Best Movers from Texas to California (2025 Cost Data)

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Texas guide.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
• North American Van Lines: Best customized plans

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage: 5 out of 5 stars
3. Square Cow: 5 out of 5 stars
4. 3 Men Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
5. Greater Austin Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Texas to California

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Texas to California, you can expect to spend between $1,577 and $5,785. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,520 to $8,651 on the same route (TX to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Texas to California typically runs between $6,601 and $11,810.

Cost of moving containers from Texas to California

Moving from Texas to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,182 and $2,991. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,047 to $4,315. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,075 up to $5,920. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,054 and $2,161. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,222 to $2,374. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,434 and $3,049.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from TX to CA

Several factors influence the cost of moving from Texas to California. Here’s what can impact your final bill:

• Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
• Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Texas.
• DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.

• Rent is about 48% more expensive in California than in Texas; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 157% higher in California than in Texas.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 26% higher in California than in Texas, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• The cost of living is 44% higher in California than in Texas. If you're making the move to California with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
• California has a higher unemployment rate than Texas by about 32%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring processes.
• Sales taxes are 6% higher in California than in Texas. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 13% higher in California than in Texas. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

• California has a population that's about 28% larger than Texas. A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
• In the most recent presidential election, California voted Democratic, while Texas went Republican.
• Summers in California average 87ºF, while Texas typically sees highs of 94ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
• In the heart of winter, temperatures in California dip to 59ºF, while Texas can get as cold as 36ºF. Relocating to California means enjoying milder winters, which comes with lower expenses and more chances to enjoy the outdoors. If you’d rather soak up the sun than deal with winter storms, this move could be perfect for you.
• You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of rain each year in California, compared to 36 inches in Texas. With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
• In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, while Texas sees around 2 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
• California and Texas share a similar crime rate of 27.32. However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.

Other things to consider for your Texas to California move

• Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
• Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.

Museums in California

• The Getty Center
• USS Midway Museum
• Hess Persson Estates
• California State Railroad Museum
• The Getty Villa

Parks in California

• La Jolla Cove
• Heisler Park
• Sonoma Plaza
• Mount Rubidoux Park
• Redwood Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

• Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
• Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
• San Jose Sharks (NHL)
• Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

Universities in California

• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Southern California
• University of California, San Diego