Moving from McAllen to Dallas, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Dallas costs between $478 to $9,572 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 507-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to Dallas
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Dallas are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in McAllen to driving and unloading in Dallas, 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 507 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,363 - $6,288 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,535 - $2,710 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $563 - $1,041 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Groves Moving and Storage | $80/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 McAllen to Dallas?
It costs between $478 to $9,572 to move from McAllen to Dallas. The prices below break down your 507-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,489 - $9,572
- Moving containers: $1,163 - $3,665
- Rental trucks: $478 - $1,346
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,489 - $4,438 | $1,163 - $2,044 | $478 - $878 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,363 - $6,288 | $1,535 - $2,710 | $563 - $1,041 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,343 - $9,572 | $1,944 - $3,665 | $695 - $1,346 |
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 | $228 - $1,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $55/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $152 - $608 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $38 - $152 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from McAllen to Dallas
At 507 miles, your McAllen to Dallas 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 McAllen to Dallas. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 507 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Rick's Moving & Storage LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from McAllen to Dallas. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 70.0% of their 30 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Dallas
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Dallas
When weighing the cost of living in McAllen versus Dallas, 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 Dallas really compares to McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,774 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $303,018 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $67,760 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $2,828 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 3.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Dallas are 31% higher than in McAllen. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Dallas are 74% higher than in McAllen. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 13% higher than in McAllen. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 94% higher in Dallas compared to McAllen, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Dallas is 119% higher than in McAllen. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Dallas less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Dallas is 54% lower than in McAllen. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Dallas and McAllen, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in McAllen, you’d need about $5,820 in Dallas.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Dallas
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in McAllen and Dallas. 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.
| McAllen | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 1,304,379 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 39" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 51.4 |
Dallas sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Dallas is about 817% larger than McAllen. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Dallas voted Republican, while McAllen voted Democratic.
- In Dallas and McAllen, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 96°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, Dallas is colder than McAllen, with winter lows of 36°F versus McAllen’s 49°F.
- Dallas receives more annual rainfall than McAllen, with about 39 inches per year compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
- McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while Dallas averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Dallas reports a higher crime index than McAllen, with scores of 51.4 and 36.26, respectively.
Things to do in Dallas
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Dallas has it all.
Museums in Dallas
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Rainbow Vomit
Parks in Dallas
- Klyde Warren Park
- White Rock Lake Park
- Main Street Garden Park
- Fair Park
- Reverchon Park
Sports teams in Dallas
- Texas Rangers (MLB)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- FC Dallas (MLS)
Universities in Dallas
- Dallas County Community College District
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Criswell College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Dallas?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from McAllen to Dallas, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,401 and $3,873. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,363 up to $6,288. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $4,343 to $9,572 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Dallas?
Moving containers from McAllen to Dallas will cost you $776 to $1,985 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,535 to $2,710. A larger home will cost $1,944 to $3,665.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Dallas?
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 $518 to $924. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $563 and $1,041. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from McAllen to Dallas, costs usually fall between $695 and $1,346.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Dallas movers?
To make your move from McAllen to Dallas 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 Dallas?
For the best deals on your move to Dallas, 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.
