Moving from McAllen to Lubbock, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Lubbock costs between $561 to $9,493 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 626-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to Lubbock
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Lubbock 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 Lubbock, 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 626 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,552 - $6,518 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,546 - $3,014 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $648 - $1,207 | 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 Lubbock?
It costs between $561 to $9,493 to move from McAllen to Lubbock. The prices below break down your 626-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,798 - $9,493
- Moving containers: $1,253 - $3,784
- Rental trucks: $561 - $1,567
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,798 - $4,887 | $1,253 - $2,178 | $561 - $1,113 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,552 - $6,518 | $1,546 - $3,014 | $648 - $1,207 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,417 - $9,493 | $2,065 - $3,784 | $778 - $1,567 |
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 Lubbock
At 626 miles, your McAllen to Lubbock 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 Lubbock. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 626 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 Lubbock. 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 Lubbock to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Lubbock
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Lubbock
The cost of living in McAllen vs. Lubbock isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Lubbock compares to what you’re used to in McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Lubbock | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $197,578 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $60,487 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $1,715 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $3,996 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Lubbock is about 7% cheaper than in McAllen. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Lubbock are 14% higher than in McAllen, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income is the same in Lubbock and McAllen, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- Living costs for one person are 18% higher in Lubbock compared to McAllen. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Lubbock, plan for living expenses to be about 12% higher than in McAllen. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Lubbock is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Lubbock is 25% lower than in McAllen. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Lubbock and McAllen, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in McAllen, you’ll need about $3,540 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Lubbock.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Lubbock
Before you move, check out how life in Lubbock measures up to McAllen. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| McAllen | Lubbock | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 263,930 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 50.39 |
Lubbock sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Lubbock has a population roughly 86% higher than McAllen. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Lubbock voted Republican, while McAllen leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Lubbock and McAllen have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Lubbock is colder than McAllen, reaching a low of 26°F while McAllen only dips to 49°F.
- Both McAllen and Lubbock see similar yearly rainfall—McAllen averages 22 inches, while Lubbock gets 20 inches.
- McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while Lubbock averages about 7 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Lubbock shows a higher crime rate than McAllen, with index scores of 50.39 compared to 36.26.
Things to do in Lubbock
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Lubbock has plenty to offer:
Museums in Lubbock
- The Buddy Holly Center
- National Ranching Heritage Center
- Science Spectrum Museum
- Silent Wings Museum
- American Wind Power Center
Parks in Lubbock
- Maxey Park
- Alex & Verna Cooke Park
- Mackenzie Park
- Prairie Dog Town
- Tech Terrace Park
Sports teams in Lubbock
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Lubbock Renegades
- Lubbock Matadors
Universities in Lubbock
- Texas Tech University
- Lubbock Christian University
- South Plains College
- Wayland Baptist University
- Sunset International Bible Institute
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Lubbock?
Shipping furniture from McAllen to Lubbock with a moving company typically costs between $1,426 and $4,476. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,552 to $6,518. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $4,417 and $9,493 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Lubbock?
If you’re planning a move from McAllen to Lubbock and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $875 and $1,967. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,546 to $3,014. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $2,065 to $3,784.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Lubbock?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $601 and $1,071. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $648 and $1,207. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from McAllen to Lubbock, truck rentals usually range from $778 up to $1,567.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Lubbock movers?
To make your move from McAllen to Lubbock as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lubbock?
The cheapest time of year to move to Lubbock is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
