What it costs, route by route
| Route | 1 bedroom | 2–3 bedrooms | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA → Austin (1,375 mi) | $3,600–$4,800 | $5,100–$7,200 | 3–4 days |
| LA → Dallas–Fort Worth (1,440 mi) | $3,700–$4,900 | $5,200–$7,300 | 3–4 days |
| LA → Houston (1,550 mi) | $3,800–$5,000 | $5,300–$7,500 | 3–5 days |
| LA → San Antonio (1,350 mi) | $3,600–$4,800 | $5,000–$7,100 | 3–4 days |
These are dedicated-truck flat prices: your belongings load once, ride alone, and deliver on a scheduled day. Consolidated van-line moves can quote less but deliver in a 7–21 day window with multiple handlings — that's where damage and "lost box" stories come from.
Moving out of LA? One flat, binding price by home size, on a dedicated truck with one crew — confirmed after a free video survey.
The timeline that works
- 4 weeks out: book the move (binding written estimate after a video survey), give landlord notice, start decluttering — Texas houses are bigger, but hauling junk 1,400 miles is still money wasted.
- 2–3 weeks: arrange car shipping ($1,000–$1,500 open carrier, 3–7 days) or plan the 20-hour drive. Transfer medical records and prescriptions to a Texas pharmacy chain.
- 1 week: confirm delivery address access (gate codes, HOA rules), pack an essentials kit for 5 days of living without your stuff.
- After arrival: vehicle registration within 30 days (plus an emissions test in the big metro counties), Texas driver license within 90, voter re-registration if desired. No state income tax paperwork to file — that's the point, for many.
What changes when you land
Budget-wise: no state income tax (California's top rate is 13.3%), housing that costs far less than in coastal LA, but property taxes are higher (2%+ of value annually) and summers demand serious air conditioning. Utilities run higher in summer, car insurance often drops, and you will drive more.
Mistakes we see on this route
- Booking a broker, not a carrier. The LA–Texas corridor is full of brokered moves that change price after loading. Verify the company's own USDOT number and confirm the truck and crew are theirs end-to-end.
- Underestimating inventory. A "1-bedroom" with a packed garage prices like a 2-bedroom. Do the video survey honestly and the binding price holds.
- Shipping plants and propane. Neither survives or is allowed. Gift the plants, surrender the tank.
- Skipping full-value protection. On a 1,400-mile move, the $0.60/lb default valuation pays $30 for a destroyed 50-lb TV. Upgrade for high-value homes.
Related questions
How long does a move from LA to Texas take?
Three to five days door-to-door on a dedicated truck. Loading day in LA, two to three driving days (1,400+ miles), delivery on arrival. Van lines quoting 7–21 day windows are consolidating your shipment with others.
Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul to Texas?
On paper it often is — but add fuel for about 1,400 miles, a night or two of hotels, a tow dolly for your car, your own days off work and the risk of loading it yourself, and the gap narrows. A dedicated-truck move with Best Movers LA runs $3,600–$5,000 for a 1-bedroom; get a rental quote for your dates and compare the full cost. Best Movers LA prices the job before the truck is booked, not after it is loaded.
Do I need to re-register my car in Texas?
Yes — register the car at your county tax office within 30 days of becoming a resident, and get a Texas driver license within 90 days. Texas dropped the annual safety inspection for most passenger cars in 2025, but the big metro counties (including Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Travis) still require emissions testing, so ask the tax office what your vehicle needs.
Get a Free Quote
Flat rate · No hidden fees · Reply in minutes.
★★★★★ “Communication was easy, the price was clear, and the crew worked very hard.” — Ashley W., Santa Monica · Read reviews
Ready for a stress-free LA move?
Call now for a guaranteed flat hourly rate — or get a quote online in 60 seconds.
Call (213) 679-6844 Get a Quote