How Much Does It Cost to Move from Texas to California?
Moving from Texas to California averages $5,200 with full-service movers (Dallas to Los Angeles). DIY with a rental truck runs $1,800–2,200 including fuel. The 1,435-mile route takes 3 transit days. Note: California requires entry permits for large trucks — factor this into your planning.
Texas to California Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $5,200 |
| DIY rental truck | $1,800 |
| Distance | 1,435 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 3 days |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $3,400 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
Get Your Texas to California Moving Estimate
Use the free calculator to build a complete budget — movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, and all the costs that don't show up in the base quote.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Explore Origin & Destination
FAQ — Texas to California Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move Texas to California?
Moving Texas to California costs an average of $5,200 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $1,800 including fuel.
How long does it take to move Texas to California?
Transit time for a Texas to California move is typically 3 days for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a Texas to California move?
DIY saves roughly $3,400 on a Texas to California move ($1,800 vs. $5,200). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a Texas to California move?
The Texas to California route covers approximately 1,435 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a Texas to California move?
Budget $5,200 for professional movers or $1,800 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Texas to California move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.