2026 Moving Prices in Texas: Local, Long-Distance & More
Hiring movers in Texas costs $29/hour per mover on average, putting the state in the below average labor rate tier nationally ($25-$32/hr per mover). Slightly below the national average. You get reasonable quality at competitive rates. The mover market is established enough to have several reputable operators, but not so expensive that fly-by-night operators can survive on price alone.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles licenses all intrastate movers. Companies must register, maintain $100,000 cargo insurance, and display their TXDMV number on all vehicles. Texas has one of the most active mover fraud enforcement programs in the country.
Texas is the #1 inbound state in the US. The DFW-Houston-Austin-San Antonio corridor receives more inbound moves than any other state. This high demand means competitive pricing despite Texas’s size making many moves technically ‘long-distance’ within the state.
What movers charge in Texas
Moving costs by home size in Texas
These estimates are based on Texas’s average mover rate of $29/hr per mover and local cost of living index of 0.93 (national average = 1.00).
| Home size | Crew | Hours (local) | Local cost | Long-distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | 2 movers | 3-5 hrs | $350-$750 | $1,400-$2,800 |
| 2 BR | 2-3 movers | 5-7 hrs | $750-$1,650 | $2,050-$4,200 |
| 3 BR (most common) | 3-4 movers | 6-10 hrs | $1,100-$2,300 | $2,800-$5,300 |
| 4 BR | 4 movers | 8-12 hrs | $1,650-$3,250 | $3,700-$7,450 |
| 5+ BR | 4-6 movers | 10-14 hrs | $2,300-$4,650 | $5,600-$11,150 |
Moving costs in context: Texas cost of living
The median household income in Texas is $67,321/year. A typical local move at $1,550 represents roughly 2.3% of annual household income. Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,300/month.
At 2.3% of annual income, moving costs in Texas are proportional to what residents earn. This is roughly in line with the national average, meaning the cost isn’t unusually burdensome relative to local wages.
Most popular moving routes from Texas
Texas’s top inbound states are California, Florida, Illinois. The most common outbound destinations are Florida, Colorado, Oklahoma.
| Route | Miles | Avg Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas → California | 1500 | $3,200-$5,500 | DFW or Houston to LA. I-10 or I-20 west. High competition = competitive pricing. |
| Texas → Florida | 1100 | $2,500-$4,500 | Houston to Florida via I-10 east. Or DFW to FL via I-30 to I-20 to I-65. |
| Texas → Oklahoma | 200 | $700-$1,400 | DFW to OKC via I-35. Short hop, often hourly pricing. |
| Texas → Colorado | 900 | $2,500-$4,200 | DFW or Austin to Denver via I-35 to I-25. |
One-way truck availability matters. If Texas is a net-outbound state, trucks heading out are plentiful and DIY rental costs are lower. If Texas is net-inbound, outbound trucks are cheap but inbound are expensive. Check both professional mover quotes and one-way truck rental prices to find the best deal for your specific direction.
Types of moving services in Texas
Three main service levels are available in Texas, each with different price points and tradeoffs.
Full Service ($1,100-$2,400)
DFW, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio each have 20+ movers. Texas is the #1 inbound state and competition is fierce.
Labor Only ($220-$460)
Widely available in all major metros. Popular for apartment moves.
Container ($1,900-$3,600)
Excellent container coverage statewide. PODS has some of its highest density in Texas.
Labor-only movers combined with a rental truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) save 40-50% on local moves in Texas. You handle the driving and packing; they handle the heavy lifting. At Texas’s average labor rate of $29/hr, a 4-hour load-and-unload runs roughly $232-$348 for a 2-3 person crew.
Mover licensing and regulations in Texas
Licensing: Texas DMV licenses all intrastate movers. Companies must register, maintain $100,000 cargo insurance, and display TXDMV number on all vehicles.
Insurance requirements: $100,000 cargo insurance required by TxDMV. One of the strongest state requirements in the country.
How to file a complaint: Texas AG Consumer Protection at (800) 621-0508 or texasattorneygeneral.gov. Also TxDMV for mover-specific complaints.
This state has strong consumer protections for moving. Companies must be licensed, carry mandatory insurance, and provide binding written estimates. If something goes wrong, you have clear legal recourse through the state regulatory agency. Always verify the company’s state license number before hiring.
Check the state licensing database before hiring any mover. Licensed companies have skin in the game. they risk losing their operating authority if they rack up complaints.
Best and worst times to move in Texas
Most expensive: May-August. During peak season, Texas movers charge a 24% premium over base rates. Availability is tightest, and the best crews book out 4-6 weeks in advance.
Cheapest window: November-February. Off-peak rates in Texas run 18% below peak pricing. Movers discount to keep crews working and trucks on the road.
In dollar terms, the same 2-3 bedroom local move that costs $1,922 in May costs roughly $1,271 in November. That’s a $651 difference just from timing.
Summer heat 100°F+ in most of state. Hurricane risk June-November on Gulf Coast. Tornadoes in north TX March-May. Winter ice storms (2021 freeze devastated the state). Flash flooding year-round.
How to save on movers in Texas
Time your move right. Moving during November-February instead of May-August saves $651 on a typical Texas move. Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) saves an additional 5-10%.
Reduce volume before you pack. At $29/hr per mover, every hour matters. Decluttering before the movers arrive cuts 1-2 hours off a typical job, saving $58-$116 with a 2-mover crew.
Be fully packed and ready. Movers billing at $29/hr per person don’t want to wait while you decide what goes in which box. Having everything boxed, labeled, and staged near the door can save 30-60 minutes of billable time.
Get 3-5 binding estimates. Texas’s 6.2% housing turnover rate means plenty of movers competing for your business. Use that competition. Get at least 4 binding not-to-exceed estimates and use the lowest as a negotiation anchor with your preferred company.
Non-binding estimates. A non-binding estimate from a Texas mover is just a guess. The final bill can legally exceed it by any amount. Always request a binding not-to-exceed estimate based on an in-home or video survey. If a company won’t do a survey, that’s a red flag.
Additional moving costs in Texas
| Service | Cost in Texas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | $350-$900 | Usually $30-$50/room including materials |
| Piano move | $225-$550 | Upright $200-$350, grand $400-$600 |
| Storage (1 month) | $100-$250 | Climate-controlled 10×10 unit |
| Stair fee | $50-$100 | Applies at both pickup and delivery |
| Long carry fee | $50-$150 | If truck can’t park within 75 feet of door |
| Furniture disassembly | $100-$225 | Beds, desks, shelving units |
Local moving tips for Texas
Texas is the #1 inbound state in the US. The DFW-Houston-Austin-San Antonio corridor receives more inbound moves than any other region. High demand means competitive pricing despite the state’s size making many intrastate moves technically ‘long-distance.’ A DFW to Houston move (240 miles) is priced differently than a DFW move within the metro. Summer heat (100°F+) adds 10-15% to move times. Corporate relocations from Toyota, AT&T, Tesla, and Oracle keep the market active year-round.
How Texas compares to neighboring states
| State | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Local Move | vs Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $23/hr | $1,400 | +11% |
| Arkansas | $23/hr | $1,400 | +11% |
| Louisiana | $27/hr | $1,500 | +3% |
| New Mexico | $27/hr | $1,500 | +3% |
Among Texas’s neighbors, Oklahoma offers the lowest average moving costs at $1,400 for a local move. If you’re moving to a border area, getting quotes from movers in both states can reveal significant savings.
National guide: Hiring Movers cost. complete 2026 guide
Frequently asked questions about moving in Texas
Local movers in Texas cost $750 to $2,300 for a 2-3 bedroom home, based on an average rate of $29/hour per mover. Long-distance moves from Texas run $2,050 to $7,000 depending on distance and volume.
The cheapest window to move in Texas is November-February. During this period, movers typically discount 18% off peak rates to keep crews working. The most expensive time is May-August when rates carry a 24% premium.
Texas DMV licenses all intrastate movers. Companies must register, maintain $100,000 cargo insurance, and display TXDMV number on all vehicles. For interstate moves, all companies must hold FMCSA authority regardless of state requirements. Always verify the company’s USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for local moves in Texas and 8-12 weeks for long-distance. During peak season (May-August), booking 3+ months early is recommended. Texas’s housing turnover rate is 6.2%, which means higher demand and tighter availability.
A standard Texas moving quote covers loading, transport, unloading, and basic furniture protection. It does not include packing (add $300-$1,000), specialty items (piano $200-$600), stair fees ($50-$100/flight), or storage. Always confirm exclusions before signing.