How Much Does It Cost to Move from Houston to Austin?
Houston to Austin is a short 165-mile move on US-290 West or TX-71. Full-service movers average $1,900 while DIY runs just $520–700. This intra-Texas route is one of the most popular in the state, driven by Austin's tech sector growth. Traffic through Brenham and Elgin can be heavy on weekends, so weekday moves save both time and money.
Houston to Austin, TX Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $1,900 |
| DIY rental truck | $520 |
| Distance | 165 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 1 day |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $1,380 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
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FAQ — Houston to Austin, TX Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move Houston to Austin, TX?
Moving Houston to Austin, TX costs an average of $1,900 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $520 including fuel.
How long does it take to move Houston to Austin, TX?
Transit time for a Houston to Austin, TX move is typically 1 day for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a Houston to Austin, TX move?
DIY saves roughly $1,380 on a Houston to Austin, TX move ($520 vs. $1,900). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a Houston to Austin, TX move?
The Houston to Austin, TX route covers approximately 165 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a Houston to Austin, TX move?
Budget $1,900 for professional movers or $520 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Houston to Austin, TX move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.