Moving from McAllen to Laredo, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Laredo costs between $189 to $5,364 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 145-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to Laredo
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Laredo 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 Laredo, 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 145 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,478 - $4,092 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,049 - $2,125 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $206 - $358 | 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 Laredo?
It costs between $189 to $5,364 to move from McAllen to Laredo. The prices below break down your 145-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $796 - $5,364
- Moving containers: $860 - $2,563
- Rental trucks: $189 - $401
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $796 - $3,607 | $860 - $1,425 | $189 - $310 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,478 - $4,092 | $1,049 - $2,125 | $206 - $358 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,933 - $5,364 | $1,363 - $2,563 | $225 - $401 |
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 Laredo
At 145 miles, your McAllen to Laredo 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 Laredo. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 145 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 Laredo. 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 Laredo to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Laredo
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Laredo
Comparing life in McAllen and Laredo goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Laredo stacks up against McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Laredo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,241 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $181,479 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $63,264 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $1,756 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $3,770 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Laredo are 8% lower than in McAllen, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Laredo and McAllen are about the same, so you probably won’t see much difference in your housing costs. That makes it simpler to stick to your financial plans.
- Income levels in McAllen and Laredo are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- Cost of living for one person is 21% higher in Laredo compared to McAllen. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Laredo, expect living costs to be about 6% higher than in McAllen. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Laredo a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Laredo matches that of McAllen, so you can look forward to a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales taxes match in Laredo and McAllen, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in McAllen, you’d need roughly $3,630 to maintain the same lifestyle in Laredo.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Laredo
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Laredo compared to McAllen. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| McAllen | Laredo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 255,205 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 100ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 45ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 21" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 36.23 |
Laredo sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Laredo is approximately 79% greater than the population of McAllen. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Laredo leaned Republican, while McAllen leaned Democratic.
- Moving between McAllen and Laredo won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 100°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both McAllen and Laredo experience similar lows—expect 49°F in McAllen and 45°F in Laredo.
- Both McAllen and Laredo experience similar annual rainfall, with McAllen receiving 22 inches and Laredo getting 21 inches.
- Both McAllen and Laredo receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Both Laredo and McAllen show comparable crime levels, with crime index scores that are nearly the same.
Things to do in Laredo
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Laredo.
Museums in Laredo
- Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
- Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum
Parks in Laredo
- Lake Casa Blanca
- David B. Barkley Plaza
- City of Laredo Shiloh Trail
Sports teams in Laredo
- Laredo Heat
- Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos
Universities in Laredo
- Laredo College
- Texas A&M International University
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Laredo?
Shipping furniture from McAllen to Laredo with a mover will cost between $762 and $2,957. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,478–$4,092, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from McAllen to Laredo will cost from $1,933–$5,364.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Laredo?
If you're moving from McAllen to Laredo and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $575 to $1,363. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,049 and $2,125. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,363 up to $2,563.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Laredo?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $181 and $292. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $206 to $358. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from McAllen to Laredo, truck rental prices typically range from $225 up to $401.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Laredo movers?
For a smooth move from McAllen to Laredo, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Laredo?
To score the best moving deals to Laredo, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
