Cost to Move from California to Texas
The average cost to move from California to Texas (1750 miles) in 2026 is $3,600–$6,000 for a 2-bedroom home with professional movers. DIY truck rental costs $1,800–$3,200. The best months to move for lowest prices are November through March.
Moving Cost (CA to TX) = (Shipment Weight x Rate) + Packing + Insurance + Fuel Surcharge
Moving from California to Texas is one of the most popular relocation routes in the United States. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, this guide provides accurate 2026 cost estimates for every budget and home size. We compare professional full-service movers, DIY truck rental, and portable container options so you can choose the best value for your 1750-mile move.
All costs below are based on real pricing data from FMCSA-registered carriers and major truck rental companies, updated for 2026 rates.
What This Means
Your estimated cost is based on the 1750-mile distance between California and Texas. Actual costs may vary by 10–15% based on exact weight, access conditions, and seasonal demand. We recommend getting at least three binding estimates from FMCSA-registered movers.
Recommended Moving Supplies
Editor's picks to make your move easier and more affordable
Medium Moving Boxes (20-Pack)
Sturdy 18x14x12" corrugated boxes. Ideal for kitchenware, books, and general household items.
Check Price on AmazonLarge Moving Boxes (12-Pack)
Heavy-duty 20x20x15" boxes for bedding, lampshades, and bulky lightweight items.
Check Price on AmazonScotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape (6-Pack)
Industrial-strength tape with dispenser. Seals boxes securely for long-distance moves.
Check Price on AmazonMoving Blankets (12-Pack)
Heavy-duty 80x72" padded blankets. Protect furniture, appliances, and floors during moves.
Check Price on AmazonMoving Straps (2-Person Lifting)
Shoulder harness system lets 2 people carry heavy items up to 800 lbs safely.
Check Price on AmazonMoving Across the Country Guide
Complete guide to planning a cross-country move. Checklists, budgets, and expert tips.
Check Price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.
Moving Costs from California to Texas by Home Size
Here are the average costs for moving from California to Texas (1750 miles) in 2026 with professional full-service movers:
| Home Size | Professional Movers | DIY Truck Rental | You Save (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,200–$3,600 | $1,000–$1,800 | 40–55% |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,600–$4,200 | $1,200–$2,200 | 40–55% |
| 2-Bedroom | $3,600–$6,000 | $1,800–$3,200 | 40–55% |
| 3-Bedroom | $5,000–$8,800 | $2,500–$4,500 | 40–55% |
| 4-Bedroom | $7,000–$11,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | 40–55% |
These estimates include loading, transportation, unloading, and basic Released Value Protection insurance. Packing services, Full Value Protection insurance, and specialty item handling are additional.
Cost Breakdown: CA to TX Move
Here’s a detailed breakdown of where your money goes when moving from California to Texas:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (3BR) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (loading + unloading) | $1,200–$2,500 | 25–30% |
| Transportation (1750 mi) | $2,000–$4,000 | 35–45% |
| Packing materials | $200–$500 | 5–7% |
| Fuel surcharge (6–10%) | $300–$600 | 5–8% |
| Insurance (Full Value) | $300–$800 | 5–10% |
| Accessorial fees | $100–$400 | 2–5% |
Save on packing supplies by ordering in advance from Amazon: moving boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets.
Best Time to Move from California to Texas
The cheapest months to move from California to Texas are November through March. Here’s how seasonal pricing affects your move:
| Season | Price Impact | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (June–August) | +25–30% above base rate | Book 6–8 weeks ahead |
| Shoulder (May, September) | +10–15% above base rate | Book 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Off-Peak (October–April) | Base rate (lowest) | Book 2–4 weeks ahead |
Moving mid-month on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday saves an additional 5–10% compared to end-of-month weekends.
Tips for Moving from California to Texas
Texas has no state income tax, saving CA residents 9–13% on income taxes. The I-10 route through El Paso is most common. Extreme heat in summer through the desert—ensure your belongings are protected from high temperatures.
Toll costs: Minimal toll roads. Texas has some toll lanes but alternatives exist.
Additional tips for this route:
- Get at least 3 binding estimates from FMCSA-registered movers
- Ask about dedicated vs. consolidated truck service (dedicated is faster but 30–50% more)
- Purchase Full Value Protection insurance for cross-state moves
- Ship heavy books via USPS Media Mail ($4–$8/box) to reduce shipment weight
- Consider a portable container (PODS, U-Pack) for 20–40% savings over full-service movers
DIY Move: CA to TX
A DIY move from California to Texas can save 40–55% compared to hiring professional movers. Here’s what to budget:
| Item | Cost (3BR) |
|---|---|
| Truck rental (26-ft, one-way) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Gas (1750 mi) | $787–$1050 |
| Packing supplies | $200–$400 |
| Loading/unloading help | $200–$500 |
| Hotels (if multi-day) | $0–$300 |
| Food on the road | $50–$150 |
| Tolls | $0–$100 |
Compare truck rental prices from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget. Prices vary significantly by direction and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from California to Texas?
The average cost to move from California to Texas (1750 miles) in 2026 is $3,600–$6,000 for a 2-bedroom home with professional movers. A 3-bedroom costs $5,000–$8,800. DIY truck rental costs $1,800–$3,200 for a 2-bedroom. Costs depend on home size, time of year, and services selected.
How long does it take to move from California to Texas?
Professional movers take 7–10 days for transit from California to Texas. Driving yourself takes approximately 24 hours of actual drive time. Plan to be without your belongings for 1–2 weeks with professional movers.
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Texas?
The cheapest way is a DIY truck rental at $1,800–$3,200 for a 2-bedroom (vs. $3,600–$6,000 with movers). Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) offer a middle ground at about 20–40% less than full-service movers. The best time for lowest prices is November through March.
Should I hire movers or drive myself from California to Texas?
Hire movers if you have a large household, need insurance coverage, or can’t take time off for a 24 hours drive. Drive yourself if you’re budget-conscious and physically able to load/unload. A hybrid option saves 30–50%. For 1750 miles, the savings from DIY are significant: $2,500–$4,500 vs. $5,000–$8,800 for a 3-bedroom.
When is the cheapest time to move from California to Texas?
The cheapest time is November through March, when rates are 20–30% lower than peak summer prices. Within any month, mid-month weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are cheapest. Avoid the last and first days of the month and any weekend in June, July, or August.
What should I know about moving from California to Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, saving CA residents 9–13% on income taxes. The I-10 route through El Paso is most common. Extreme heat in summer through the desert—ensure your belongings are protected from high temperatures. Use our moving cost calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific home size and services needed.