.
Considerations when moving from Lubbock to Houston
Cost of living: Lubbock vs. Houston
When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock and Houston, 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 Houston stacks up against Lubbock.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lubbock | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $197,578 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,487 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,715 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,996 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 24% higher than in Lubbock. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Houston are 31% higher than in Lubbock, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- You’ll find that income levels in Lubbock and Houston are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in Houston are 62% higher than in Lubbock, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 79% higher than in Lubbock. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Houston one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Houston is 31% lower than in Lubbock. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Houston and Lubbock, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,860 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Lubbock.
How life is different in Lubbock vs. Houston
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Houston vs. Lubbock. 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.
| Lubbock | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,930 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 0" |
| Crime index | 50.39 | 63.5 |
Houston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Houston is around 772% bigger than Lubbock. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Lubbock and Houston voted Republican.
- Both Houston and Lubbock average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- In the coldest months, Lubbock gets chillier than Houston, with lows dipping to 26°F while Houston only drops to 43°F.
- Houston typically gets more rain than Lubbock, with an average annual rainfall of 53 inches compared to Lubbock’s 20 inches.
- Houston has no annual snowfall, while Lubbock averages about 7 inches per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Houston has a higher crime rate than Lubbock, with a crime index of 63.5 vs 50.39.
Things to do in Houston
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Houston has you covered.
Museums in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Holocaust Museum Houston
Parks in Houston
- Hermann Park
- Terry Hershey Park
- Lake Houston Park
- Memorial Park
- Tranquility Park
Sports teams in Houston
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- Houston Astros (MLB
- Houston Dash (NWSL)
- Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
Universities in Houston
- Houston Community College
- San Jacinto College
- University of Houston
- University of Houston - Downtown
- Texas Southern University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lubbock to Houston?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Lubbock to Houston, expect to pay between $1,401 and $3,797 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,412 and $6,669. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,343 up to $9,193 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Lubbock to Houston?
If you’re moving from Lubbock to Houston and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $832 and go up to $1,907. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,447 and $2,908. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,944 and $3,593.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to Houston?
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 $503 to $933. A larger move will cost $520 to $1,085, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Lubbock to Houston costs from $655 to $1,294.
How far in advance should I book Lubbock-to-Houston movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Lubbock to Houston 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 Lubbock-to-Houston 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 Houston?
To save money on your move to Houston, 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.
