Top-rated local movers that handle Austin to Seattle moves
When planning a move from Austin to Seattle, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 33 local movers in Austin who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Austin to Seattle.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Seattle?
Movers in Texas charge $131 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,213 – $4,732 | $1,162 – $2,849 | $1,205 – $2,209 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,323 – $7,437 | $2,046 – $4,178 | $1,253 – $2,740 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,426 – $11,073 | $2,950 – $6,118 | $1,679 – $3,494 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Seattle
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Austin to Seattle, you can expect to spend between $1,213 and $4,732. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,323 to $7,437 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Austin to Seattle typically runs between $6,426 and $11,073.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Seattle
When moving from Austin to Seattle, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,162 and $2,849. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,046 to $4,178. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,950 up to $6,118. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Seattle
Renting a moving truck in Austin is usually your cheapest option to get to Seattle. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,205 and $2,209. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,253 and $2,740. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,679 and $3,494.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Austin to Seattle
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,563, but larger homes can run up to $10,308.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Austin.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,205–$3,004) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Austin to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about 12% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Austin versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $9,801 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Seattle, note that rent can be roughly 12% more expensive than it is in Austin; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 65% higher in Seattle than in Austin.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 14% higher in Seattle compared to Austin, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person is 12% more than in Austin. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Seattle, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 25% more than it is in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 37% higher compared to Austin, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 25% higher in Seattle than in Austin. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Neither Texas nor Washington has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Austin with Seattle:
| Living Expense | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Seattle.
How life is different in Austin vs. Seattle
| Austin | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 71 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 24% less than Austin.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Seattle is more walkable than Austin with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 58.88 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 49.23 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Seattle move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Seattle smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you’ve chosen Emerald City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Seattle offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Austin to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Austin are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Seattle?
Because spring and fall moves from Austin to Seattle are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Austin to Seattle take?
A move of 2,127 miles from Austin, TX to Seattle, generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Austin sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Seattle is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Austin?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Austin offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Austin have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 14 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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