Best Houston to Sacramento Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightTexasChevron RightHoustonChevron RightHouston to Sacramento

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Houston to Sacramento and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,921 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Houston to Sacramento 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 Rickey's Gold Country Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Houston compared to Sacramento. 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.

Best Houston to Sacramento Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Houston to Sacramento Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Rickey's Gold Country Moving9.218.91Authorized For HHGContact
2Pinpoint Movers8.769.23Authorized For HHGContact
3Right Rate Movers of Houston8.678.59ActiveContact
4Go Movers8.509.1Authorized For HHGContact
5Workhorse Moving Co.8.468.69Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Houston to Sacramento

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,921 miles from Houston, TX to Sacramento, CA will cost on average $3,415 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Houston to Sacramento move is roughly $8,237. 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$2,292300 ft³7.64
1 Bedroom$3,415450 ft³7.59
2 Bedrooms$5,654750 ft³7.54
3 Bedrooms$8,2371100 ft³7.49
4 Bedrooms$11,9021600 ft³7.44
5+ Bedrooms$13,2991800 ft³7.39
*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.
Texas iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Sacramento to Houston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Houston to Sacramento Movers

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

Rickey's Gold Country Moving Logo

Rickey's Gold Country Moving

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 375+ data points

15887 Rattlesnake Rd

Grass Valley, CA, 95945

About Rickey's Gold Country Moving

Rickey's Gold Country Moving is a moving company based in Grass Valley, CA. They have received positive customer reviews for their...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3065202 / 1398360

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
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
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
Workhorse Moving Co. Logo

Workhorse Moving Co.

Fabulous8.46/10
based on 297+ data points

West Sacramento, CA, 95691

About Workhorse Moving Co.

Workhorse Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company in Calaveras County that has been serving the Gold Country since...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3369346 / 1080028

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved10 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Sacramento Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that bridges the gap by comparing local neighborhoods between Houston, TX & Sacramento, CA . This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with Sacramento by using Houston neighborhoods as a baseline, making the unknown a little more known.

HoustonSacramentoHow They're Similar
The HeightsMidtown SacramentoDiverse, vibrant arts and dining scene
MontroseEast SacramentoHistoric homes, eclectic vibes
River OaksLand ParkUpscale, with lush parks and gardens
Museum DistrictDowntown SacramentoRich with museums and cultural spots
West UniversityElmhurstAcademic, close to higher education institutions
Eado (East Downtown)R Street CorridorTrendy, with a mix of modern and industrial
Galleria/UptownPavilionsShopping and luxury living
Midtown HoustonOld SacramentoHistoric with vibrant nightlife
Garden Oaks/Oak ForestCurtis ParkQuiet, family-friendly with green spaces
Clear LakeNatomas ParkFamily-oriented with access to waterways

By dwelling deeper into the neighborhoods, the unique charm of each becomes apparent. For instance, Midtown Sacramento not only rivals The Heights in Houston with its diverse and vibrant arts scene but also offers a haven for foodies and art lovers alike. Meanwhile, the historic charm of East Sacramento echoes Montrose's eclectic and cultured vibe, boasting a rich array of historic homes and lush gardens. If the luxurious and serene atmosphere of River Oaks appeals to you, then Land Park's upscale neighborhoods adorned with sweeping landscapes and historic estates will surely catch your fancy. Each neighborhood, from the industrious R Street Corridor aligning with Eado's innovative spirit to the lush, family-friendly ambiance of Curtis Park reminiscent of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, offers its unique flavor, mirroring the lifestyle you cherished back in Houston.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Houston to Sacramento

Moving from Houston, TX to Sacramento, CA comes with its fair share of adjustments. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, giving you a holistic view of what to expect. By contrasting the cons of Houston with the pros of Sacramento, and vice versa, you'll gain insight into the quality of life changes in both cities.

CONs
PROs
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Flat landscape
  • Frequent flooding
  • Longer commutes
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Proximity to mountains
  • Lower flood risk
  • Compact city layout
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Competitive job market
  • Expensive housing
  • Less diverse
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Diverse food scene
  • Strong job market
  • Affordable housing
  • Cultural diversity

Moving from Houston to Sacramento introduces you to a range of climate and landscape benefits, such as enjoying the milder climate of Sacramento, which is ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The proximity to mountains and various hiking trails, like those in Auburn State Recreation Area, offers a scenic escape not found in Houston's flat landscape. Additionally, Sacramento's compact city layout, exemplified in neighborhoods like Midtown, reduces commute times, allowing more time to explore local parks and restaurants, such as the popular Paragary's in Midtown. However, adjusting to the higher cost of living, including the housing market in sought-after areas like East Sacramento, may require careful financial planning. Embrace the change knowing these unique qualities of Sacramento, balancing the pros and cons, to make the most of your new home.

Houston vs. Sacramento Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Houston & Sacramento, aiming to enrich your understanding of the food scene in your new city. Food deeply influences the local culture and daily life, and through this comparison, you can anticipate the culinary delights that await you.

HoustonSacramento
Most iconic local food itemTex-MexFarm-to-fork dishes
Most popular meat dishBrisketGrass-fed beef
Most popular street food itemTacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan Tex-MexVegan Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Underbelly
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • Hugo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Houston, the culinary scene is heavily influenced by its Tex-Mex tradition, with dishes like brisket and tacos reigning supreme. Neighborhoods such as Montrose and The Heights are bustling with food venues that showcase the city’s rich culinary diversity. On the other hand, Sacramento takes pride in its farm-to-fork initiative, boasting a selection of restaurants that serve dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Midtown, for instance, is a beacon for foodies, hosting an array of eateries from selland’s Market-Café to creative ventures like Localis that are pioneering the city’s food scene. Both cities offer a vibrant and unique food experience tailored to a variety of palates and preferences.

Houston vs. Sacramento Restaurant Comparison

Finding your next favorite eatery in a new city can be daunting. This guide utilizes your Houston favorites to discover comparable restaurants in Sacramento, making the transition feel like home . Whether you're into high-end dining, casual bites, foodie havens, or affordable eats, we've got you covered.

HoustonSacramentoWhat You'll Love
UchiMikuniJapanese sushi with a creative flair
Truth BBQUrban Roots Brewery & SmokehouseAuthentic BBQ with a craft beer twist
Hugo'sZócaloTraditional Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere
The Breakfast KlubBacon & ButterLocally sourced, hearty breakfasts
Pappadeaux Seafood KitchenScott's Seafood on the RiverFresh, upscale seafood dining
Ninfa's on NavigationLa Trattoria BohemiaBig flavors in Mexican and Italian fusion
Pho BinhPho Bac Hoa VietRich, authentic Vietnamese pho
UnderbellyLocalisInnovative farm-to-table dining
Katz's DeliSolomon's DelicatessenJewish deli with a modern twist
Tony'sThe Kitchen RestaurantA high-end dining experience emphasizing local ingredients

Exploring Sacramento's dining scene can reveal delightful parallels to Houston's own culinary treasures. For instance, if Uchi was your go-to for sushi in Houston, Mikuni in Sacramento is poised to become your new favorite with its inventive take on Japanese cuisine. Similarly, barbecue enthusiasts who swear by Truth BBQ's smoky flavors will find a comforting match in Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, where the blend of succulent BBQ and craft beers creates a memorable dining experience. On the quest for cozy breakfast spots? Bacon & Butter in Sacramento evokes the heartwarming, community-focused vibe of The Breakfast Klub, with its commitment to local sourcing and scratch-made dishes. These comparisons are just a taste of how seamlessly your foodie map can transition from Houston to Sacramento, making the move an exciting culinary adventure.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Houston vs. Sacramento Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding how real estate factors stack up between your current city and your future home is crucial. Comparing Houston, TX, and Sacramento, CA , will highlight differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle offerings to make your transition smoother.

ComparisonHoustonSacramento
Typical Architecture StyleRanchVictorian and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, swimming poolsHistoric charm, proximity to parks

While the median home price and rent in Sacramento are significantly higher than in Houston, the architectural styles and lifestyle in Sacramento offer a unique charm. Sacramento's embrace of Victorian and Craftsman homes provides a different aesthetic compared to Houston's prevalent Ranch-style homes. Additionally, Sacramento slightly edges out Houston in terms of walkability and bikeability, reflecting its compact, urban layout that encourages outdoor activities and a strong sense of community. With its historic charm and closeness to nature, Sacramento is appealing for those who value a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles. For potential homeowners, Sacramento's real estate listings often highlight historic details and access to parks, contrasting with Houston's emphasis on spacious yards and swimming pools.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA

1. Midtown : This area's abundant dog parks, such as Truitt Bark Park, and pet-friendly patios make it a haven for pet owners.

2. East Sacramento : Known for its picturesque streets and close proximity to the spacious McKinley Park, it's perfect for long walks with your furry friend.

3. Land Park : With its expansive green spaces like William Land Park, it's ideal for pets that love outdoor activities and living close to nature.

Houston vs. Sacramento Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another brings many changes, with weather being one of the most impactful. Understanding how the weather in Houston compares to Sacramento can help you prepare for what's ahead. This comparison will shed light on everything from temperature differences to natural disaster frequencies to ensure you know what to expect.

Summer icon
94/75

Houston, TX

91/58

Sacramento, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62/43

Houston, TX

54/39

Sacramento, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50

Houston, TX

18

Sacramento, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Houston, TX

0

Sacramento, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonHoustonSacramento
Air QualityPoorModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Flash floodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Houston and Sacramento both offer a sunny disposition, there are significant differences to note. Houston's higher humidity and propensity for hurricanes and flash floods contrast sharply with Sacramento's wildfire and earthquake risks. Sacramento boasts more sunny days annually but with significantly less rainfall, which influences the region's natural flora, air quality, and water usage practices. Additionally, the cooler and drier climate of Sacramento may be a welcome change for those moving from Houston's hot and humid environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, comparing Houston to Sacramento in terms of financial aspects is crucial. This comparison gives you insight into how the cost of living, taxes, and average income will affect your pocketbook, allowing you to budget accordingly.

ComparisonHoustonSacramento
Avg. Household Income$55,499$75,311
Cost of Living Index92.2116.2
State Income Tax0%Up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax1.93%0.76%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%8.75%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Aerospace, HealthcareGovernment, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerately AffluentVaried
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

Moving from Houston to Sacramento, you'll face a higher cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and daily expenses, which are represented in the cost of living index. While Houston offers a higher property tax, it compensates with no state income tax, a significant difference compared to California's steep progressive tax. The average household income in both cities is roughly comparable, but Sacramento's economy is heavily influenced by state government jobs, education, and healthcare, contrasting with Houston's energy, aerospace, and healthcare industries. These economic differences reflect broader social and demographic characteristics, influencing affluence, poverty, and homelessness rates in both cities.

Houston vs. Sacramento Political & Religious Comparison

In making the move from Houston, TX to Sacramento, CA, it's useful to have a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the key differences in the communities you are transitioning between. This includes a comparison of the politics between Houston & Sacramento , as well as a look at the religious landscape in both cities, providing a brief overview of what to expect from your new neighbors.

HoustonSacramento
Political Make-upLean LiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDiverse, with close electionsProgressive leadership
ReligionChristianity predominant, but religiously diverseChristianity predominant, with significant non-religious population

Though both Houston and Sacramento lean liberal, Sacramento holds a reputation for being more uniformly progressive, which is reflected in its local government and social policies. The political atmosphere in Houston is notably diverse, causing some elections to be closely contested. This diversity extends to religious beliefs as well, with a significant portion of the population practicing Christianity, among other religions. Sacramento, while also predominantly Christian, boasts a considerable number of residents who identify as non-religious, mirroring the city's liberal ethos. Whether your priorities lie in the realm of politics, religion, or social values, understanding these dynamics can help you adjust to your new surroundings more smoothly.

Houston vs. Sacramento Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Houston, TX, to Sacramento, CA, brings about changes in your daily commute and traffic experiences. To help you better understand what this means, this guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Houston & Sacramento . Knowing the differences can greatly affect your decision-making, especially if commuting is a significant part of your day.

ComparisonHoustonSacramento
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2725
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?DifficultChallenging, but easier than Houston

Considering the average commute times in Houston and Sacramento, you'll find both cities reasonably manageable, with Sacramento having a slight edge. However, traffic congestion is notably different, with Houston experiencing higher levels of traffic compared to Sacramento. This difference might make commuting in Sacramento feel less stressful. When it comes to public transit, Sacramento offers slightly better options, reflecting a more convenient experience for those relying on public transportation. Although living without a car is challenging in both cities, Sacramento's infrastructure and public transit services might make it somewhat more feasible compared to Houston. Understanding these nuances can help you better plan your daily commute in your new city.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Houston to Sacramento Movers Featured Image