Texas Moving Guide: Relocating In and Out of the Lone Star State
Texas
Texas moving options continue to boom, not only because hundreds of thousands of newcomers want to experience the Texas lifestyle, but also because lifelong Texans with mobile lifestyles (thanks, in part, to remote work) want to try new cities in the state they love most.
Today, more than 30 million people call Texas home. The population influx has been steady for years, but over 470,500 people packed up and headed to Texas between the summer of 2021 and the summer of 2022. Unsurprisingly, this was the largest increase in the country for the year. It's hard to deny that Texas’ low cost of living and wide open spaces to buy and build homes are primary factors for ditching high taxes and tight living quarters in other parts of the U.S.
Of course, like the old cowboys that roamed the plains, modern-day Texans have the urge to stay on the move. Austin continues to draw creatives and tech masters, while Dallas and Houston have lower mortgage and rent rates that attract budget-conscious families.
Although they’re not the biggest group of relocators, some Texans have greener pastures to explore on the country’s east and west coasts. Work or family adventures draw them out of Texas, but they’re quickly replaced by folks moving to Texas from other states.
| Q: What is the #1 city to move to in Texas? A: Well, it depends on how you define #1, of course. By and large, Austin ranks #1 on dozens of the best places to live in Texas lists. The city has everything — from a robust economy and enviable culture to amazing food and family-friendly homes. But it’s not as affordable as cities like Dallas or Houston. If affordability is your #1 factor, Austin might be a great city for a weekend getaway. |
If you're moving to Texas from out of state, you can learn how PODS can make your long-distance move easy. And if you’re one of the many people moving within Texas, we’re here to help with that, too.
We’ll go through all the logistics and basic costs you need to consider when moving in the Lone Star State, whether you’re coming or going. Read on, or use these links to jump to the sections you need:
- Texas Moving Options/Costs: Local and In-State Moves
- Long-Distance Moving Costs: Texas and California/Northeast Cities
- Comparing Texas Moving Companies
Questions to Ask When Planning a Texas Move
Before you start calling up moving companies in Texas, you’ll want to know the answers to these questions, so you can get the most accurate quote possible.
Pre-Move Questions:
- How much stuff are you moving (how many bedrooms/boxes/big items)?
- What’s your budget?
- How much time do you have?
- Do you want safe and secure storage?
- How much work are you willing and able to do yourself? Do you have friends or family who can help?
- Are you moving to an urban area that has narrow streets or parking restrictions?
Now that we’ve got your moving train of thought chugging, let's check out some prices.
Read on for local Texas moving options and costs, or click here to go back to the top.
What Are Your Texas Moving Options?
The process of moving is, at its core, about making choices. Do you bring the old toaster or pass it along to a neighbor? Do you buy the bungalow with the renovated kitchen or the ranch home with tons of space?
After choosing your home, one of the most important decisions is what kind of Texas moving companies you want to consider. Here are the main options.
- Traditional full-service mover
- Moving container service
- Rental truck
- A combination of the above
There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these Texas moving companies. We’ll go through all the factors you need to consider with each one, but first, let’s address one of your top concerns — price.
How Much Does a Local Move Cost in Texas?
They say money makes the world go ‘round. Well, it can also help your stuff move to Texas. But just how much hard-earned cash will you have to hand over to professional movers?
Before you go ahead and Google “Austin, Texas, moving” or “Houston, Texas, moving company,” consult these average costs for local movers. If you see quotes that are way higher or lower than these numbers, proceed with caution.
Local Texas Moving Costs*
| PODS (includes transport and 1-month storage) | Full-Service Movers (includes transport and loading/unloading) | Rental Truck (plus fuel costs) |
| $458-$927 | $799-$2,321 | $49-$122 |
In-State Texas Moves
People aren’t exaggerating when they say Texas is big. The state is bigger than several countries (Germany, Poland, and France, to name just a few). So it makes sense that dwellers are moving around within the state.
Texas has seven definitive regions: Big Bend Country, Hill Country, South Texas Plains, Panhandle Plains, Gulf Coast, Piney Woods, and the Prairies and Lakes Region. Reading about their identities will help you pick the best place to land. But some of the most popular migration routes are from Houston to Dallas (and vice versa) and from Dallas to Austin (and vice versa). Here’s a quick look at those moves.
Moving From Houston to Dallas
Houston and Dallas are just 240 miles and a few hours apart, but they represent two distinct parts of Texas. Houston is wetter, but Dallas is hotter. Houston housing costs are a bit cheaper, but Dallas has The Cowboys. Houston boasts thousands of restaurants, but Dallas (specifically Dallas' Oak Cliff neighborhood) is the birthplace of 7-Eleven.
Really, either direction you choose, you can’t go wrong. But you can pay too much for your move. See the chart below for the average costs of moving from Dallas to Houston and vice versa. (Still looking for a place to call home in the Dallas area? See our guide to the best Dallas suburbs.)
Cost of Moving From Houston to Dallas (and Vice Versa)*
| Route | PODS (includes transport and 1-month storage) | Full-Service Movers (includes transport and loading/unloading) | Rental Truck (plus fuel costs) |
| Dallas to Houston | $1,469-$2,350 | $1,598-$3,474 | $328-$505 |
| Houston to Dallas | $1,464-$2,343 | $1,598-$3,474 | $328-$505 |
Since the cities are relatively close together, moving with a rental truck might be a viable option. But it can make for a long, hot day — especially if you’re moving during the summer months. Also, try to avoid Dallas rush-hour traffic!
With PODS containers, you can at least spread your loading and unloading out over several days or even weeks — and you also have the option of hiring hourly labor to help with the heavy lifting.
Moving From Dallas to Austin
Austin may be smaller than Dallas, but it’s the capital city and has plenty to show off. Austin boasts an unparalleled music scene (it’s the home of the famous South by Southwest music festival), fantastic food, and its very own Tesla car factory.
Those moving to Austin from Dallas have all that and a lovable, artsy culture to look forward to. If, on the other hand, you’re leaving Austin for Dallas, you can get excited about the cheaper cost of living. Dallas’ lower home prices could make it possible for you to get that extra space you’ve been needing.
Whatever you decide to do with the money you save, don’t blow it on an overpriced move. Make sure that the Austin, Texas, moving company you’re working with isn't charging you much more than the average prices listed in this chart.
Cost of Moving From Dallas to Austin (and Vice Versa)*
| Route | PODS (includes transport and 1-month storage) | Full-Service Movers (includes transport and loading/unloading) | Rental Truck (plus fuel costs) |
| Dallas to Austin | $1,301-$2,082 | $1,598-$3,474 | $328-$505 |
| Austin to Dallas | $1,253-$2,005 | $1,598-$3,474 | $328-$505 |
Read on for long-distance moving costs to or from Texas, or click here to go back to the top.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move to or From Texas Cost?
Every location and move is different, but we’ve charted the costs of some popular routes out of Texas, and the reverse, to help you get an idea of what to expect.
Moving From Texas to California
We’ll start with some figures for those moving West. California — places like San Francisco, Oakland, San Bernardino, and Monterey — can offer a more moderate climate and diverse culture to those who are ready to leave Texas.
Cost of Moving From Texas to California*
| Route | PODS (includes transport and 1-month storage) | Full-Service Movers (includes transport and loading/unloading) | Rental Truck (plus fuel costs) |
| Dallas to L.A. | $2,002-$3,202 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,142-$1,763 |
| Houston to L.A. | $2,137-$3,419 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,142-$1,763 |
| Dallas to San Francisco | $2,869-$4,591 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,200-$1,733 |
| Houston to San Francisco | $3,120-$4,992 | $4,070-$8,850 | $1,580-$2,282 |
The prices should be about the same if you reverse the moving direction (if you’re going from L.A. to Dallas, for example). You might see a slight price increase due to the fact that more people are moving to Texas than leaving it.
| Q: Who Is moving to Texas? A: Really the question should be “Who isn’t moving to Texas?” Texas’ influx is made up of a mix of people who want a lower cost of living and can take advantage of remote work. However, some workers have followed companies like Charles Schwab or Toyota out of California. So there's a good chance you’ll meet neighbors who recently moved from California or other expensive coastal states like Florida and New York. |
Moving From Texas to New York and Other Northeast Cities
As nice as California may be, not everyone wants to head west. So here’s a look at some of the other popular destinations for those leaving Texas for the Northeast. While we might not be able to help you prepare for the ice and snow, we can offer some guidance on neighborhoods in these major northeast cities:
Cost of Moving From Texas to the Northeast*
| Route | PODS (includes transport and 1-month storage) | Full-Service Movers (includes transport and loading/unloading) | Rental Truck (plus fuel costs) |
| Houston to NYC | $2,455-$3,927 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,200-$1,733 |
| Dallas to Washington D.C. | $1,860-$2,977 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,107-$1,706 |
| Dallas to Baltimore | $1,915-$3,065 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,107-$1,706 |
| Dallas to Philadelphia | $2,001-$3,202 | $3,545-$8,050 | $1,142-$1,763 |
| Dallas to Boston | $2,454-$3,927 | $4,070-$8,850 | $1,200-$1,733 |
As we mentioned above, the prices for reversing the direction (going from Boston to Dallas, for example) should be similar, if not a bit pricier.
Now that you’ve seen the numbers, it’s time to take a closer look at your moving options in Texas.
Read on to compare Texas moving companies, or click here to go back to the top.
Using a Full-Service Moving Company
There are plenty of full-service moving companies in Texas that would be happy to pack, load, drive, and unload all your belongings while you sit back and sip on lemonade (or something stronger). They can even assemble your furniture… All for just a few thousand bucks.
Yes, the numbers in your full-service mover quote will look a lot like the ones on a Texas thermometer in July — high. But if the price doesn’t scare you away, then full-service local movers might be the way to go. Just be sure you’re going with a reputable company.
Texas also boasts some of the best retirement spots in the country. If you’re a moving retiree looking to take it easy, then you’ve likely ruled out rental trucks and may be comparing full-service movers and moving containers. There are a few things you need to know before you make that final decision, though.
Here are a few things to check before you hire a full-service moving company:
- Make sure the company has proper licensing (you can check here) and good online reviews.
- Ask about the company’s scheduling and cancellation policies. Do they offer refunds?
- Find out if there are any extra fees for stairs, extra-heavy items, or other factors.
- Figure out if there are any storage units available in case you need to store your stuff while you wait to close on your new house.
- Ask if they use subcontracted labor.
Pros and Cons of Full-Service Movers
| Pros | Cons |
| No heavy lifting | Expensive |
| No driving a huge truck | Schedules can be rigid |
| Less hassle if you choose a good company | On long-distance moves, your belongings are often combined with other customers’, which leads to high damage and loss rates |
| Extra services available | Potential for extra fees |
| You don’t have to guess how much space you need | Storage may not be available or may be too costly if it is |
Using PODS Moving Containers
If you like saving money, need storage, and prefer more flexibility for your move, then portable containers like those from PODS are an affordable and convenient way to get your stuff where it needs to be.
Here’s a basic rundown of how PODS works when you’re moving in and to Texas.
- Your container is delivered to you.
- You can take your time loading (you rent containers by the month).
- You have the option to hire hourly professionals referred by PODS to help with packing, loading, or both.
- PODS picks it up and takes it to a secure PODS Storage Center or your new place, whether that’s local or out of state.
- When you’re done unloading, PODS picks up your container.
Most Texas cities and suburbs offer plenty of parking space for a moving container, whether it's in your driveway or on the street. Just be sure to check the parking options for your destination.
If H-town is calling your name, the PODS Blog has you covered with the best moving companies in Houston.
If you’d rather take the moderately DIY approach, though, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of moving to Texas using portable containers.
Pros and Cons of Moving and Storage Containers
| Pros | Cons |
| Less expensive than full-service movers | Usually more expensive than rental trucks |
| No driving a huge truck | Parking room required |
| Flexibility to set your own pace | You need to decide which size containers to hold all your stuff |
| Option to hire hourly labor to help with loading and unloading | You’re responsible for the loading and unloading process |
| Built-in storage options |
Using Rental Trucks
While schlepping all of your worldly possessions across the country might not be your ideal road trip, it can save you some dough. Doing a self-move with a rental truck is definitely cheaper than using a full-service mover.
Just be prepared for a busy few days. Here are the steps you can expect to go through when renting a truck while moving in Texas:
- Figure out the truck size you need.
- Choose a rental truck company.
- Get a price estimate.
- Reserve your truck.
- Load your possessions.
- Drive. (Be sure to queue up a few good audiobooks, podcasts, or your favorite songs!)
- Unload your possessions.
- Repeat steps 5-7 for extra loads, if needed.
- Fill up the gas tank.
- Return your rental truck and pay for any additional fees.
It’s worth taking some time to research rental truck moving companies in Texas. While all the trucks may look alike, some companies have better policies than others, including cancellation deadlines and moving insurance coverage.
Another factor to consider? Driving. Unlike full-service movers and moving container companies (like PODS), who do the driving, you’ll be in the driver’s seat when you opt to rent a truck.
If your move to or from Texas involves an urban city like Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; or New York, then you might want to reconsider the rental truck option. (If you’ve never driven a 16-foot box truck in Manhattan, you’ll thank us for this tip later.)
Pros and Cons of Rental Trucks
| Pros | Cons |
| Usually cheapest option for local moves | Subject to high late fees |
| Easy online pricing and reservations | Most stressful option |
| You set the schedule | Driving and parking a huge truck in a major urban city |
| Wide availability | No storage available |
Hybrid Moves
There are so many moving options to choose from, why not use more than one if your relocation involves some unique complications? With a hybrid move, you can utilize the best parts of multiple moving companies in Texas. Here are a few examples of what a hybrid move might look like:
- Use a moving container to declutter your home and send smaller items into storage, then hire full-service movers for the heavy and fragile stuff.
- Hire hourly labor to help pack and load your moving container. It’s basically like a full-service move, but often cheaper and more flexible.
- Load most of your big items into a moving container and then rent a small truck or moving van to grab smaller leftover items.
Hybrid moves are like your favorite ice cream shop — the possibilities are basically endless. So go ahead and create the dessert (or, in this case, move) of your dreams.
Whichever way you choose to move, we highly recommend using our detailed moving checklist to help you break down tasks week by week.
Happy moving!
Easton Smith works as a freelance writer and researcher, reviewing technology trends and the moving industry.
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