Moving from El Paso to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from El Paso to McAllen costs between $635 to $9,893 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 791-mile route within Texas take 2 to 7 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from El Paso to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from El Paso to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in El Paso to driving and unloading in McAllen, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 791 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,832 - $6,795 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,681 - $3,371 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $722 - $1,524 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $95/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from El Paso to McAllen?
It costs between $635 to $9,893 to move from El Paso to McAllen. The prices below break down your 791-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $2,114 - $9,893
- Moving containers: $1,296 - $4,353
- Rental trucks: $635 - $1,777
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,114 - $5,000 | $1,296 - $2,431 | $635 - $1,209 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,832 - $6,795 | $1,681 - $3,371 | $722 - $1,524 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,702 - $9,893 | $2,122 - $4,353 | $895 - $1,777 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $246 - $2,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $95/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $65/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $164 - $656 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $41 - $164 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from El Paso to McAllen
At 791 miles, your El Paso to McAllen move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from El Paso to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 791 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
All My Sons Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from El Paso to McAllen. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 75.2% of their 278 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to El Paso guide.
Considerations when moving from El Paso to McAllen
Cost of living: El Paso vs. McAllen
When comparing the cost of living between El Paso and McAllen, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in McAllen stacks up against El Paso.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| El Paso | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,510 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $172,129 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,734 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,833 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,360 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in McAllen is about 11% cheaper than in El Paso, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Since home prices in McAllen and El Paso are pretty similar, your housing costs should stay about the same, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- You’ll find that income levels in El Paso and McAllen are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Cost of living for one person in McAllen is 21% lower than in El Paso. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 18% lower than in El Paso. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in McAllen is 68% higher than in El Paso. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Sales taxes run 14% higher in McAllen than in El Paso, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,370 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in El Paso.
How life is different in El Paso vs. McAllen
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in McAllen vs. El Paso. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| El Paso | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,815 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 10" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 0" |
| Crime index | 32.51 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that McAllen has about 79% fewer people than El Paso. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen leaned Democratic, while El Paso went Republican.
- Both McAllen and El Paso average summer highs close to 96°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- In the coldest months, El Paso gets chillier than McAllen, with lows dipping to 31°F while McAllen only drops to 49°F.
- McAllen typically gets more rain than El Paso, with an average annual rainfall of 22 inches compared to El Paso’s 10 inches.
- McAllen has no annual snowfall, while El Paso averages about 3 inches per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- McAllen has a higher crime rate than El Paso, with a crime index of 36.26 vs 32.51.
Things to do in McAllen
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? McAllen has you covered.
Museums in McAllen
- International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
- The McAllen Heritage Center
- Nuevo Santadar Gallery
Parks in McAllen
- McAllen Nature Center
- Town Lake at Firemen's Park
- McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground
Sports teams in McAllen
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from El Paso to McAllen?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from El Paso to McAllen, expect to pay between $1,482 and $4,913 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,832 and $6,795. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,702 up to $9,893 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from El Paso to McAllen?
If you’re moving from El Paso to McAllen and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $907 and go up to $2,333. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,681 and $3,371. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $2,122 and $4,353.
How much is a moving truck from El Paso to McAllen?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $695 to $1,246. A larger move will cost $722 to $1,524, and a four-bedroom or larger move from El Paso to McAllen costs from $895 to $1,777.
How far in advance should I book El Paso-to-McAllen movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from El Paso to McAllen at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your El Paso-to-McAllen movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
To save money on your move to McAllen, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
