How Much Do Movers Cost in Houston? (2026 Pricing Guide)

If you are planning a move in the Greater Houston area and wondering what it is actually going to cost, you are not alone. Moving costs in Houston vary significantly based on home size, crew size, distance, time of year, and the services you need. This guide breaks down the real numbers – hourly rates, cost by home size, and the factors that push your final bill up or down – so you can plan your move budget with confidence.

Houston Moving Costs at a Glance

Houston moving company prices run below the national average, which is good news for local relocators. According to data from Angi’s Houston moving cost guide, movers in Houston charge approximately $65 per hour on average – roughly 19% below the national average. Top-rated Houston moving companies typically charge $70 to $100+ per hour depending on crew size, equipment, and service level.

For a local move under 50 miles, most Houston households pay between $800 and $2,500 total, with the range driven primarily by home size and how many hours the job takes. Long-distance moves from Houston – crossing county lines by more than 100 miles or leaving the state – run from $2,700 to $10,000 or more depending on distance and volume.

Houston Movers Cost by Crew Size

Local movers in Houston typically price by the hour with a minimum booking requirement, usually two hours. Crew size is the primary lever that determines your hourly rate:

2-mover crew: Approximately $85 per hour, suited for studio apartments, 1-bedroom units, and small 2-bedroom homes with minimal furniture.

3-mover crew: Approximately $130 per hour, the most common configuration for 2 and 3-bedroom homes with standard furniture volume.

4+ mover crew: $160 to $200+ per hour, recommended for large 4-bedroom homes, homes with specialty items, or moves requiring heavy lifting across multiple floors.

Most local Houston moving companies also charge a one-time trip fee ranging from $75 to $100 to cover fuel, truck, and equipment. Confirm whether this fee is included in the quoted hourly rate or added separately before booking.

Cost of Movers in Houston by Home Size

Home size is the most reliable predictor of your total moving cost in Houston, TX. Here is what most Houston households pay for a local move based on their home configuration:

Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: $300 to $700 total. A 2-mover crew typically completes these moves in 2 to 4 hours depending on floor level, elevator access, and item volume.

2-bedroom home or apartment: $700 to $1,200 total. A 2 to 3-mover crew takes 3 to 5 hours on average. This is the most common move type for apartment movers in Houston.

3-bedroom home: $1,200 to $2,000 total. A 3-mover crew takes 5 to 7 hours for a typical 3-bedroom move. Homes with stairs, long carries, or significant furniture volume push toward the higher end.

4-bedroom home or larger: $2,000 to $3,500+ total. Large homes require 4+ movers and full-day scheduling. Specialty items, multiple floors, and long driveways all add time and cost.

For a detailed breakdown by specific bedroom count including cost factors unique to each home size, our upcoming guide on the cost to move a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom home in Houston covers every scenario in full detail.

Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost in Houston

Beyond home size and crew size, several variables meaningfully affect what you pay for Houston movers:

Distance

Local Houston moves under 50 miles are billed hourly. Moves over 50 to 100 miles shift to flat-rate or weight-based pricing. Full long-distance movers in Houston moving households across state lines charge based on total shipment weight and distance – costs can range from $2,700 to $10,000+ for out-of-state relocations from the Houston metro.

Time of Year and Day

Moving during peak season – May through September – costs more in Houston than the off-season due to higher demand. Weekend moves also carry a premium over weekday scheduling. If your timeline is flexible, booking a weekday move in October through March is one of the most reliable ways to reduce your total bill without changing any other variable.

Stairs, Elevators, and Access

Ground-floor homes with direct truck access are the most efficient to move. Stairs at the origin, the destination, or both add time and labor – typically $50 to $150 extra per staircase flight. Narrow driveways, long carries from truck to front door, and elevator scheduling in high-rise buildings all add time that translates directly into cost at the hourly rate.

Packing Services

Full-service packing by professional Houston movers is not included in the standard hourly rate – it is a separate add-on. Professional packing services in Houston cost $280 to $2,200 on average depending on home size and the number of items requiring special handling. Most full service movers in Houston offer partial packing as well – where the crew packs only fragile or specialty items – which reduces cost while still protecting your most vulnerable belongings.

Specialty Items

Piano moving, gun safe relocation, aquarium moves, and large artwork or antique handling all carry additional fees beyond the standard hourly rate. These items require specialized equipment, additional crew members, and in some cases custom crating. Always disclose specialty items upfront when requesting a moving quote in Houston to ensure accurate pricing.

Long-Distance Moving Costs from Houston

If your move crosses state lines or covers significant distance within Texas, pricing shifts from hourly to flat-rate or weight-based models. Long distance movers in Houston charge based on total shipment weight and the mileage to your destination. Most interstate moves from the Houston metro run $2,700 to $10,000+, with the specific cost determined by an in-home or virtual estimate rather than a standard hourly calculation.

Our long distance moving services are built specifically for these relocations – with the planning, equipment, and licensing to move households reliably across any distance from Greater Houston. For in-area moves across the Bay Area Houston corridor and surrounding communities, our residential moving services in Houston cover every home size and neighborhood type with 18 years of local experience behind every job.

How Much to Tip Movers in Houston

Tipping your moving crew is standard practice and strongly encouraged for quality service. The general guideline is 10% to 20% of your total bill, split evenly among crew members. On a $1,200 local move, that translates to $120 to $240 total – or $40 to $80 per mover on a 3-person crew. For a full discussion of tipping etiquette and whether movers are worth the cost in the first place, our upcoming guide on whether movers are worth it and how much to tip covers both questions in practical detail.

How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote in Houston

The most reliable way to get an accurate moving cost estimate is through an in-home or virtual walkthrough with your moving company – not a phone estimate based on bedroom count alone. Accurate quotes account for the actual volume of your belongings, access conditions at both origin and destination, specialty items, and any packing or additional services you need.

According to Thumbtack’s moving cost guide, getting at least three quotes from different Houston moving companies before booking is one of the most effective ways to ensure competitive pricing and avoid surprise fees on moving day. When comparing quotes, look for itemized breakdowns that separate the hourly rate, trip fee, packing services, and any specialty item charges – not a single lump sum that obscures the components driving the total.

Moving by Design provides free, transparent moving quotes with no hidden fees and no surprise charges on moving day. Get your free moving quote today and know exactly what your Houston move will cost before you commit.

Conclusion

Moving costs in Houston in 2026 run $65 to $100+ per hour for local moves, with total costs ranging from $300 for a small studio to $3,500+ for a large 4-bedroom home. Long distance movers in Houston charge $2,700 to $10,000+ for out-of-state relocations based on weight and distance. Time of year, access conditions, packing services, and specialty items are the primary variables that push your final bill above or below the averages. Getting an accurate, itemized quote from an experienced Houston moving company is the single best step you can take to plan your budget and avoid surprises on moving day.