Moving from McAllen to Irving, TX

Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Irving costs between $483 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 516-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from McAllen to Irving

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Irving 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 Irving, 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 516 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $2,486 - $6,605 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,520 - $2,936 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $547 - $1,063 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 Irving?

It costs between $483 to $9,572 to move from McAllen to Irving. The prices below break down your 516-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $1,518 - $9,572
  • Moving containers: $1,152 - $3,484
  • Rental trucks: $483 - $1,320
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,518 - $4,484 $1,152 - $2,106 $483 - $961
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,486 - $6,605 $1,520 - $2,936 $547 - $1,063
4+ bedrooms $4,567 - $9,572 $1,866 - $3,484 $662 - $1,320
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 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.

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 Irving

At 516 miles, your McAllen to Irving 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 Irving. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 516 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 Irving. 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 Irving to McAllen guide.

Considerations when moving from McAllen to Irving

Cost of living: McAllen vs. Irving

When weighing the cost of living in McAllen versus Irving, 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 Irving really compares to McAllen.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

McAllen Irving
Average rent cost $1,350 $1,606
Average home cost $173,919 $288,314
Average income (per capita) $60,165 $79,641
Cost of living (single person) $1,457 $2,827
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,557 $7,793
Unemployment rate 7.9% 6.6%
Average Sales Tax 8.25% 1.0%
  • Rent prices in Irving are 19% 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 Irving are 66% 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, 32% 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 Irving 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 Irving is 119% higher than in McAllen. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Irving less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
  • Unemployment in Irving is 16% 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 88% lower in Irving than in McAllen. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Irving can reduce your overall living expenses.

To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in McAllen, you’d need about $5,820 in Irving.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Irving

Before you move, take a look at how life compares in McAllen and Irving. 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 Irving
Population 142,210 256,684
Political leaning Democratic 58-41 Republican 56-42
Summer high 96ºF 96ºF
Winter low 49ºF 36ºF
Annual rain 22" 37"
Annual snow 0" 1"
Crime index 36.26 30.64
  • Irving is about 80% 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, Irving voted Republican, while McAllen voted Democratic.
  • In Irving and McAllen, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 96°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
  • In the coldest months, Irving is colder than McAllen, with winter lows of 36°F versus McAllen’s 49°F.
  • Irving receives more annual rainfall than McAllen, with about 37 inches per year compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
  • McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while Irving averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
  • Irving offers more peace of mind than McAllen, with a lower crime index of 30.64 versus 36.26.

Things to do in Irving

Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Irving has it all.

Museums in Irving

  • Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center
  • Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum
  • Ruth Paine House Museum

Parks in Irving

  • California Crossing Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Fritz Park
  • Mustang Park
  • Irving Dog Park

Sports teams in Irving

  • Irving Independent School District (IISD) high schools

Universities in Irving

  • University of Dallas
  • North Lake College
  • DeVry University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Irving?

If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from McAllen to Irving, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,442 and $3,607. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,486 up to $6,605. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $4,567 to $9,572 for the whole move.

How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Irving?

Moving containers from McAllen to Irving will cost you $792 to $1,868 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,520 to $2,936. A larger home will cost $1,866 to $3,484.

How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Irving?

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 $478 to $952. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $547 and $1,063. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from McAllen to Irving, costs usually fall between $662 and $1,320.

How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Irving movers?

To make your move from McAllen to Irving 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 Irving?

For the best deals on your move to Irving, 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.