Moving from Los Angeles
to Austin
Average 2-bedroom move on this route runs $3,500–$4,900. Compare 3 licensed FMCSA-registered movers in 60 seconds.
Why people are moving from Los Angeles to Austin
The Los Angeles to Austin route is now the busiest interstate moving corridor in America. In 2025, over 102,000 Californians relocated to Texas, with Austin pulling more of them than Dallas or Houston combined. The math is simple: a senior software engineer earning $200K in LA keeps about $128K after California taxes; in Austin, the same paycheck nets roughly $151K. Add a housing cost difference of $1.2M versus $480K for a typical 3-bedroom and the move pays for itself in under 18 months.
Based on 2025 migration data, Los Angeles to Austin is the #1 interstate migration corridor in the United States, with approximately 102,000 households making this exact move each year. Here's what's driving it:
- No state income — tax in Texas (versus California's 13.3% top rate)
- Median home price — in Austin is roughly 38% lower than Los Angeles
- Tech job growth — in Austin grew 4.2% in 2025, second only to Nashville
- Lower cost of — living overall — groceries, gas, and utilities run 18–25% cheaper
Los Angeles to Austin moving cost — by home size
Industry-standard pricing for 1378 miles. Includes loading, transportation, and unloading. Add 15–25% for peak season (May–September).
How we calculate: Long distance movers price by weight × distance × tariff (industry standard $0.50–$0.85 per pound depending on distance). For 1378 miles the typical rate is $0.55 per pound. Your final quote depends on actual shipment weight, packing services, and insurance valuation.
Austin vs Los Angeles: what to expect
The lifestyle changes most movers say they wished they'd known about earlier.
What you'll likely love about Austin
- No state income tax in Texas (versus California's 13.3% top rate)
- Median home price in Austin is roughly 38% lower than Los Angeles
- Tech job growth in Austin grew 4.2% in 2025, second only to Nashville
- Lower cost of living overall — groceries, gas, and utilities run 18–25% cheaper
What to plan for before moving
- Texas summers are brutal — schedule moves before May or after October if possible
- Austin housing is competitive; secure your lease or closing date before scheduling movers
- Vehicle registration in Texas requires a safety inspection within 30 days of arrival
- Property taxes in Texas are notably higher (~1.8% vs CA's 0.75%) — factor into total budget
Top movers for the Los Angeles–Austin route
United Van Lines and Allied Van Lines run weekly direct trucks on the LA-to-Austin corridor. Mid-tier carriers like Bellhop and Safeway Moving compete aggressively on this route, which is why getting 3 quotes typically saves $800–$1,500.
Get 3 quotes in 60 seconds
We pre-screen carriers for FMCSA licensing, insurance, and complaint history. You only talk to verified, route-experienced movers.
📞 Compare 3 Movers Now (833) 555-8699Los Angeles to Austin moving timeline
A realistic schedule for a 1378-mile interstate move.
6–8 weeks out
Get 3 quotes. Lock in your moving date. Start decluttering — every 100 lbs you don't move saves $55–72 on this route.
2 weeks out
Confirm pickup window. File change-of-address with USPS. Set up utilities at your Austin home. Start packing non-essentials.
Move week + delivery
Pickup in Los Angeles, then 3–7 days delivery window. TX vehicle registration is required within 30 days of arrival.
FAQ — moving from Los Angeles to Austin
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Austin?
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Austin, TX (1378 miles) typically costs $1,750–$2,450 for a 1-bedroom apartment, $3,500–$4,900 for a 2-bedroom home, and $5,250–$7,350 for a 3-bedroom home. Peak season (May–September) adds 15–25%. Get a free quote in 60 seconds.
How long does it take to move from Los Angeles to Austin?
The drive from Los Angeles to Austin is roughly 21 hours one-way. Full-service moving companies typically deliver within 3–7 days of pickup. Container services (PODS, U-Pack) typically take 5–10 days due to scheduled routing.
What is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Austin?
October through April is the cheapest time — rates drop 15–25% versus peak summer. If you need a summer move, book 6–8 weeks in advance to lock in price. Weekday pickups (Tuesday–Thursday) are typically 5–10% cheaper than weekends.
Are interstate movers on this route licensed?
Every long distance mover crossing state lines must be licensed by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and have an active USDOT number. We only refer carriers with verified FMCSA authority, current cargo insurance, and a clean complaint history on this corridor.