Moving from McAllen to Austin, TX
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Austin costs $379–$7,199, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 313-mile route within Texas take 1–4 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.
- Rick's Moving & Storage LLC leads local picks at 4.38 out of 5 stars across 30 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from McAllen to Austin?
Moving from McAllen to Austin 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 Rick's Moving & Storage LLC (4.38/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 313-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,002–$5,416 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,351–$2,569 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $416–$857 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Groves Moving and Storage | $80/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
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 McAllen to Austin?
Expect to spend between $379 and $7,199 on a McAllen to Austin move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 313-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $1,175–$7,199
- Moving containers: $1,058–$3,162
- Rental trucks: $379–$1,004
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 313 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,175–$4,523 | $1,058–$1,776 | $379–$723 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,002–$5,416 | $1,351–$2,569 | $416–$857 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,937–$7,199 | $1,679–$3,162 | $519–$1,004 |
*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 McAllen to Austin move?
Extra fees to watch for on a McAllen to Austin move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
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 | $80/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 McAllen to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from McAllen to Austin, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. Rick's Moving & Storage LLC leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.38 out of 5 stars across 30 verified customer reviews. At 313 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 McAllen to Austin. 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 313 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.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
Rick's Moving & Storage LLC is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from McAllen to Austin, earning 4.38 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. Rick's Moving & Storage LLC has been in business since 1995 (31 years), with 70.0% of 30 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin to McAllen guide.
How does Austin compare to McAllen?
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Austin
A cost-of-living comparison between McAllen and Austin covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Austin compares to McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,765 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $512,969 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $91,461 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 3.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for McAllen and Austin 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 Austin are 31% higher than in McAllen. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Austin are 195% higher than McAllen. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Salaries in Austin average 52% higher than McAllen. Use local salary data, not McAllen comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 130% higher in Austin than McAllen. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Austin is 120% higher than McAllen. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Austin is 56% lower than McAllen. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Austin and McAllen match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in McAllen, you'd need about $6,900 in Austin.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Austin
A comparison of life in McAllen and Austin covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| McAllen | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 974,447 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Democrat 71-26 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 42.91 |
-
Austin is 585% larger in size than McAllen. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat, while McAllen voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Austin (96°F) and McAllen (96°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows in Austin reach 38°F, vs. 49°F in McAllen. Expect a colder season with a corresponding utility bill increase.
- Annual rainfall in Austin is 35 inches, vs. 22 inches in McAllen. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in McAllen and Austin is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Austin (42.91) runs higher than McAllen (36.26). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Austin
Austin's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Austin
- Texas Memorial Museum
- George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- Thinkery
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Parks in Austin
- Pease Park
- Butler Metro Park
- Zilker Park
- Sculpture Falls
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
Sports teams in Austin
- Round Rock Express
- Austin Spurs
- Texas Stars
- Austin Outlaws
- Austin Huns
Universities in Austin
- Acton School of Business
- Austin Community College District
- Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Concordia University Texas
- Huston–Tillotson University
Final verdict: best movers from McAllen to Austin
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from McAllen to Austin, 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 smaller homes and apartment moves, Rick's Moving & Storage LLC (4.38 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 70.0% positive reviews across 30 verified customer reviews.
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 $379–$7,199 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 McAllen to Austin
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Austin?
A move from McAllen to Austin with a professional moving company costs $1,155–$3,826 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $2,002 up to $5,416. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,937–$7,199 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Austin?
Moving containers from McAllen to Austin cost $715–$1,780 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,351–$2,569. A larger home costs $1,679–$3,162.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Austin?
A rental moving truck from McAllen to Austin costs $402–$710 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $416–$857, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $519 and $1,004.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Austin movers?
Lock in your movers for a McAllen to Austin move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin?
The best deals on a move to Austin fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
