Best Houston to Fresno Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Houston to Fresno and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,780 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 Houston to Fresno moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pinpoint Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Houston compared to Fresno. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Houston to Fresno Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pinpoint Movers8.769.23Authorized For HHGContact
2All In A Day Moving Services8.758.7Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Right Rate Movers of Houston8.678.59ActiveContact
4Go Movers8.509.1Authorized For HHGContact
5Pete's Moving Services LLC8.438.56Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Houston to Fresno

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,780 miles from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA will cost on average $3,295 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Houston to Fresno move is roughly $7,944. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,212300 ft³7.37
1 Bedroom$3,295450 ft³7.32
2 Bedrooms$5,454750 ft³7.27
3 Bedrooms$7,9441100 ft³7.22
4 Bedrooms$11,4751600 ft³7.17
5+ Bedrooms$12,8201800 ft³7.12
*Please note: These Texas to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TX to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fresno to Houston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Houston to Fresno Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.76/10
based on 2,347+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
All In A Day Moving Services Logo

All In A Day Moving Services

Superb
claimed company icon
8.75/10
based on 914+ data points

1022 W 18th St #4

Merced, CA, 85340

About All In A Day Moving Services

All In A Day Moving Services promises to give you the smoothest and most stress-free moving experience. It’s a local moving...

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving
  • Piano moving
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3861667 / 1410881

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.67/10
based on 3,973+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
G

Go Movers

Fabulous8.50/10
based on 401+ data points

Missouri City, TX

About Go Movers

Go Movers has been serving as Houston, TX's trusted relocation experts for the past 10 years. They provide both local and...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Nationwide moves
  • Cheap moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3790949 / 1365663

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Pete's Moving Services LLC Logo

Pete's Moving Services LLC

Fabulous8.43/10
based on 2,685+ data points

4807 Greenleaf Ct suite a

Modesto, CA, 95356

About Pete's Moving Services LLC

Founded in 2017, Pete's Moving Services LLC is a comprehensive door-to-door moving company specializing in residential, office, and commercial relocations in...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3314910 / 1177987

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2020)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Houston vs. Fresno Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet challenging adventure, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've designed a guide that highlights the comparison of local neighborhoods between Houston, TX & Fresno, CA . By drawing parallels between the neighborhoods you know and love and those in your future city, we hope to help you find your perfect new community.

HoustonFresnoHow They're Similar
The HeightsTower DistrictRich history, vibrant arts scene
MontroseFresno High RoedingDiverse, with a strong sense of community
River OaksOld Fig GardenUpscale, with historic homes
MidtownDowntown FresnoUrban living, cultural hotspots
West UniversitySunnysideQuiet, family-friendly, good schools
Galleria-UptownNorth FresnoShopping and dining paradise
EaDo (East Downtown)Tower DistrictNightlife and artsy vibe
Clear LakeWoodward ParkNature and outdoor activities
CypressClovisFamily-oriented, great amenities
Rice MilitaryMural DistrictEdgy, with a thriving arts scene

For those drawn to the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant nightlife of Houston's Montrose, Fresno High Roeding offers a similar diverse atmosphere and a tight-knit community feel, where local events at Fresno High School often bring residents together. If you're moving from the upscale River Oaks with its majestic homes and beautifully landscaped streets, Old Fig Garden in Fresno mirrors this elegance and exclusivity, boasting historic homes nestled among mature trees. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts relocating from Clear Lake will find Fresno's Woodward Park a delightful substitute, offering expansive green spaces, walking trails, and the Shinzen Friendship Garden, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and families alike.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Houston to Fresno

Moving from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA involves weighing different factors to make an informed decision. This comparison will provide an honest reflection of the relocation's advantages and disadvantages, serving as a guide to help you transition smoothly.

CONs
PROs
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • High humidity
  • Frequent flooding
  • Flat landscape
  • Longer commutes
  • Limited outdoor activities
Fresno, CA iconFresno, CA
  • Lower humidity
  • Less natural disasters
  • More diverse topography
  • Shorter commutes
  • Proximity to national parks
Fresno, CA iconFresno, CA
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer job sectors
  • Lesser known restaurants
  • Smaller economy
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Diverse cultural scene
  • Lower cost of living
  • Better job opportunities
  • Vibrant food scene
  • Strong economy

Despite the challenges associated with moving from Houston to Fresno, such as adjusting to a smaller cultural scene and navigating the local job market, the relocation can offer unique opportunities. In Fresno, you'll find yourself closer to breathtaking natural wonders like Yosemite National Park, a boon for outdoor enthusiasts. Fresno's Tower District is famed for its lively atmosphere, offering quaint shops, diverse restaurants like La Casita Restaurant, and cultural venues. While Houston boasts a dynamic cultural and economic environment, Fresno provides a closer-knit community feel, shorter commutes, and a gateway to outdoor adventures that could enrich your lifestyle significantly.

Houston vs. Fresno Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Houston & Fresno, highlighting the importance of food in understanding local culture and lifestyle. By examining culinary differences, you can gain insight into what your new city has to offer in terms of dining experiences and flavors.

HoustonFresno
Most iconic local food itemTexas BBQ BrisketTri-tip Steak
Most popular meat dishFajitasGrilled Chicken
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
  • Uchi Houston
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move from Houston to Fresno, you'll find that each city has its unique culinary identity. In Houston, the Tex-Mex cuisine and the famous Texas BBQ, especially brisket, are culinary staples found in neighborhoods like The Heights and Montrose. Houston's vibrant food scene is evident in its numerous food trucks and iconic restaurants like Killen's Barbecue. On the other hand, Fresno offers a fresher, farm-to-table approach given its proximity to some of California's richest agricultural lands. Fresno shines with dishes like the tri-tip steak and a strong vegan scene, and places like The Annex Kitchen reflect the city's diverse and expanding food culture. Both cities value health and fitness, with Fresno slightly leading, possibly due to its closer connection to fresh, local produce.

Houston vs. Fresno Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to dine. This guide serves as your culinary compass, effortlessly navigating from Houston's top eateries to Fresno's culinary gems , helping you find new favorites that remind you of home. Through this comparison, dive into the diverse restaurant scenes of both cities.

HoustonFresnoWhat You'll Love
Pappadeaux Seafood KitchenThe Lime LiteClassic upscale dining with a focus on seafood delicacies.
The Breakfast KlubBatter Up PancakesOffers hearty, home-style breakfasts that comfort and satisfy.
UchiKoJa KitchenInventive Asian fusion dining, providing a culinary experience akin to Uchi's creativity with sushi.
Killen's BBQMike's GrillLocal BBQ favorite, serving up tender, smoky, and succulent meats.
Hugo'sEl ToritoAuthentic Mexican cuisine that pays homage to traditional flavors and dishes similar to Hugo's.
XochiLa EleganteA taqueria offering a dive into regional Mexican dishes, capturing Xochi's essence.
Niko Niko'sGeorge's Shish KebabDelivers a taste of Mediterranean flair, paralleling Niko Niko's Greek specialties.
Phoenicia Specialty FoodsSam's DeliGreat for international groceries and deli items, echoing Phoenicia's diverse offering.
The Original Ninfa's on NavigationSal's Mexican Restaurant & BarFamous for its fajitas and vibrant atmosphere, akin to Ninfa's legendary status.
UnderbellyThe Annex KitchenContemporary dining with an emphasis on farm-to-table ingredients, resonating with Underbelly's philosophy.

While the gastronomic landscape of Houston offers a rich tapestry of flavors, Fresno emerges as a culinary contender with establishments like The Lime Lite and KoJa Kitchen, which offer comparable dining experiences to those in Houston. Whether you're reminiscing over the smoky delights of Killen's BBQ or the creative sushi plates at Uchi, Fresno's equivalents like Mike's Grill and KoJa Kitchen stand ready to satisfy your cravings with their own local flair. Moreover, embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, The Annex Kitchen echoes Underbelly’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every meal is both a discovery and a reminder of the tastes you've grown to love.

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Ready to start your move?

Houston vs. Fresno Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide aims to highlight the differences in housing between Houston, TX , and Fresno, CA , to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonHoustonFresno
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Ranch-styleSpanish Revival and Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, poolsEnergy efficiency, updated kitchens

In both Houston and Fresno, housing factors like price, style, and amenities significantly influence one's living experience. Houston homes often feature spacious yards and pools, reflecting the city's preference for outdoor living and entertainment. The architecture leans towards modern and ranch styles, offering a blend of contemporary and traditional designs. Fresno, on the other hand, tends to favor Spanish Revival and bungalow-style homes, with a focus on energy efficiency and modernized kitchens in real estate listings. These differences not only provide insight into the local lifestyle and priorities but also help you envision your life in a new city.

Houston vs. Fresno Weather Considerations

When preparing to move from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the differences in weather you'll experience. Understanding these distinctions will help you adjust better to your new environment, affecting everything from your wardrobe selections to your outdoor activity preferences. The following chart aims to provide a clear comparison of the weather-related aspects of these two cities.

Summer icon
94/75

Houston, TX

97/66

Fresno, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65/45

Houston, TX

55/38

Fresno, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50"

Houston, TX

11.5"

Fresno, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Houston, TX

0

Fresno, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonHoustonFresno
Air QualityModerateUnhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodingWildfires, Droughts
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Houston to Fresno, you'll notice a significant increase in days of sunshine, which averages at 271 days in Fresno compared to 204 days in Houston. However, Fresno experiences a higher average annual UV index, suggesting a need for more rigorous sun protection. The air quality in Fresno is more likely to affect sensitive groups due to factors like dust and pollen, highlighting the importance of being prepared for potential respiratory irritants. Lastly, while Houston deals with high humidity and potential flooding, your concerns in Fresno will shift more towards drought and wildfire preparedness.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Houston to Fresno

When considering a move from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA, evaluating your financial adjustments is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the economic differences you'll encounter, from income levels to taxation and living costs. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision and prepare for your new life.

ComparisonHoustonFresno
Avg. Household Income$55,499$61,250
Cost of Living Index92.2117.3
State Income Tax0%1% - 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax2.06%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%7.25%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Manufacturing, AeronauticsAgriculture, Health Care, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHigherModerate
HomelessnessSignificantSignificant

Moving from Houston, TX, to Fresno, CA, introduces a notable change in financial landscape, especially in terms of income and taxes. You'll find that while the average household income is lower in Fresno, this is coupled with a higher cost of living index. However, a tiered state income tax in California affects individuals differently, based on their income bracket. Property taxes are markedly lower in Fresno compared to Houston, potentially offsetting some of the higher living costs. Both cities face significant homelessness challenges, underlying the importance of understanding and contributing to community support systems in your new locale.

Houston vs. Fresno Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA, it's valuable to understand how the communities differ, especially in terms of their political and religious landscapes . This quick comparison aims to provide a snapshot of the politics between Houston & Fresno as well as the religious makeup of their populations, offering insight into the cultural ambiance you'll be transitioning into.

HoustonFresno
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsDemocratic Mayoral LeadershipDemocratic Mayoral Leadership
ReligionDiverse; strong Evangelical presenceReligiously diverse; significant Catholic community

While both cities lean Democratic in their political affiliations, the nuances of local politics and how they impact daily life could vary. Houston and Fresno share a trend toward Democratic mayoral leadership, indicating similarly structured local governmental priorities and policies. The religious landscapes of Houston and Fresno, though both diverse, highlight distinctive dominant presences—with Houston having a strong Evangelical presence amidst its diversity, and Fresno showcasing a significant Catholic community within its religious mix. Understanding these subtleties can help you anticipate the community dynamics and cultural conversations you'll likely encounter as you make your new home in Fresno.

Houston vs. Fresno Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Houston, TX to Fresno, CA requires a strategic understanding of how daily commutes and traffic vary between these cities. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Houston & Fresno is designed to help you navigate your new city with ease.

ComparisonHoustonFresno
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2722
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingVery challenging

In Houston, the robust network of freeways and tollways can mean bumper-to-bumper traffic, reflected in a higher traffic congestion rating compared to Fresno. Despite the challenges, Houston offers diverse public transportation options through METRO, with buses and light rail services making some parts of the city accessible without a car. Fresno, with fewer public transit options and a lower congestion level, relies heavily on personal vehicles for commuting. The relatively shorter average commute time in Fresno does provide some solace, but the lesser availability of public transit options makes owning a car almost a necessity for residents.

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