Moving from Lubbock to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Lubbock to McAllen costs $601–$9,204, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 625-mile route within Texas take 1–6 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Lubbock to McAllen?
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).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 625-mile move:
Moving from Lubbock to McAllen costs between $601 and $9,204, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 625-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 285+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Lubbock to McAllen?
The cost to move from Lubbock to McAllen ranges from $601 to $9,204, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 625-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,746–$9,204
- Moving containers: $1,278–$3,782
- Rental trucks: $601–$1,474
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 the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 625 miles and provide all the 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 | $1,746–$5,133 | $1,278–$2,177 | $601–$1,124 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,656–$6,583 | $1,484–$3,135 | $617–$1,257 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,600–$9,204 | $2,044–$3,782 | $786–$1,474 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 285+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Lubbock to McAllen move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Lubbock to McAllen move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $148/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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. At 625 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
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 handles intrastate moves of 625 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Lubbock guide.
How does McAllen compare to Lubbock?
Cost of living: Lubbock vs. McAllen
The cost of living in Lubbock vs. McAllen is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in McAllen measures up against 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Lubbock and McAllen comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 285+ Texas cities and metros. 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. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- 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.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in McAllen are 11% lower than Lubbock. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
- Unemployment in McAllen runs 34% higher than Lubbock. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes are nearly identical in McAllen and Lubbock. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
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
A look at how life in McAllen measures up to Lubbock covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below 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 is roughly 46% smaller in size than Lubbock. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic, while Lubbock leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in McAllen (96°F) match Lubbock (92°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Lubbock hit 26°F, colder than McAllen's 49°F. The milder McAllen winter shortens cold-weather expense and gear demands.
- Annual rainfall matches across Lubbock (20 inches) and McAllen (22 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- 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) runs lower than Lubbock (50.39). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
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
Sports teams in McAllen
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
Final verdict: best movers from Lubbock to McAllen
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Lubbock to McAllen, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Texas service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $601–$9,204 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 285+ Texas movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Lubbock to McAllen
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lubbock to McAllen?
A full-service move from Lubbock to McAllen typically costs $1,384–$4,173 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $2,656–$6,583. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $4,600 and $9,204 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Lubbock to McAllen?
Moving containers from Lubbock to McAllen have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $892 and $2,028. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,484–$3,135. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $2,044 to $3,782.
How much is a moving truck from Lubbock to McAllen?
A rental moving truck from Lubbock to McAllen costs $561–$1,124 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $617–$1,257. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $786–$1,474.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Lubbock-to-McAllen movers?
Lock in your movers for a Lubbock to McAllen move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and 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 falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
