Moving from Lubbock to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Lubbock to McAllen costs between $578 to $9,493 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 625-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lubbock to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lubbock to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lubbock 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 625 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,682 - $6,913 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,624 - $3,134 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $642 - $1,232 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | $148/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 Lubbock to McAllen?
It costs between $578 to $9,493 to move from Lubbock to McAllen. The prices below break down your 625-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,815 - $9,493
- Moving containers: $1,253 - $4,096
- Rental trucks: $578 - $1,459
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,815 - $5,132 | $1,253 - $2,069 | $578 - $1,028 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,682 - $6,913 | $1,624 - $3,134 | $642 - $1,232 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,555 - $9,493 | $2,003 - $4,096 | $763 - $1,459 |
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 | $243 - $2,025+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $148/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $162 - $648 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $41 - $162 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lubbock to McAllen
At 625 miles, your Lubbock 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 Lubbock to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 625 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Hart Moving & Storage Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lubbock to McAllen. They've been in business since 1965 (61 years of experience) and 83.3% of their 174 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Lubbock guide.
Considerations when moving from Lubbock to McAllen
Cost of living: Lubbock vs. McAllen
The cost of living in Lubbock vs. McAllen isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in McAllen compares to what you’re used to in Lubbock.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lubbock | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $197,578 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,487 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,715 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,996 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in McAllen are 8% higher than in Lubbock, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in McAllen are 12% lower than in Lubbock. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income is the same in McAllen and Lubbock, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- The cost of living for a single person in McAllen is 15% lower than in Lubbock, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 11% lower in McAllen than in Lubbock. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in McAllen is 34% higher than in Lubbock. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in McAllen and Lubbock, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Lubbock, you’ll need about $2,550 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in McAllen.
How life is different in Lubbock vs. McAllen
Before you move, check out how life in McAllen measures up to Lubbock. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Lubbock | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,930 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 0" |
| Crime index | 50.39 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that McAllen has roughly 46% fewer people than Lubbock. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic, while Lubbock leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both McAllen and Lubbock have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During winter, Lubbock gets colder than McAllen, with lows reaching 26°F compared to McAllen’s 49°F.
- Both Lubbock and McAllen see similar yearly rainfall—Lubbock averages 20 inches, while McAllen gets 22 inches.
- McAllen has no annual snowfall, while Lubbock averages about 7 inches per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- McAllen posts a lower crime rate than Lubbock, with a crime index of 36.26 compared to Lubbock’s 50.39.
Things to do in McAllen
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, McAllen has plenty to offer:
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 Lubbock to McAllen?
Shipping furniture from Lubbock to McAllen with a moving company typically costs between $1,356 and $4,089. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,682 to $6,913. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $4,555 and $9,493 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Lubbock to McAllen?
If you’re planning a move from Lubbock to McAllen and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $892 and $2,174. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,624 to $3,134. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $2,003 to $4,096.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to McAllen?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $555 and $1,113. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $642 and $1,232. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Lubbock to McAllen, truck rentals usually range from $763 up to $1,459.
How far in advance should I book Lubbock-to-McAllen movers?
To make your move from Lubbock to McAllen as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
The cheapest time of year to move to McAllen is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
