Moving from LA to Austin? Compare top-rated movers, get real pricing for your move size, and learn cost of living differences between the cities.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
Moving 1,376 miles from Los Angeles to Austin is no small feat—and you'll want movers who know that route cold. I reviewed the highest-rated long-distance movers operating out of California with serious experience on this specific corridor. Here's who stands out.
4.6 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB Grade A+
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071
88% positive reviews | 12% negative
Seka earns consistent praise for careful handling, professional crews, and moves that stay on schedule. Clients repeatedly mention quick turnarounds and damage-free delivery. The outfit handles everything from standard household goods to high-value items like pianos and antiques—which matters on a longer haul.
The friction points are real: some customers report damaged items and slow claims resolution when problems do occur. That said, when you're moving across two states, having movers who prioritize your belongings the way Seka does pays dividends.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano/antique transport, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
Contact: (323) 483-4288
License: 0192497 | DOT: 3014539
4.6 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB Grade A+
4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023
80% positive reviews | 20% negative
Out of 560+ reviews, 80% land solidly positive—which is above average for the industry. Customers value Rigo's speed, respectful treatment of belongings, and efficient loading/unloading. Communication tends to be good, and crews work lean and fast.
The downside: some people report furniture damage, late arrivals, or surprise fees. A handful mention being charged for hours not worked. Before you book, nail down the details on extra charges and get everything in writing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano and antique transport, crating, storage
Contact: (323) 519-2845
License: 0191663 | DOT: 3075110
4.7 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB Grade A+
6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
85% positive reviews | 14% negative
Sterling earns the highest rating on this list, and for good reason. Clients consistently note polite crews, safe arrival of possessions, and competitive rates. The company's been around 33 years—they've learned how to move people efficiently.
The tradeoff: missed delivery windows and occasional delays happen. A few customers report missing items or slow claim handling. For a 1,376-mile move, you're trading some time certainty for reliability elsewhere.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano/hot tub/safe transport, full-valuation coverage, storage
Contact: (866) 266-8751
License: 0189566 | DOT: 568254
4.5 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB Grade A+
633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
92% positive reviews | 6% negative
NorthStar has the highest positive-review percentage here, with over 1,200 customer reviews. People love the professionalism, responsiveness, and careful handling. Crews show up on time, communicate well, and treat your stuff like it matters. Rates are fair, especially compared to companies that charge premium prices for similar work.
The catch: some customers hit unexpected charges or experience discrepancies between estimate and final bill. A small number report damaged items or slow resolution. Read the contract carefully and confirm what's covered.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; piano/art transport; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage
Contact: (213) 622-7767
License: 0182466 | DOT: 1836576
4.5 / 5 | Google | BBB Grade A+
2466 E 16th St Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90021
71% positive reviews | 29% negative
Best Fit rounds out the list with solid performance, though the positive-review share is lower. Customers who had smooth moves praise the efficiency and careful handling. But the 29% negative rate signals more inconsistency—furniture damage and billing disputes pop up more often here than with the others above.
If you go with Best Fit, get everything detailed upfront and photograph your belongings before loading.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; piano/antique/safe transport; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage
Contact: (323) 827-8950
License: 0191680 | DOT: 3051481
Real talk: this is a 1,376-mile move, and price depends heavily on what you're moving and how.
Use our calculator to get a ballpark number, but here's what the market looks like:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,176–$4,824 | $875–$2,168 | $807–$1,560 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,662–$6,308 | $1,694–$3,159 | $882–$1,856 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,547–$9,096 | $2,234–$4,511 | $1,132–$2,355 |
These estimates reflect a 1,376-mile move from Los Angeles to Austin. Actual costs vary based on inventory size, add-on services, fuel surcharges, time of year, and local market rates. Request multiple quotes for the most accurate pricing.
Here's why people make this move: Austin costs significantly less to live in.
| Category | Los Angeles | Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $2,208 | 15% cheaper in Austin |
| 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $3,827 | 14% cheaper in Austin |
| Median home value | $2,368,088 | $508,841 | 79% cheaper in Austin |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,345 | 43% cheaper in Austin |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,720 | $7,815 | 39% cheaper in Austin |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.25% | — |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0% | Texas has no income tax |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.5% | Austin's job market is stronger |
| Item | Los Angeles | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food meal | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $62.38 |
If you're relocating for financial breathing room, Austin delivers.
Beyond the spreadsheet, here's how the cities actually compare:
| Factor | Los Angeles | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 974,447 |
| Public transit score | 8.5 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Walkability | 69 / 100 | 42 / 100 |
| Bike-friendly | 59 / 100 | 54 / 100 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
What this means:
Moving across state lines means paperwork. Here's what you need to know:
In-state movers operating in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV). Verify the company has a valid 10-digit TXDMV number before booking. Check the Texas Public Utilities Commission for official license verification.
Texas requires movers to provide Released Value Protection at minimum (60 cents per pound). For full replacement coverage, ask about Full Value Protection—there's usually an extra fee. Consider comparing third-party insurance if your items are valuable.
File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. Go to usps.com and set your official move date so mail forwards correctly.
Some movers require deposits upfront. Confirm the amount, what it covers, and refund terms before paying.
Thinking about where to land in Austin? Here are solid neighborhoods depending on your lifestyle.
Once you've settled in, Austin has plenty to offer:
Arts & Culture: Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, live music venues on Sixth Street and Rainey Street.
Outdoor Recreation: Zilker Park, Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Sculpture Falls, Lady Bird Lake trail (great for running/cycling).
Sports: Austin FC (MLS), Austin Spurs (NBA G League), Texas Stars (AHL), Round Rock Express (minor league baseball).
Dining & Nightlife: Food trucks on every corner, Tex-Mex that puts LA to shame, craft breweries, rooftop bars with live music.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer pleasant weather and moderate moving costs. Summer is peak season—expect higher prices and booked-up movers.
Winter (December–February) is slowest. Movers often discount rates to fill their schedules. The trade-off is colder, less predictable weather.
The 1,376-mile journey typically takes 3–8 days depending on the mover's schedule and route. Some long-distance movers offer expedited services if you're in a rush. If you need extra time, ask about moving containers with flexible drop-off windows.
Yes. Common discounts include:
Verify details directly with each mover—offers vary.
Not all movers will touch high-value items. In Los Angeles, 82 movers handle pianos; 71 are equipped for antiques. Texas has fewer specialists, so book early if you need these services. Always ask about packing methods and insurance for fragile/specialty items.
Moving Cost Calculator — Get an instant estimate for your move
Moving Checklist — Stay organized before moving day
How to Choose a Mover — Vet movers like a pro
Best Long-Distance Movers — Compare top-rated interstate movers
Cheap Movers — Find affordable options if budget is tight
Ready to move from Los Angeles to Austin? Get quotes from the movers above, use our calculator to confirm costs, and book 6–8 weeks ahead if you're moving in spring or summer. The earlier you book, the better rates and availability you'll have.
