If you're moving from Austin to Massachusetts, you're covering about 1,943 miles and trading one very specific way of life for another. The live music scene for academic prestige. The brutal summers for actual winters. The absence of state income tax for — well — a 9% state income tax.
There's a real case for making this move. But it deserves honest preparation. Here's what it actually costs, which Austin movers have the track record to handle a haul like this, and what you should know before you arrive.
Local moving companies in Austin
Of 32 Austin movers equipped to handle interstate work, five stand out for a move to Massachusetts:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.64 / 5
- NorthStar Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- Greater Austin Moving — 4.66 / 5
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
- 3 Men Movers — 4.56 / 5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
720 Bastrop Hwy, Austin, TX 78741 | State license #007743472C | DOT #2378173 | 6 years in business
80% positive reviews | 19% negative reviews
Yelp (215 reviews) · Google (1,324 reviews) · BBB: Grade A
College Hunks earns its reputation in speed and attitude. Of 469 reviews, 80% highlight friendly crews, prompt arrivals, and final costs that often came in under estimate — rarer than it should be. They're also a practical choice if you're combining a big purge with your move, since junk removal and moving in one trip simplifies the whole operation.
The 19% negative reviews cover familiar ground: property damage, prices that didn't match the original quote, and the occasional late crew or no-show. If you book them, get the quote in writing and walk the job before the crew leaves.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Accepts credit card.
NorthStar Moving Company
2021 Guadalupe St, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705 | State license #009181943C | DOT #1836576 | 30 years in business
93% positive reviews | 7% negative reviews
Yelp (24 reviews) · Google (80 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Thirty years in business and a 93% positive rate from 43 reviews tells a consistent story. Customers point to careful handling, solid pre- and post-move communication, and crews who treat your home and furniture with real attention — the kind of reliability that's rarer than it sounds in this industry.
The caveat: a minority of reviews describe missing items, broken valuables, and a claims process that didn't go well. Not disqualifying for most moves, but worth factoring in if you're shipping anything irreplaceable. For a standard long-distance run to Massachusetts, their track record holds up.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage. Accepts cash and credit card.
Greater Austin Moving
9201 Brown Ln #180, Austin, TX 78754 | State license #006252715C | 24 years in business
95% positive reviews | 6% negative reviews
Yelp (27 reviews) · Google (83 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
A 94.5% positive rate across 110 reviews is about as clean as it gets in this space. Customers describe crews who show up prepared, communicate before and during the move, and handle furniture carefully enough that it routinely shows up as a specific compliment. Booking is reportedly smooth and responsive — which matters a lot when you're trying to coordinate a move from 2,000 miles away.
The negatives: furniture damage and pricing discrepancies, with some frustration getting follow-up on claims. The volume is small relative to total reviews, but it's real.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; crating; storage. Accepts credit card.
Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage
1800 W Howard Ln, Austin, TX 78728 | State license #007074263C | DOT #2783472 | 22 years in business
91% positive reviews | 8% negative reviews
Yelp (24 reviews) · Google (370 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
The top-rated company on this list at 4.72/5, backed by 22 years in business. Of 241 reviews, 91% call out professional crews, transparent pricing, careful furniture protection, and jobs that wrap up on time or ahead of schedule. DOD certified — worth noting if you're an active-duty or veteran family making this move.
The negatives — damaged items, occasional cost surprises, inconsistent crew experience — represent a smaller share of feedback than you'd typically see at competing companies. If you're moving specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, or antiques, they're equipped for it.
Services: Local moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; hot tubs; pool tables; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes. Accepts cash, money order, credit card. Deposit required. DOD certified.
3 Men Movers
1005 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | State license #000534796B | DOT #1914113 | 40 years in business
93% positive reviews | 7% negative reviews
Yelp (91 reviews) · Google (953 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
Forty years in business and 953 Google reviews means patterns emerge clearly. The pattern here: 92.7% positive, with customers consistently describing efficient, professional crews who communicate well, arrive on time, and get the job done without drama. Compared to competitors, reviewers frequently note they handled difficult moves — tight spaces, heavy pieces — more smoothly than expected.
The 7% negative reviews cover property damage, late arrivals, and jobs that felt rushed. A few describe broken items without adequate follow-up on claims. Do your walkthrough before the crew leaves and document anything fragile before they pack it.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing; unpacking; offices; pianos; storage; safes.
Local moving services in Austin, TX
Quick breakdown of specialty services available across Austin's moving market:
| Service | Available from |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 20 movers (62.5%) |
| Small moves | 17 movers (53.1%) |
| Antiques | 13 movers (40.6%) |
| Art | 11 movers (34.4%) |
| Pianos | 18 movers (56.3%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 movers (12.5%) |
Cost to move from Austin, TX to Massachusetts
The table below covers realistic cost ranges for this 1,943-mile route, broken down by home size and how you want to handle the logistics.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,198 – $4,580 | $1,080 – $2,565 | $1,121 – $1,953 |
| 2–3 BR | $3,239 – $6,737 | $1,848 – $3,913 | $1,201 – $2,398 |
| 4+ BR | $5,670 – $10,179 | $2,635 – $5,113 | $1,413 – $3,146 |
Estimates based on a 1,943-mile move from Austin, TX to Massachusetts. Your final cost will depend on move size, optional services, access constraints, fuel costs, and timing. Always get quotes from multiple movers before committing.
Use the moving cost calculator to get a sharper number for your specific situation before you start reaching out to companies.
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Massachusetts
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect to pay $1,198 to $4,580 with a full-service mover. A two- to three-bedroom move runs $3,239 to $6,737. A large household — four bedrooms or more — will likely land between $5,670 and $10,179.
That spread is wide, and it's real. On a long-distance move of this length, pricing varies significantly depending on whether your quote is binding or non-binding, how the mover calculates weight, and what's actually included. Get at least three estimates and ask specifically about fuel surcharges and any add-on fees. Safe Ship Moving is one national operator I've seen handle long cross-country hauls reliably — they're experienced with routes like this and tend to be upfront about what goes into the price.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Massachusetts
Moving containers are a solid middle-ground option here. You pack and load on your own schedule; the company handles transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,080 to $2,565. Two to three bedrooms: $1,848 to $3,913. Four or more bedrooms: $2,635 to $5,113.
The savings over full-service movers are meaningful, especially at the larger end. The trade-off is handling your own packing and unpacking on both ends of the move.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Massachusetts
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — but you're also driving nearly 2,000 miles yourself. For a studio or one-bedroom: $1,121 to $1,953, including estimated fuel. Two to three bedrooms: $1,201 to $2,398. Four or more bedrooms: $1,413 to $3,146.
If you've done long-haul driving before and your move is on the smaller side, the math can work. For a full household, the physical toll and two-day drive tend to outweigh the savings.
Factors influencing moving costs from Austin to MA
- Move size: More stuff means more weight, more truck space, more labor — all of which push the total up.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Texas. Expect higher rates and tighter scheduling availability from June through August.
- DIY vs. professional: Going the DIY route saves money but costs real time and effort — especially stretched across nearly 2,000 miles.
What you should know before moving from Austin to MA
The cost-of-living comparison between Austin and Massachusetts is more nuanced than a simple headline read. Where in Massachusetts you're landing matters a lot, as does whether you're renting or buying and what field you're working in.
Compare cost of living: Austin vs. Massachusetts
| Austin, TX | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,765 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $508,841 | $623,131 |
| Per capita income | $68,258 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 129 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 0% | 9.0% |
Austin sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Massachusetts sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few things worth reading carefully before you finalize the decision:
- Rent is about 10% lower in Massachusetts than Austin. Meaningful if you're renting.
- Home prices are roughly 22% higher in Massachusetts. Model out your mortgage before you commit to buying.
- Per capita income runs about 41% higher in Massachusetts. That gap does a lot of work against the other numbers.
- Overall cost of living is approximately 22% lower in Massachusetts than Austin on the index. That may surprise people who assume Greater Boston is automatically more expensive than Texas.
- State income tax: Massachusetts charges 9%; Texas charges nothing. Run the actual math on your salary before you move — it's a real reduction in take-home pay.
- Unemployment is slightly higher in Massachusetts (3.9% vs. 3.5%). Not dramatic, but worth noting if you're arriving without a job lined up.
How life is different in Austin, TX from Massachusetts
| Austin, TX | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71–26 | Democratic 61.5–36.3 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 38°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 13.92 |
Austin sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Massachusetts sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
The climate shift catches most Austin transplants off guard. Massachusetts winters are serious — 16°F lows, 47 inches of snow, roads that genuinely require winter tires. Budget for heating costs and real cold-weather gear. The upside: 82°F summer highs feel almost restrained after Austin, and you'll discover what outdoor life feels like without brutal humidity running from May through October.
The crime index difference is significant and will show up in everyday life: 13.92 in Massachusetts versus 42.91 in Austin. That's a meaningful quality-of-life shift in most neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of Austin, TX versus Massachusetts
Pros of living in Austin:
- World-class live music scene
- Barbecue culture that earns every bit of the reputation
- Relaxed, outdoor-centered lifestyle
- Abundant lakes
- Exceptional festival calendar
Pros of living in Massachusetts:
- Home to MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, and UMass Amherst — serious academic and professional networks
- Natural beauty from the Berkshires to Cape Cod
- Seafood worth moving for on its own
- Lower crime across most of the state
- Excellent recreational options year-round
- Boston and its legitimate sports championships
Comparing the cons of Austin, TX versus Massachusetts
Cons of living in Austin:
- Summers that run brutal from May through October
- Traffic that's bad and still getting worse
- High cost of living by Texas standards
- Limited mass transit options
Cons of living in Massachusetts:
- Winters that require actual preparation
- Boston-area traffic that rivals Austin on its worst days
- High home prices, especially anywhere near the city
- Harsh winter driving conditions
- Liquor laws that take some adjustment
Other considerations when moving to Massachusetts
Before the truck rolls, make sure these logistics are handled — they're the things that actually delay moves:
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your new community has any restrictions on moving hours or truck access before you schedule your crew.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, reserve it ahead of time — don't count on day-of availability.
- Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require permits for moving trucks parked on the street. Check with the city or town before your move date.
- State licensing: Moving companies operating in Massachusetts must be licensed through the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They're required to carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs. Verify your mover's license before signing anything.
- State regulator: You can confirm a Massachusetts moving license at any time through the state's official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but verify local parking rules for your specific destination.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail starts forwarding properly.
- Moving insurance: Massachusetts movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, but coverage is only 60 cents per pound per item — minimal if anything valuable gets damaged. Ask your mover about full-value coverage, or look into third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized through the full process. It's especially useful when you're coordinating across nearly 2,000 miles.
Things to do in Massachusetts
Once you're settled, Massachusetts has far more to offer than Boston proper.
Museums:
- Museum of Fine Arts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Plimoth Patuxent
- New Bedford Whaling Museum
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks:
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams:
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Austin to Massachusetts take?
Plan for five to sixteen days, depending on the service you choose, load size, and time of year. Summer moves tend to run toward the longer end of that window. Confirm your delivery window in writing with your mover before the truck leaves Austin — don't let this be a verbal understanding.
How many Austin movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
Sixteen Austin movers offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, electronics, and other specialty items. If that's a priority, verify the mover's specific capability before you book — crating services vary considerably in quality.
What is the best way to get a car from Austin to Massachusetts?
Auto transport is the right call for a move this long. Look for FMCSA-registered carriers with verifiable reviews. Our car shipping guide covers the top options and what to watch for when vetting a carrier.
Why are people moving from Austin to Massachusetts?
Education and career are the most common reasons. Massachusetts has a concentration of universities, research institutions, and technology employers that's hard to replicate. Some people are also trading Austin's heat and traffic for cooler summers, lower crime, and denser urban infrastructure. At mid-to-senior career levels, the income premium in Massachusetts tends to offset most of the state income tax difference.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Austin?
The five companies profiled above are solid starting points for this route. For national operators who specialize in moves of this distance, our best long-distance movers guide covers the top picks with notes on what each does well.
Do movers in Austin, TX, accept cash?
Four Austin movers accept cash, but it's not the standard. Most prefer traceable payment. You'll typically pay a deposit to lock in your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover before signing anything.
Get quotes from multiple Austin movers before booking — on a route this long, pricing varies enough that comparison shopping is worth the time.