Moving from Irving to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Irving to McAllen costs between $508 to $9,951 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 516-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Irving to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Irving to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Irving 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 516 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,560 - $6,669 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,432 - $2,682 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $509 - $1,041 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $92/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 Irving to McAllen?
It costs between $508 to $9,951 to move from Irving to McAllen. The prices below break down your 516-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,460 - $9,951
- Moving containers: $1,152 - $3,520
- Rental trucks: $508 - $1,373
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,460 - $4,804 | $1,152 - $2,146 | $508 - $952 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,560 - $6,669 | $1,432 - $2,682 | $509 - $1,041 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,612 - $9,951 | $2,041 - $3,520 | $695 - $1,373 |
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 | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $92/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Irving to McAllen
At 516 miles, your Irving 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 Irving to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 516 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Irving to McAllen. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 189 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Irving guide.
Considerations when moving from Irving to McAllen
Cost of living: Irving vs. McAllen
When weighing the cost of living in Irving versus McAllen, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in McAllen really compares to Irving.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irving | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,606 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $288,314 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $79,641 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,827 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 1.0% | 8.25% |
- Rent in McAllen is around 16% less expensive than in Irving, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in McAllen are 40% lower than in Irving. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in McAllen is 24% lower than in Irving, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in McAllen is 48% cheaper for one person compared to Irving. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to McAllen, you’ll find that the cost of living is 54% lower than in Irving. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in McAllen is 20% higher than in Irving. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 725% higher in McAllen than in Irving. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Irving, you’d need about $1,560 in McAllen.
How life is different in Irving vs. McAllen
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Irving and McAllen. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Irving | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 256,684 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 37" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 30.64 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of McAllen is approximately 45% lower than the population of Irving. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic, while Irving voted Republican.
- In McAllen and Irving, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 96°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- During the coldest months, Irving is colder than McAllen, with temperatures falling to 36°F compared to McAllen’s 49°F.
- Irving usually sees more rain than McAllen, with about 37 inches of rainfall each year compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
- McAllen has no annual snowfall, while Irving averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- McAllen reports a higher crime index than Irving, with scores of 36.26 and 30.64, respectively.
Things to do in McAllen
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? McAllen has it all.
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 Irving to McAllen?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Irving to McAllen, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,456 and $3,949. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,560 up to $6,669. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $4,612 to $9,951 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Irving to McAllen?
Moving containers from Irving to McAllen will cost you $832 to $2,024 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,432 to $2,682. A larger home will cost $2,041 to $3,520.
How much is a moving truck from Irving to McAllen?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $498 to $943. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $509 and $1,041. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Irving to McAllen, costs usually fall between $695 and $1,373.
How far in advance should I book Irving-to-McAllen movers?
To make your move from Irving to McAllen as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
For the best deals on your move to McAllen, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
