Why are people moving from California to Texas? For most Bay Area households it comes down to no state income tax, homes that cost a fraction of Peninsula prices, and strong job markets in tech, energy and healthcare. Texas is still the top destination for Californians planning to leave, according to 2026 moveBuddha data.
But relocating to Texas from California is also a 1,700–1,900-mile, multi-day project. Below: what a move from the Bay Area to Texas really costs, how long it takes, which city fits you, and the paperwork waiting on the other side.
Quick answer: A full-service Bay Area to Texas move typically costs $4,100–$8,900 for a 2–3 bedroom home and takes 5–16 days door to door.
How Much Does It Cost to Move From the Bay Area to Texas?
The average cost to move from California to Texas depends on shipment weight, distance and how much of the work you hand off. Typical 2026 prices for moves from San Francisco, San Jose and the Peninsula:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $2,800 – $6,500 | $1,900 – $3,800 | $1,200 – $2,650 |
| 2–3 BR | $4,100 – $8,900 | $2,400 – $5,350 | $1,350 – $3,000 |
| 4+ BR | $6,900 – $13,900+ | $3,200 – $6,900 | $1,650 – $3,900 |
Industry averages based on 2026 route data, not a CEO Moving quote. Truck and container prices don’t include fuel, labor or hotels. Your exact price comes from an in-home or video survey.
What raises the price:
-
- Season: May–September is peak; October–April is cheaper.
-
- Packing: professional packing adds roughly $700–$4,900.
-
- Bay Area access: walk-up Victorians, steep driveways, elevator reservations and SF parking permits add labor time. Sometimes a shuttle truck is needed.
-
- Specialty items: pianos, art and antiques need crating. See our guide to white glove moving.
Movers vs. Moving Containers vs. Renting a Truck
On paper, the cheapest way to move from California to Texas is a rental truck. In reality, 1,700+ miles of fuel (often $700+), three nights of hotels, time off work and the risk of injury close much of the gap.
-
- Full-service movers: the crew packs, loads, drives and unloads. Best for families and larger homes.
-
- Moving containers: you load, they drive. Good for flexible timelines, but SF streets often require a permit.
-
- Rental truck: cheapest upfront, most work. If you go DIY, learn how to pack a moving truck like a pro.
How Long Does a Bay Area to Texas Move Take?
Expect 5–16 days from pickup to delivery: 1–2 days of packing, a day of loading, 3–10 days in transit and a day to unload. A dedicated truck carries only your belongings and arrives faster. A shared load costs less but has a wider delivery window. Book 6–8 weeks ahead, or earlier for summer. Here’s how far in advance to book movers.
Moving From the Bay Area to Austin
~1,760 miles | 2–3 BR: $4,100–$8,300 | 1 BR rent: ~$1,450
Austin is the most “California-like” city in Texas. Tesla is headquartered here, Apple, Google and Meta run large offices, and the startup scene keeps growing. Moving to Austin from California suits tech professionals and young couples.
Popular areas with Bay Area transplants:
- Mueller and East Austin: walkable, newer homes, close to downtown.
- Zilker and South Congress: the closest thing to SF’s Mission or Noe Valley.
- The Domain / North Austin: near major tech offices, lots of new apartments.
- Round Rock and Cedar Park: suburbs with strong schools and more space for the money.
Moving from California to Austin is one of the busiest Texas routes, so book early. Before moving from San Francisco to Austin, or when comparing San Jose to Austin movers, check that quotes include stairs, long carries and packing materials.
Moving From the Bay Area to Dallas
~1,730 miles | 2–3 BR: $3,600–$8,300 | 1 BR rent: ~$1,350
Dallas–Fort Worth is home to Toyota North America, Charles Schwab, AT&T and dozens of other corporate HQs. Moving from California to Dallas is a strong choice for families: big homes, top school districts and direct flights almost everywhere from DFW.
Popular areas with Bay Area transplants:
- Plano and Frisco: master-planned suburbs, strong schools, corporate campuses nearby.
- Richardson: the “Telecom Corridor,” good for tech and engineering jobs.
- Uptown: walkable and urban, popular with young professionals.
- Southlake: quieter, family-focused, highly rated schools.
Moving to Dallas from California with kids? Aim for June, right after school ends. If you’re moving from San Francisco to Dallas, give all San Francisco to Dallas movers the same inventory so you can compare quotes fairly.
Moving From the Bay Area to Houston
~1,930 miles | 2–3 BR: $4,100–$8,850 | 1 BR rent: ~$1,250
Houston is the largest and most affordable of the three, built on energy and the Texas Medical Center.
Popular areas with Bay Area transplants:
-
- The Heights and Montrose: character homes, walkable streets, great restaurants.
- Katy and Sugar Land: suburbs with top schools and newer homes.
- The Woodlands: a green, master-planned community north of the city.
Before moving to Houston from California, check FEMA flood maps, and avoid the peak of hurricane season (August–October) if you can.
Moving from California to Houston is the longest Texas route, so ask San Francisco to Houston movers for a written delivery window.
Austin vs. Dallas vs. Houston at a Glance
| Austin | Dallas | Houston | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from SF | ~1,760 mi | ~1,730 mi | ~1,930 mi |
| 2–3 BR full-service move | $4,100 – $8,300 | $3,600 – $8,300 | $4,100 – $8,850 |
| Avg. 1 BR rent | ~$1,450 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,250 |
| Main industries | Tech, startups | Finance, corporate HQs | Energy, healthcare |
| Best for | Tech workers, young professionals | Families, corporate careers | Budget-conscious buyers |
Texas vs. California: Cost of Living & Taxes
| Texas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 0% | 1% – 13.3% |
| Effective property tax | ~1.6% – 2.3% | ~0.7% – 0.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% – 8.25% | 7.25% – 11% |
| Median home price | ~$335,000 | ~$850,000 |
Compare cost of living Texas vs California and housing is where the gap is biggest: a San Mateo condo budget can buy a family home in Frisco or Katy. Texas vs California taxes are trickier: there’s no income tax, but property taxes are two to three times higher and home insurance costs more. By one 2026 estimate, Texas comes out ahead for households earning above roughly $120,000–$140,000.
Pros and Cons of Moving From California to Texas
Pros: no state income tax, cheaper housing, bigger homes, strong job market, lower daily costs.
Cons: high property taxes and insurance, 100°F+ summers, car-dependent cities, flood risk near the Gulf Coast.
Shipping Your Car or Driving to Texas
Shipping car from California to Texas: about $1,200–$1,850 for a sedan ($1,450–$2,300 for an SUV). Transit takes 3–8 days. Choose an enclosed carrier for luxury or classic cars.
Driving from California to Texas means 1,700–1,900 miles and 25–28 hours behind the wheel, about three days. Take I-10 toward Austin and Houston or I-40 toward Dallas. Driving is also the easiest way to move pets and plants.
Note that movers don’t carry cars inside the moving truck. Your car goes on a separate auto carrier.
How to Choose California to Texas Movers
Before you hire movers from California to Texas, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website, plus complaint history.
- Carrier or broker. Brokers resell your job and often lowball the estimate.
- A real survey. An in-home or video walkthrough, not a phone guess.
- Binding or not-to-exceed estimate to avoid surprises on moving day.
- Valuation coverage. Basic coverage pays only 60¢ per pound. Ask about full-value protection.
Comparing the best moving companies California to Texas? Any carrier worth hiring will answer all five questions on the first call. Here are more questions to ask before you book, and our guide to choosing a long-distance moving company in the Bay Area.
Looking for long distance movers California to Texas? CEO Moving has moved Bay Area families since 2009 with our own licensed and insured crews. Many listings for cross country movers California to Texas are brokers who resell your job. We don’t: the crew that packs your home is ours.
Moving to Texas Checklist
-
- 8 weeks before: get 2–3 estimates, book movers, plan how your car gets there, start decluttering.
-
- 4 weeks before: set up utilities (in much of Texas you pick your electricity provider), transfer school and medical records, book packing services.
-
- 2 weeks before: file USPS change of address and update accounts using our change-of-address checklist. Arrange your SF parking permit.
-
- Moving week: pack an “open first” box, photograph valuables, do a final walkthrough with the crew lead.
After You Arrive: Driver’s License & Car Registration
-
- Transfer California license to Texas at a DPS office within 90 days.
-
- In emissions-testing counties (including the Austin, Dallas and Houston areas), pass an emissions test, then register your car at the county tax office within 30 days.
-
- Homeowners: apply for the homestead exemption to lower your property tax.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Bay Area to Texas Move
1. Scheduling a summer afternoon delivery. A closed trailer gets extremely hot in a Texas summer. Ask for a morning delivery window and keep candles, vinyl records, medications and electronics in your car.
2. Paying to ship things you’ll replace. Interstate moves are priced by weight. Sell or donate cheap, bulky or worn furniture, especially particleboard pieces that rarely survive 1,700 miles.
3. Forgetting property tax in your budget. Your Texas mortgage payment will include a much bigger property tax escrow than in California. Ask your lender for the full monthly figure before you choose a home.
4. Arriving before your furniture. With a 5–16 day delivery window, pack an air mattress, towels and a basic kitchen kit for the first nights.
5. Skipping flood insurance in Houston. Standard homeowners policies don’t cover floods, and NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. Buy coverage early.
6. Ignoring HOA rules. Many Texas suburbs limit where and when a moving truck can park. Check with your HOA before moving day.
Ready for Your Move to Texas?
Austin, Dallas or Houston: our crews pack, load and deliver, and one coordinator stays with you from the first call to the last box. Get a free moving quote today.
FAQ
-
How much does it cost to move to Texas from the Bay Area?
Industry averages run about $4,100–$8,900 for a 2–3 bedroom home with full-service movers, and $2,800–$6,500 for a 1-bedroom. Your exact price depends on your inventory, so request a free quote for a real number.
-
How long does the move take?
Usually 5–16 days door to door.
-
Is it worth leaving California for Texas?
For high earners and families who want more space, usually yes. Retirees with expensive homes should compare property taxes first.
-
How soon do I need a Texas driver's license?
Within 90 days. Your car must be registered within 30 days.
-
Should I sell my furniture or bring it?
Bring quality pieces you love. Sell or donate anything cheap, bulky or worn: replacing a $200 bookcase often costs less than shipping it.
-
Is it safe to move in the Texas summer?
Yes, with planning. Book early-morning loading and delivery, keep heat-sensitive items in your car, and make sure the crew has water and shade.
-
When is the cheapest time to move?
Usually October–April, on weekdays mid-month, when demand is lower.
