Local moving cost in Dallas, Houston and Phoenix (2026)
Local moving cost in Dallas, Houston and Phoenix for 2026: typical hourly rates and totals by home size, what adds to the bill, and how to check a mover.
Updated 2 min read
Your local moving cost depends on how long the crew works, how many movers you need and how easy the homes are to load. Here are the hourly rates and totals published for Dallas, Houston and Phoenix in 2026, and how to check a mover before you book.
Typical hourly rates
| City | Published hourly rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Dallas | about $60 (FreightWaves) to $84 for two movers (moveBuddha) |
| Houston | about $75 (FreightWaves) |
| Phoenix | about $85, plus a base fee of about $140 (FreightWaves) |
Some companies quote per mover and others for the whole crew and truck, so ask which before comparing.
Typical totals for a move across town
FreightWaves estimates these ranges, from a studio to a large home:
| City | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| Dallas | about $259 to $1,932 |
| Houston | about $287 to $2,572 |
| Phoenix | about $264 to $2,777 |
These are estimates, not quotes. A two-bedroom home usually lands in the lower half; large houses with lots of furniture, stairs or long carries in the upper half.
What adds to the price
- Crew size and hours: most local moves are billed by the hour, often with a minimum.
- Packing and materials: boxes, wrapping and packing labour are usually extra.
- Stairs and long carries: no elevator, or a long walk to the truck.
- Heavy or special items: pianos, safes, gun safes and large appliances.
- Peak dates: summer, weekends and the end of the month cost more and book up first.
How to check a mover
- In Texas, movers must be licensed by the TxDMV and hold a USDOT number. Look the company up in TxDMV's Truck Stop database; both numbers should be on the truck, and you should get a written proposal before anything is loaded.
- Across state lines, movers must be registered with the FMCSA. Check the USDOT number with FMCSA's mover search.
- Get written quotes that list hours, crew size, materials and any fees.
Get up to 3 moving quotes
Describe your move once and up to 3 vetted movers who cover your area contact you with quotes. Start on our movers page, or with movers in Dallas, Houston or Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
How much do local movers charge per hour?
Published 2026 figures put local movers at about $60 to $84 an hour in Dallas, about $75 an hour in Houston and about $85 an hour in Phoenix, where a base fee of about $140 may also apply. Rates depend on crew size, so check whether a quote is per mover or for the whole crew.
How much does a local move cost in total?
FreightWaves estimates totals of about $259 to $1,932 in Dallas, $287 to $2,572 in Houston and $264 to $2,777 in Phoenix, from a studio to a large home. Packing, stairs, long carries and peak dates push the price up.
How do I check a mover in Texas?
Texas movers must be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and hold a USDOT number. Look the company up in TxDMV's Truck Stop database, and expect both numbers on the truck and a written proposal before loading.
What if I'm moving to another state?
Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check the company's USDOT number with FMCSA's mover search before you book.
Sources
- FreightWaves: cost of movers in Dallas
- FreightWaves: cost of movers in Houston
- FreightWaves: cost of movers in Phoenix
- moveBuddha: how much Dallas movers cost
- TxDMV: don't make a move without us
- FMCSA: search for a registered mover
Facts checked against these sources on October 20, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.