Lubbock to McAllen Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Lubbock to McAllen, TX (~625 miles) typically ranges from $524 to $7,858.
moveBuddha recommends Safeway Moving as the top full-service pick for this route at 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hart Moving & Storage Inc. leads local picks at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified customer reviews.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Lubbock
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Lubbock to McAllen?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Lubbock to McAllen are regulated by Texas law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
Moving from Lubbock to McAllen doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and Hart Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Lubbock to McAllen moves complete in 1 - 6 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 288+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Lubbock to McAllen?
The cost to move from Lubbock to McAllen ranges from $524 to $7,858*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,536 - $7,858
- Moving containers: $1,039 - $3,229
- Rental trucks: $524 - $1,352
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,536 - $4,088 | $1,039 - $1,821 | $524 - $895 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,156 - $5,622 | $1,293 - $2,495 | $527 - $1,052 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,808 - $7,858 | $1,854 - $3,229 | $705 - $1,352 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 288+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Lubbock, TX movers.
How Lubbock to McAllen moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $148 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,777.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 50% of Lubbock movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 25% of Lubbock movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Little Guys Movers |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Lubbock to McAllen
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Lubbock to McAllen, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. Hart Moving & Storage Inc. leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified customer reviews. Both local and national movers can handle a move this size well, so your best fit really comes down to home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics from Lubbock to McAllen
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Lubbock to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Texas, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving brings logistics infrastructure that most local operators simply can't match.
rating
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
Best local & regional movers from Lubbock to McAllen
A strong local or regional mover is often priced the same as a national operator on a route like this, with more scheduling flexibility. Local movers operating within Texas specialize in intrastate logistics, Texas regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match.
- Hart Moving & Storage Inc. at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 174 verified reviews. 83.3% of customers rate them positively.
- Little Guys Movers at 4.36 out of 5 stars across 258 verified reviews. 91.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Joe's Pack & Move at 3.98 out of 5 stars across 7 verified reviews. 71.4% of customers rate them positively.
More popular routes from Lubbock, TX
Lubbock residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does McAllen compare to Lubbock?
Cost of living: Lubbock vs. McAllen
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Lubbock and McAllen comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 288+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in McAllen are 8% higher than in Lubbock. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 8% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in McAllen are 12% lower than Lubbock. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in McAllen matches Lubbock. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in McAllen is 15% lower than Lubbock. The savings typically free up 15% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in McAllen is 11% lower than Lubbock. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in McAllen runs 34% higher than Lubbock. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in McAllen and Lubbock match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,550 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Lubbock.
How life is different in Lubbock vs. McAllen
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in McAllen might look different from Lubbock in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Texas can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 35% of movers in Texas, vs 33% nationally).
- McAllen is 46% smaller in size than Lubbock. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic and Lubbock voted Republican.
- Summer highs in McAllen (96°F) match Lubbock (92°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Lubbock drop to 26°F, colder than McAllen's 49°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in Lubbock (20 inches) and McAllen (22 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in McAllen is zero, while Lubbock averages 7 inches. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in McAllen (36.26) is lower than Lubbock (50.39). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in McAllen
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define McAllen's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
Final verdict: Lubbock to McAllen movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Texas service. For smaller moves, Hart Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5) is the top local choice, with 83.3% positive reviews across 174 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $524 - $7,858, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Lubbock to McAllen
How much are moving container companies from Lubbock to McAllen?
Moving containers from Lubbock to McAllen cost $725 - $1,786 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,293 - $2,495, and a larger home costs $1,854 - $3,229.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to McAllen?
A rental truck from Lubbock to McAllen costs $509 - $961 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $527 - $1,052 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $705 - $1,352 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How far in advance should I book Lubbock-to-McAllen movers?
Book your Lubbock to McAllen movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
The cheapest time to move to McAllen is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from Lubbock to McAllen considered a long-distance move?
A move from Lubbock to McAllen is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Texas law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
