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Planning and booking an interstate move always involves some uncertainty and stress. Relocating between California and Texas is a lengthy ordeal—the drive between Los Angeles and Austin is nearly 1,400 miles. Given the size of each state, your move route may be even longer. We’ve broken down the best moving companies for moves from California to Texas, along with why more and more people are making the move to the Lone Star State.
Why Move From California to Texas?
The last decade has seen a significant uptick in the number of U.S. residents moving from California to Texas. According to census data, more than 300,000 people moved from California to Texas between 2010 and 2019. We’ve examined common reasons why residents are making the transition from the West Coast to the Lone Star State.
- Cost of living: According to BestPlaces.net, California’s overall cost of living is 49.9% higher than the national average. On the other hand, the overall cost of living in Texas is 5.8% below the national average. The cost of purchasing a new home and transportation costs primarily account for this difference.
- Housing costs: BestPlaces.net lists California’s median home costs at more than double the national average, while Texas falls much below the national average. Renting costs are also dramatically different. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,730 in California and $1,070 in Texas.
- Job market: California’s corporate tax rate is 8.84%. Texas has no corporate income tax, which is a major incentive for businesses. Many major corporations have relocated to the state, creating more job opportunities for residents. The state’s top employers include Amazon, Capital One, Boeing, and American Airlines.
- Taxes: Texas levies no state income tax, while California residents are taxed at among the highest rates in the country; state taxes range as high as 13.3%, depending on income, according to TaxFoundation.org.
Cost to Move From California to Texas
Interstate moves are expensive, and a lengthy move between California and Texas is no exception. We pulled different pricing figures for a move between Los Angeles and Austin to give you an approximate idea of the total costs. Allied Van Lines’ range of $8,016–$9,160 for a two-bedroom move is in line with our expectations for a full-service mover. We received a quote from U-Pack for a semi-self-service move that totaled $3,714. This price included 14 feet of space in one of its moving trailers and did not include labor.
When budgeting for your upcoming move, consider the following cost factors:
- Add-on service needs
- Ease of access to your old and new home
- Flights of stairs
- Home size
- Move distance
Is It Worth It to Move From California to Texas?
Over the last few years, moves between California and Texas have become increasingly common. Texas cities such as Dallas and Austin have become hotspots for young professionals, major tech companies, and employers looking to lay down roots. Though property taxes are higher in Texas than in California (1.6% versus 0.74%), the 0% income tax rate in the Lone Star State is a big incentive for new residents. The overall quality of life is high, with a low cost of living, lower costs for amenities, and a greater amount of open space in many of Texas’s suburban and rural locales.
Best Moving Companies to Move From California to Texas
The following companies are our picks for the best movers for a California-to-Texas relocation:
- Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines
- Best for High-Value Goods: American Van Lines
- Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
- Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Best Mobile App: JK Moving Services
- Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines
International Van Lines
Our Top Pick
Best for High-Value Goods: American Van Lines
American Van Lines
Best for Antiques
Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best for Major Cities
Best for Coordinated Moves: Moving APT
Moving APT
Best for Coordinated Moves
Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.
Safeway Moving Inc.
Best for Condos and HOAs
Best Mobile App: JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services
Best Mobile App
Best Customer Experience: Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines
Best Customer Experience
Compare Companies to Move From California to Texas
We’ve assembled a side-by-side comparison of our top picks for movers.
| Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | | B | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines | | A | VISIT SITE | |
| IMRG |  | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Safeway |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Moving APT | | B | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving | | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| North American |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| United Van Lines |  | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Mayflower |  | A+ | VISIT SITE |
| International Van Lines | |
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| BBB Rating | B |
| American Van Lines | |
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| BBB Rating | B |
| JK Moving | |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Allied | |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
| North American | |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
| United Van Lines | |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
Our Recommendation
Moving 1,000 miles or more is a very involved and planning-intensive process, no matter how you do it. The moving companies we analyzed for a California-to-Texas relocation can expedite your move and provide you with a more stress-free, streamlined experience. We recommend getting quotes from at least three movers before moving forward with your relocation. Getting quotes will help you set budgetary expectations before booking with a mover and determine which services—if any—you may want to handle yourself.
Moving From California to Texas FAQ
Should I move between California and Texas in the summer?
Moving in the summer may be more difficult than doing so during the off-season. May through September is the peak season for moving companies. Your movers of choice may be unable to handle your relocation due to higher demand.
Do a lot of people move between California and Texas?
Yes, a lot of people move between California and Texas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 107,546 people relocated to Texas from California in 2021 alone. This makes it one of the most popular moving routes in the country.
Why is the cost of living dramatically lower in Texas?
The cost of living is dramatically lower in Texas primarily because of home prices, while California home prices largely account for the high cost of living. BestPlaces.net cites that the median home price in California is $733,500, nearly 135% above the national average. Texas, by comparison, has a median home price of $297,600, which is 16.5% below the national average.
Do Texans pay less tax than Californians?
Texans pay less income tax than Californians because it has no state income tax. However, Texas’s property tax rates are more than double those in California. According to the Cato Institute, combined state and local taxes on consumer goods range from 7.25% to 10.75% in California and 6.25% to 8.25% in Texas.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a rating system based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each company and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. Finally, to determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their overall score on Google Reviews.