Written by Move and Care Team
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
When looking into moving locally or long distances, there's much to consider, like where and how far away you're moving. The right Austin movers can make all the difference to your experience, so it's important to educate yourself on the different Austin moving company prices, rates, services, or how much movers cost before you book ahead!
Key Takeaways
- Local movers in Austin cost $90–$180 per hour for a 2-mover crew with a truck. Most companies bill in 15-minute increments with a 3-hour minimum.
- Packing services: ~$150 per hour. A typical 1-bedroom apartment runs around $300 (2 movers × 2 hours).
- Storage: ~$75 per month for a 5x5 unit.
- Long-distance moves from Austin: $2,500–$5,500 for a 1- to 2-bedroom move 500–1,000 miles; cross-country can reach $12,000+.
- Texas regulation: all in-state household movers must be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Move & Care's TxDMV number is 009636518C.
- Move mid-week, mid-month, October–April to save 15–25%.
How much do movers cost in Austin?
Movers in Austin cost $90–$180 per hour for a 2-mover crew with a truck in 2026. A studio runs about $300–$450, a 1-bedroom $400–$650, a 2-bedroom $700–$900, and a 3-bedroom home $1,100–$1,650 for a typical local job. Long-distance moves from Austin are priced by weight and distance, typically $2,500–$5,500 for a one- or two-bedroom shipment up to 1,000 miles.
Here is a table of the average moving service prices in Austin by apartment or house size:
| Home size | Crew | Typical hours | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room or less | 2 movers | 2–3 hrs | $280–$400 |
| Studio | 2 movers | 3 hrs | $300–$450 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 2–3 movers | 3–5 hrs | $400–$650 |
| 2-bedroom home | 3 movers | 4–6 hrs | $700–$900 |
| 3-bedroom home | 3–4 movers | 6–8 hrs | $1,100–$1,650 |
| 4-bedroom home | 4 movers | 8–10 hrs | $1,400–$2,000+ |
Same-day movers in Austin generally start $120–$200/hr depending on crew size and availability. Rates compiled from MoveAdvisor 2026 Austin data and FreightWaves Checkpoint (March 2026).
💵 Same day movers cost in Austin increases due to urgency and accessibility. On average, that will range between $120 to $200 per hour for a crew of two movers and a truck.
What "transparent pricing" actually means in Austin
Most Austin moving complaints come from quotes that look low on the phone and balloon on moving day. "Transparent pricing" should mean three things, in writing, before pickup:
- The hourly rate covers the truck, fuel, tolls, blankets, plastic wrap, basic insurance, and disassembly/reassembly — not just labor. Companies that quote labor only and add the truck or fuel separately on the bill are the #1 source of "hidden fee" complaints in Austin.
- The minimum, travel-fee policy, and 15-minute increment billing are stated up front. Move & Care has a 3-hour minimum, charges in 15-minute increments, and includes a one-time $50 equipment fee — disclosed at quote.
- Specialty fees are listed by item, not "case-by-case." Move & Care publishes upright piano $160, baby grand $240, and items over 200 lbs starting at $60 (see our pricing page).
For long-distance, Move & Care quotes a flat binding rate after a virtual or in-home inventory walkthrough — once signed, the price doesn't change at delivery if the inventory matches.
Apartment moves in Austin: what to expect
About 60% of Austin moves are apartment moves, mostly studios and 1-bedrooms. Typical Austin apartment costs:
- Studio apartment: 2 movers, 2–3 hours, $300–$450 total
- 1-bedroom apartment: 2 movers, 3–5 hours, $400–$650 total
- Apartment add-ons that affect cost: elevator reservations (often required by downtown high-rises), City of Austin parking permits for the moving truck if no on-site loading area exists (apply through the Transportation and Public Works department), long carries from designated loading zones, and stairs above the third floor with no service elevator.
What Is Included In The Hourly Rate Of Moving In Austin?
As far as the hourly rates are concerned, the moving companies bundle all the charges so that it does not burden the customer with superfluous details.
That is what goes into an hourly rate from an Austin moving company:
- ⛽ The fuel cost depends on the traveling distance and weight of the load;
- 🔧 The cost of loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, and storing your stuff. Any other service requested by you such as packing, unpacking or assembling of furniture;
- 📍 Costs related to travel beyond the 100 miles from Austin.
Additional Charges:
Movers may charge more for handling heavy items, elevator use, stairways, and peak hour moves. It helps to ask about these to maintain a clear view of Austin movers' prices.
If you want to know how much you should allocate for the services of a Austin moving company on a small budget, then we advise you to study our article for tips on cheap moving solutions in Austin.
Packing services cost in Austin
Hiring professional packers runs about $150 per hour in Austin. A typical 1-bedroom apartment is around $300 (2 packers × 2 hours). A 3-bedroom home with full packing service usually runs $900–$1,200. Materials (boxes, tape, paper, mattress bags, dish packs) are billed separately by the unit at cost — most movers, including Move & Care, do not mark up materials.
If you're cost-sensitive, the smart hybrid is partial packing: the crew packs kitchens, glassware, art, and TVs (the high-damage-risk categories), and you pack clothes, books, and bedding yourself. This typically cuts packing cost in half on a 2- to 3-bedroom move.
Storage cost in Austin
A 5x5 self-storage unit in Austin averages around $75 per month. A 10x10 climate-controlled unit runs $150–$250 per month depending on neighborhood. If you need short-term storage between moves, Move & Care offers storage-in-transit on long-distance moves (often 30 days included on cross-country jobs).
Long-distance moves from Austin (2026 ranges)
Long-distance moves from Austin are priced by shipment weight and distance, not hourly. Per 2026 Extra Space data:
| Distance | 1-Bedroom | 2–3 Bedroom | 4-Bedroom+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional (100–500 mi) | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,500–$4,500 | $3,500–$5,600 |
| ~1,000 mi (e.g., Austin → Denver) | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $6,000–$9,500 |
| Cross-country (2,000+ mi) | $3,500–$6,500 | $5,500–$9,000 | $9,500–$12,500 |
Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA; verify a USDOT number before booking. Move & Care's USDOT is 3212621 and MC is 1018431.
FAQ — Austin moving costs
Expect to pay $90–$180 per hour, with a 3-hour minimum. Most local moves run 4–6 hours total, putting a typical bill at $400–$900 before add-ons like packing materials or long carries.
A local 3-bedroom move typically costs $1,100–$1,650 (3–4 movers, 6–8 hours). Long-distance moves run $4,000–$6,500 around 1,000 miles, and cross-country moves can exceed $9,000 depending on weight and distance.
The cheapest days to move are Tuesday or Wednesday, mid-month, between October and April. Avoid Saturdays, Sundays, and the last weekend of any month — peak demand from lease turnover makes those dates 15–25% more expensive.
Yes. Local intra-Texas movers must hold a TxDMV motor carrier registration issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Interstate movers must carry a USDOT number from the FMCSA. Always verify both before signing a contract.
Most do. The standard practice is a one-time travel fee equal to roughly one hour of labor, covering the drive from the company's base to your pickup address. Confirm the exact amount on your written quote before booking.
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for weekday, off-season moves and 6–8 weeks ahead for summer (May–September) or end-of-month dates. UT Austin move-out in May/June and the August lease-turnover window fill fastest — don't wait.
Tips for Saving on Your Moving Budget
- 🧹📦 Declutter Before You Move: Through the sale, donation, or trashing of items, you will reduce the load you don't need. And it will reduce moving costs.
- 📦🛠️ Pack Yourself: Save on packing services by gathering free boxes and packing materials from local stores. Check out our DIY packing guide.
- 💬💲 Get Multiple Quotes: Compare rates from several movers to save a lot. We recommend getting a minimum of three different offers. Also, feel free to try to negotiate the price. Many movers will be open to discussion.
- 🚚💪 Consider Renting a Truck and/or Doing the Move Yourself: This option is especially suitable if you're moving from a small apartment. You can learn more about this in our article on choosing between professional movers and DIY moving.
- 📅⏰ Move During Off-Peak Times: Mid-week and mid-month moves make for less busy times of the month when prices should reflect this.
Avoid Overpaying By Being Flexible On Moving Days
Some too many people believe they need a storage unit or a more prominent place to store their items. It is not always what a customer needs. The key to that here is flexibility in your moving days. If it's possible, try and consider moving in on a different day to save yourself some money and time. Typically, a company has those regular busiest days at the beginning and the end of a month. Due to the high demand for movers in Austin, the hourly rate can grow twice in price. Moving a few days earlier or later can reduce your moving rate by half! The same goes for weekends. Moving on a working day can save you some money, too!
Moving to Austin does not have to be a drain on your savings account. Plan and strategize by setting clear ideas about the costs associated with moving. Remember that you should research and compare quotes from several movers while keeping flexible on the moving date.
Happy moving!
