Average Prices for Movers in Austin

How much movers cost in Austin can vary widely depending on your move size, distance, and the level of service you need. But in general, labor-only moves start as low as $402, and full-service options average $1,062.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Austin welcomes thousands of new residents each year. In fact, according to HireAHelper’s 2024 migration report, Austin ranks #10 among U.S. metro areas for move volume, with nearly 1.8% of all movers relocating here last year. It’s also the #5 city in the country for remote workers, making it a popular destination for both local and long-distance relocations.

If you’re thinking of making Austin your new home, this article breaks down everything you need to know, from average prices and cost factors to insider tips on how to save when booking movers.

---

Table of Contents

---

How Much Do Movers Cost in Austin?

The average cost to hire full-service movers in Austin is $1,062.26, while a labor-only move typically averages $402.36. If you’re paying by the hour, expect to spend about $74.93/hour for professional moving help in Austin.

 

“If a quote sounds too low in comparison to others, it probably isn’t fully transparent. Movers that dramatically underquote may tack on hidden fees later or rush the job.”

 

These numbers represent real-world costs paid by customers, not estimates or guesses. Unless otherwise noted, all figures quoted in this guide are based on proprietary data from HireAHelper’s internal database. We maintain records from over 1 million completed moves through our platform, making this one of the most comprehensive and trustworthy sources of moving price data in the country.

With that said, while these averages give a solid starting point, your actual costs can fluctuate based on the details of your move. The rest of this article breaks down all the impacts on prices in Austin, so you can budget wisely and avoid surprises.

---

Factors That Affect Moving Costs in Austin

Austin is a vibrant city with an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, from downtown high-rises to sprawling suburban homes. That diversity also means moving costs can vary widely. Whether you’re relocating across South Congress or heading up to Round Rock, the final bill depends on a few key factors.

Here’s a breakdown of what influences the cost of moving the most, so you can plan ahead and keep expenses under control.

Size of Your Home

Larger homes naturally take more time, effort, and labor to move. However, many people underestimate how quickly these factors add up. More rooms mean more boxes, more furniture, and more logistics, all of which add to your moving cost. Here is a table illustrating how home size affects costs:

Austin Moving Prices by Home Size and Service

While a one-bedroom move might only take a few hours with 2 movers, a four- or five-bedroom house may require a full day’s effort and a larger crew. Knowing your home size and giving your movers accurate details helps them provide a more precise upfront cost. As a result, you can avoid surprise additions to the final bill on moving day.

The Amount of Belongings You’re Moving

If you’re a minimalist, moving may be cheaper than you expect, even in a larger home. On the flip side, if you’re hauling decades of family heirlooms, instruments, and workout gear, you’ll likely need more labor and time. Here is a general estimate of how many movers you might need based on the size of your home:

Austin Movers Needed by Home Size

More movers usually means a higher hourly cost, but it can also shorten the total time required. This is especially useful if your building has time-restricted elevator access or if you’re moving during the peak heat of the day in Austin.

Distance of the Move

Whether you’re moving across Zilker or out toward Georgetown, distance matters. Longer drives mean more fuel and time. You’ll either pay this separately in your moving truck expenses if you’ve opted for a labor-only move, or it’ll be included in the total cost of a full-service move where the crew handles everything from start to finish. Here are some of the average costs based on distance, using example moves that start in Austin and head to other popular cities in Texas.

Austin Moving Costs by Distance and Service

Expect higher prices the farther your movers travel, especially if the route takes you onto I-35 during rush hour traffic.

Timing and Seasonality

When you move is just as important as how far you go or how big the job is. Austin’s peak moving season runs from June through August, when college students, families (taking advantage of summer break), and lease cycles all overlap.

According to data trends:

• Cheapest day to move: Monday
• Cheapest time of day: 9 am to 10 am
• Cheapest months to move: April

You should also avoid weekends and end-of-month moves, since high demand during those times drives up prices and limits availability.

Pro Tip: Roughly 45% of all moves in the U.S. happen between May and August. If you have the flexibility, consider moving during off-peak season for significant savings.

Services Requested

Beyond boxes and trucks, the services you choose also affect the final price. Options like packing help, furniture disassembly, or specialty item handling can all add to your moving bill.

• Labor-only moves: You supply the truck and handle all transportation; movers supply the labor to load and unload your belongings.
• Full-service moves: Licensed and insured professional movers bring a truck and handle all of the loading, transport, and unloading. They also come with all the necessary tools, such as dollies and tie-downs.
• Packing services: Professionals pack your belongings for you, ensuring everything is packed safely and securely to prevent damage during transport. This reduces your time investment, but it adds hourly labor fees.
• Specialty item handling: Items like pianos or antiques would cost extra because they require specific equipment, padding, and expertise to properly pack and stow them onto a moving truck or in a storage container.

The more hands-off you want to be, the more you’ll pay. But for many Austinites juggling busy schedules, it’s well worth the investment.

---

Additional Moving Expenses in Austin

Beyond basic labor and truck time, a few overlooked expenses can significantly impact the final cost of your move. If you’re moving in or around Austin, and your move involves storage, extra driving time, or packing help, keep these added costs in mind.

Packing Services and Supplies

Between work, family, and the chaos of moving day, packing everything yourself can feel overwhelming. That’s when you rely on professional packing services. If you hire movers to do the packing for you, expect to pay an average of $62.86/hour in Austin, based on HireAHelper data. This rate usually applies per mover, so a two-person crew packing for 4 hours could add over $500 to your moving bill.

That being said, here’s what makes packing services worth considering:

• Time savings: Pro packers can usually get the job done in half the time.
• Better protection: They use specific techniques to secure fragile or valuable items.
• Reduced stress: You won’t need to scramble for boxes or supplies at the last minute.

If you plan to DIY, factor in packing supplies. A typical 2- to 3-bedroom home might need:

You can save on supplies by asking local retailers for free boxes or checking online platforms like Nextdoor, local Facebook groups and the Marketplace, and Buy Nothing communities.

Storage Fees

Need temporary storage between homes? Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or in between leases, short-term storage is common during moves in Austin. Costs vary depending on location and unit size, but here are the baseline costs you can expect to pay for storage units.

Average Cost of Storage Units in Austin

Areas like East Austin and Downtown often have higher rates due to real estate demand, while Pflugerville, Buda, and Round Rock might offer more budget-friendly options. It’s also worth checking if your moving company offers short-term storage, as it may be bundled at a better rate with your move.

Travel Fees and Fuel Surcharges

Travel fees are often included in your quote, but in a sprawling city like Austin, heavy traffic in congested areas can cause those costs to fluctuate.

 

“Austin’s peak moving season runs from June through August, when college students, families (taking advantage of summer break), and lease cycles all overlap.”

 

If you’re on the road during peak traffic (7–9 am or 4–6 pm), budget an extra hour or more, especially if you’re heading in or out of areas like South Lamar, The Domain, or East Riverside. Gridlock is common on I-35, MoPac, or near US-290 during rush hour.

Gas prices can also affect your bottom line. According to AAA’s gas price tracker, the average gas price in Austin–San Marcos hovers around $3.30/gallon, which hasn’t changed much from this time a year ago.

Just keep in mind that higher gas prices during summer, when demand spikes, often result in fuel surcharges that get added to your final bill, particularly for long-distance or full-service moves.

---

Tips to Save Money When Hiring Movers in Austin

Moving in Austin doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From choosing the right day to knowing where to look for affordable movers, here are some strategies to keep costs low without sacrificing quality.

1. Move during the off-peak times: The cheapest time to move in Austin is a Monday morning between 9 am and 10 am, and the cheapest month to move is April. Avoid weekends and the May–August rush if you want better pricing and more availability.
2. Declutter before you pack: Austin’s movers often charge based on time, so fewer boxes means less labor, and that means lower costs for you. Donate furniture or extra kitchen gear before move day, and consider visiting Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Goodwill Central Texas to drop off gently used items.
3. Compare at least 3 quotes: Don’t just go with the first mover you find. Head to the HireAHelper Austin movers page to compare movers, view upfront prices, and read real customer reviews. It’s the easiest way to make an informed decision before entering any personal information.
4. Look for top-rated yet budget-friendly movers: Some local movers in Austin stand out for offering great service at a lower price. Morris Moving & Storage has 20+ years of experience and offers storage options. Moving Texas is highly rated for professionalism and careful handling with a budget-friendly rate. Ogre Man Movers is a local favorite with the most moves on our platform and consistently high ratings.
5. Skip what you don’t need: If you feel like you can pack by yourself or are fine with renting and the truck, you don’t have to shell out for traditional full-service movers.

---

How to Get Accurate Quotes from Austin Movers

Finding a fair moving quote doesn’t have to feel like detective work. With a little advance planning and the right tools, you can get clear, accurate estimates that reflect your real needs (no phone tag required).

The Austin, TX movers page on HireAHelper gives you up-front pricing based on real availability right where you’re moving. You’ll see exactly what your move might cost, based on the moving date, size of your home, and services you need. It takes the guesswork out of comparing movers.

Be Honest About the Details

When requesting a quote, don’t leave anything out. Make sure to explain how you’d like your move to go — from how much you’re willing to do yourself to what you expect from your movers. Be realistic about:

• Number of items: The number of boxes and furniture pieces being moved.
• Access challenges: Whether movers will need to navigate stairs or use an elevator.
• Carry distance: How far movers need to carry items from the truck to your door.
• Furniture and packing help: If you need assistance with disassembling furniture or packing.
• Add-on services: Which additional services you’d like to request.

Surprise details on moving day typically result in surprise fees. The more honest you are, the more accurate your quote will be.

Avoid Lowball Offers

If a quote sounds too low in comparison to others, it probably isn’t fully transparent. Movers that dramatically underquote may tack on hidden fees later or rush the job. They might even hire less-than-qualified movers, which could result in damage to your home or belongings. Choose companies that provide itemized, easy-to-understand pricing up front.

Look for a Locked-in Price Guarantee

HireAHelper offers a Best Price Guarantee, meaning you’ll get the most affordable rate available for the same services provided. That means no haggling, no inflated rates, and no bait-and-switch tactics.

---

FAQs About Moving Costs in Austin

How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin?

The average cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin is $353.84 for labor-only movers and $764.49 for full-service movers. The actual price may vary based on factors like the distance between locations, whether your building has stairs or an elevator, and how much furniture you’re moving. If you need extra services like furniture disassembly or packing, expect those costs to be added on top of the base rate.

Do movers in Austin charge extra for stairs or elevators?

Yes, many movers may charge extra for multiple flights of stairs or if they have to navigate long hallways and elevators. Always ask ahead about your mover’s policies and check out our guide on stair fees. These fees compensate for the additional time and labor required for movers who have to navigate stairs. The charge may be a flat rate or per-flight fee, depending on the company. And make sure to disclose all details about your home’s layout when requesting a quote.

How much should I tip movers in Austin?

Tipping is a common way to show appreciation for hard-working movers, though it’s not mandatory. A standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour, or 10–20% of the total cost split among the crew. You can also consider factors like extreme heat (Austin summers are no joke), difficult furniture, or multiple flights of stairs. If your movers go the extra mile, it’s always kind to return the favor.