A Guide to Estimating Moving Costs in Texas

Budgeting for your move is the first step, but it can also be confusing. The most important thing to understand is that every move is different. At Firehouse Movers, a firefighter-owned Texas moving company, we believe in 100% transparency. This guide is designed to help you with estimating moving costs by explaining the factors that influence your price, so that you can build an accurate moving budget.

An Important Note on Average Moving Costs

The numbers and averages in this guide are for educational and budgeting purposes only. Your final cost to move will always depend on the specifics of your home, the distance you are moving, and the level of service you choose. The only way to get a true cost for your specific move is to get a detailed, itemized quote from a professional mover.

What Factors Affect the Average Cost to Move?

Instead of just looking at averages, it's more helpful to understand the variables that will directly impact your final bill. The cost of professional movers is determined by several key components.

Your Type of Move: Local vs. Long-Distance

This is the biggest factor in how moving companies charge.

• A local move (typically any move under 50 miles) is usually priced at an hourly rate. The total cost depends on how many hours it takes for the moving crew to complete the job. For example, a move in Texas from Dallas to a nearby suburb like Plano would be a local move, priced by the hour.
• A long-distance move, such as moving to Dallas, Texas, from another city, is priced based on the total weight of your belongings and the mileage. This is a different pricing model from the per-hour rate for local jobs.

The Size of Your Home and Move

The more belongings you have, the more time (for a local move) or weight (for a long-distance move) it will add. A 4-bedroom house will always cost more to move than a 1-bedroom apartment because it requires a larger crew and more time. The size of your move is a primary pricing factor.

Your Chosen Level of Moving Service

The hiring movers cost can be scaled to your needs.

• A standard move typically includes the loading, transport, and unloading by professional movers.
• A full-service moving package will be an additional cost, but it provides a completely stress-free experience. This often includes professional packing services.

Access and Difficulty

The difficulty of the move can add to the total hours and, therefore, the cost of your move. Factors that can increase the price include multiple flights of stairs, long walks from the moving truck to your door, or the need to use a specific elevator in a high-rise building.

Your Move Date and the Peak Moving Season

The timing of your move can also play a role. Weekends and the end of the month are the busiest times in the moving industry. The summer months are considered the peak moving season, and moving rates can sometimes be higher during these times due to demand.

No matter the time and place, when you need it, our team provides a full range of Texas moving services to meet any need.

How to Use a Moving Cost Calculator

The easiest way to get a ballpark figure is to use a moving cost calculator. These online tools are a great first step in planning your move. They work by taking a few key pieces of information to provide an estimated cost.

Generally, you will be asked for the number of bedrooms in your home, the starting and ending zip codes, and your planned move date. While a moving cost calculator is helpful for initial budgeting, remember that it is not a substitute for a firm quote from one of the many moving companies you may be considering.

While these calculators are helpful for initial budgeting, they provide general averages. For example, here are the average cost ranges for local moves in some major Texas cities (updated for 2025):

• Dallas-Fort Worth: A local move can range from $408 for a studio to $3,419 for a large home, with an average hourly rate of $103/hour.
• Austin: A local move can range from $415 for a studio to $3,500 for a large home, with an average hourly rate of $106/hour.
• San Antonio: A local move can range from $397 for a studio to $3,326 for a large home, with an average hourly rate of $100/hour.
• Houston: A local move can range from $411 for a studio to $3,454 for a large home, with an average hourly rate of $104/hour.

For a precise and detailed quote, we always recommend calling our office to speak with a move coordinator who can discuss all the variables of your move.

Professional Movers vs. a DIY Move

A DIY move can seem cheaper when you just rent a moving truck, but the moving expenses add up quickly. After you factor in fuel, moving insurance, equipment rentals, and your own valuable time, the cost of hiring professional movers is often more comparable than you think. Hiring movers also provides a much safer and more efficient experience.

This is especially true for those moving to Texas from out of state, where the logistics of a long-distance relocation add a layer of complexity that professional movers are specifically trained to handle. For example, a DIY mover moving to Austin, Texas, might not know how to navigate I-35 traffic, while our professional crews can plan the most efficient routes to save time and reduce stress.

When you get a quote from Firehouse Movers, your moving estimate includes the professional crew, the fully-equipped truck, and the peace of mind that your move is being handled by experts.

Get a Clear, Honest Quote From Our Texas Movers

The best way to truly understand your moving costs is to get a professional estimate from a company you can trust. At Firehouse Movers, we pride ourselves on providing clear and transparent quotes with no hidden fees. Our experience is a valuable asset when it comes to estimating moving costs accurately. Let our team provide a detailed breakdown for your upcoming move.

Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling our office. Our move coordinators are standing by to build a detailed estimate for you.

Moving Cost Q&A

Our commitment to a higher standard applies to every Texas moving project we undertake, whether it's a small apartment or a large family home. This also extends to answering any questions you may have.