If you're planning a local move within Texas, you're probably wondering what it's going to cost you. Texas is huge, and whether you're moving across Houston, from one Dallas neighborhood to another, or relocating within Austin or San Antonio, prices can vary quite a bit. I've put together this guide to give you realistic numbers for what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Before we talk about specific price ranges, let's cover what actually impacts how much you'll pay. The size of your move is the biggest factor—moving a one-bedroom apartment costs way less than a four-bedroom house. The distance matters too, even for local moves. Moving five miles across Austin is different than moving twenty miles from one suburb to another.
Time of year plays a huge role as well. Summer is peak moving season in Texas, and prices reflect that. If you can move during the off-season (October through April), you'll likely save 15-20% on your bill. The day of the week matters too—weekday moves are typically cheaper than weekend moves.
How much packing and unpacking help you need also affects the final bill. If you're packing everything yourself, you'll save money. If the moving company is handling all that, expect to pay more. Labor complexity matters—if you're on the third floor with no elevator, that costs more than ground-level access.
Houston Local Moving
Houston is spread out, and that affects moving costs. For a one-bedroom apartment move in Houston, expect to pay between $800 and $1,400 for just the moving labor and truck. A three-bedroom house runs $1,500 to $2,800. If you need packing services included, add $300 to $600 depending on the amount of stuff. Most Houston movers charge hourly rates between $65 and $100 per hour for a two-person crew, with a three-hour minimum.
Dallas Local Moving
Dallas moves tend to be slightly cheaper than Houston. You're looking at $700 to $1,300 for a one-bedroom and $1,300 to $2,400 for a three-bedroom house. The Dallas area has decent competition among moving companies, which keeps prices reasonable. Hourly rates run $60 to $95 per hour for a standard crew.
Austin Local Moving
Austin has been growing like crazy, and it shows in moving prices. This is one of the pricier markets in Texas. One-bedroom moves run $900 to $1,600, and three-bedroom homes cost $1,800 to $3,200. Austin movers typically charge $70 to $110 per hour. The city's popularity means more demand and higher rates than you might find elsewhere in Texas.
San Antonio Local Moving
San Antonio is the most affordable of the four major cities. One-bedroom apartments move for $650 to $1,200, and three-bedroom houses run $1,200 to $2,300. Hourly rates are typically $55 to $85 per hour. If you're budget-conscious, San Antonio has some of the best rates in the state.
When a moving company quotes you a price, what's included? Usually, the basic fee covers the truck rental, fuel, and labor for loading and unloading. Most local moves in Texas have a three-hour minimum, which covers setup time and basic logistics.
Additional services cost extra. Packing materials—boxes, tape, bubble wrap—can run $200 to $500 depending on how much stuff you have. If the company packs everything for you, that's usually $40 to $60 per hour of labor on top of materials. Unpacking services add another $300 to $800.
Specialty items like pianos, safes, or hot tubs might have surcharges. Storage fees, if you need to store stuff temporarily, typically run $50 to $150 per month depending on the size of the unit and the company.
Book during the off-season. Moving in January or February instead of July will save you real money—sometimes $300 to $500 on your total bill.
Get multiple quotes. At least three companies should give you estimates. Prices vary, and sometimes you can negotiate, especially if you're flexible on dates.
Do your own packing. If you have the time, pack everything yourself. That savings alone can be $400 to $800 on most moves.
Move on a weekday. It's cheaper, and you'll probably get faster service too.
Be realistic about what you need. Do you really need full packing and unpacking services, or can you handle some of it?
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
The main surprise costs come from stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, and parking fees if your building charges for moving trucks. Always ask about these upfront. A reputable company will tell you about any extra charges before they give you the final quote.
Should I tip my movers?
Yes. Most people tip $10 to $20 per mover at the end of the day. It's customary and appreciated for hard work, especially on hot Texas days.
What if my move takes longer than estimated?
You'll be charged for the additional time at the hourly rate. This happens sometimes when people underestimate how much stuff they have. Get a detailed estimate in writing so you know what to expect.
Ready to get your Texas move scheduled? Call us today at (888) 433-1476 for a free quote and to discuss your specific moving needs. We serve Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio with competitive rates and professional service.
Licensed pros in your area. Fast response guaranteed.