Long-Distance Moving Cost from Houston: Routes and Estimates (2026)

Moving out of Houston is a significant logistical and financial undertaking. Whether you are relocating to Dallas for a career opportunity, Austin for a lifestyle change, Denver for the mountains, or Florida for a fresh start, your long-distance moving cost depends on how far you are going, how much you are taking, and what type of moving service you choose. Our certified moving company has a lot of experience with long distance moving. Therefore, we break down 2026 cost and timeline estimates for the most common long-distance routes from Houston and explains the binding vs non-binding estimate distinction that every long-distance mover needs to understand before signing a contract.

How Long-Distance Moving Costs Are Calculated from Houston

Long-distance moving pricing works differently from local Houston moves. While local moves are billed hourly, long-distance moves are priced based on two primary variables: the total weight of your shipment and the distance to your destination. The heavier your load and the farther the destination, the higher your cost. Service level – what is included in your move – adds further variation on top of those base inputs.

According to moveBuddha’s 2026 long-distance moving cost data, the average long-distance move costs $1,000 to $14,000+ depending on size and distance. Most 2 to 3-bedroom long-distance moves cost $3,060 to $5,280. As of June 2026, moving company pricing has increased approximately 21% due to rising fuel costs – a factor worth accounting for when comparing quotes to data from prior years.

For Houston households moving out of state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to be registered and licensed with a valid USDOT number. Always verify your mover’s USDOT registration before booking any interstate move from Houston.

Long-Distance Moving Routes from Houston: Cost and Timeline

Houston to Dallas Moving Cost

The Houston to Dallas route covers approximately 239 miles via I-45 North and is one of the most actively traveled moving corridors in Texas. Moving from Houston to Dallas with a full-service moving company costs $940 to $2,686 for a typical household, with larger homes pushing toward $3,500 to $4,500 for 4-bedroom moves. This is an intrastate move – both cities are in Texas – which means pricing is typically hourly or flat-rate rather than weight-based, though some companies use weight for all long-distance jobs regardless of state lines.

Most Houston to Dallas moves complete in a single day. The crew loads in Houston in the morning, drives approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via I-45, and unloads in Dallas that afternoon or evening. Peak summer months and weekend scheduling add 15% to 25% to base rates. The cheapest time to move from Houston to Dallas is a weekday in October through March, mid-month.

Houston to Austin Moving Cost

The Houston to Austin route covers approximately 165 miles via I-10 West and Highway 71, making it the shortest of the four major routes covered in this guide. Moving from Houston to Austin costs $800 to $2,500 for most households, reflecting the shorter distance relative to Dallas. One-bedroom and studio moves run $500 to $1,000. Three-bedroom moves push $2,000 to $3,500 depending on crew size, packing scope, and access conditions at both ends.

Houston to Austin moves are commonly completed in a single day, with the drive taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours outside peak traffic. Austin’s growth has made it one of the most popular long-distance moving destinations from Houston, and Houston to Austin movers book up quickly during peak season – scheduling 6 to 8 weeks in advance is advisable for summer moves.

Houston to Denver Moving Cost

Moving from Houston to Denver covers approximately 573 miles via I-45 North to I-35 or I-70, making it a true long-distance interstate move that shifts to weight-and-distance pricing for most carriers. Full-service Houston to Denver moving costs run $2,937 to $8,392 depending on home size. A 1-bedroom move runs $2,200 to $3,400. A 2 to 3-bedroom move costs $4,250 to $7,100. Larger 4-bedroom homes push $5,900 to $9,700.

Timeline for Houston to Denver moves is typically 2 to 3 days with a professional moving crew. The drive alone covers 8 to 9 hours, and most companies build in rest time on interstate moves of this distance. Delivery windows on weight-based long-distance moves can extend to 7 to 14 business days if the carrier is consolidating shipments, which is a critical factor to clarify before booking.

Houston to Florida Moving Cost

Moving from Houston to Florida covers 1,000 to 1,300 miles depending on the destination city – Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville all sit at different distances from Houston via I-10 East. Full-service Houston to Florida moving costs run $3,000 to $10,000+ for most households. A 2-bedroom move to Orlando costs approximately $3,500 to $5,500. A 3-bedroom move to Miami may run $5,000 to $8,000 or more depending on shipment weight and the specific delivery address.

Timeline for Houston to Florida moves is typically 3 to 5 days for a dedicated crew on a direct load, or up to 14 business days if the shipment is consolidated with other loads. Florida is one of the highest-demand long-distance moving destinations from Houston, making advance booking – 6 to 8 weeks minimum for summer moves – essential to securing your preferred dates and crew.

What Is Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote from Houston

A standard long-distance moving quote from Houston covers loading, transportation, and unloading of your household goods. Most quotes also include basic furniture disassembly and reassembly, use of moving blankets and standard padding, and basic released-value coverage of $0.60 per pound per item.

Services not typically included in the base quote include professional packing and unpacking, specialty item handling (pianos, gun safes, fine art), crating, full-value replacement coverage beyond the released-value minimum, and fuel surcharges on some carriers. As of 2026, fuel surcharges are increasingly common given the 21% industry-wide pricing increase driven by diesel costs – always ask explicitly whether fuel is included in your quoted rate or billed as a separate line item at delivery.

Binding vs Non-Binding Estimates: What Every Houston Mover Must Know

The single most important concept in long-distance moving pricing is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate. Getting this wrong is one of the most common ways households end up paying significantly more than expected on moving day.

A binding estimate locks in your total price regardless of actual shipment weight. If your belongings weigh more than estimated, you pay no more than the quoted amount. Binding estimates give you certainty and protect against weight-based surprises at delivery. They typically cost slightly more upfront but eliminate risk.

A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s best guess at your total cost based on estimated weight. If your actual shipment weighs more than estimated, your final bill increases accordingly. Federal law limits the overage to 10% above the estimate for interstate moves – but that 10% on a $5,000 move is $500 in unplanned additional cost.

A not-to-exceed estimate is a hybrid: the final price will not exceed the quoted amount, but if your actual weight comes in lower, your price drops accordingly. This is generally the most consumer-favorable option when available.

Always ask your Houston long-distance mover which estimate type they are providing and get it in writing before signing any contract. For an in-home or virtual estimate to get an accurate weight assessment before your move, our long distance moving services from Houston include transparent, itemized quotes so you know exactly what you are paying before moving day. For households also needing local residential support at the origin or destination, our residential moving services cover both ends of the move.

For a full overview of Houston moving costs including local move rates and home-size breakdowns, our guides on how much movers cost in Houston and cost to move a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom home in Houston cover the full local cost picture.

Conclusion

Long-distance moving costs from Houston in 2026 range from $800 to $2,500 for the Houston to Austin route, $940 to $2,686 for Houston to Dallas, $2,937 to $8,392 for Houston to Denver, and $3,000 to $10,000+ for Houston to Florida. Our Sugar Land moving crew had a lot of long distance moves this year and we can give the exact pricing for your move and you just need to call us or request a free quote!

Understanding the binding vs non-binding estimate distinction, confirming what is included in your quote, and booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance for peak-season moves are the three most important steps you can take to protect your budget on any long-distance move from Houston.