Moving from McKinney to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McKinney to McAllen costs between $498 to $9,669 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 540-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McKinney to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McKinney to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in McKinney to driving and unloading in McAllen, 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 540 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,390 - $6,270 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,478 - $2,975 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $570 - $1,074 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | AB Moving | $89/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 McKinney to McAllen?
It costs between $498 to $9,669 to move from McKinney to McAllen. The prices below break down your 540-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,574 - $9,669
- Moving containers: $1,211 - $3,868
- Rental trucks: $498 - $1,294
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,574 - $4,638 | $1,211 - $1,988 | $498 - $944 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,390 - $6,270 | $1,478 - $2,975 | $570 - $1,074 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,592 - $9,669 | $2,008 - $3,868 | $690 - $1,294 |
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 | $336 - $2,800+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $89/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $224 - $896 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $56 - $224 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from McKinney to McAllen
At 540 miles, your McKinney to McAllen 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 McKinney to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 540 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from McKinney to McAllen. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 189 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to McKinney guide.
Considerations when moving from McKinney to McAllen
Cost of living: McKinney vs. McAllen
When weighing the cost of living in McKinney versus McAllen, 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 McAllen really compares to McKinney.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McKinney | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,300 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $438,120 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $120,273 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,232 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,876 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in McAllen is around 41% less expensive than in McKinney, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in McAllen are 60% lower than in McKinney. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in McAllen is 50% lower than in McKinney, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in McAllen is 35% cheaper for one person compared to McKinney. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to McAllen, you’ll find that the cost of living is 27% lower than in McKinney. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in McAllen is 32% higher than in McKinney. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in McAllen and McKinney, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in McKinney, you’d need about $1,950 in McAllen.
How life is different in McKinney vs. McAllen
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in McKinney and McAllen. 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.
| McKinney | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 195,308 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-47 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 41" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 0" |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of McAllen is approximately 27% lower than the population of McKinney. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic, while McKinney voted Republican.
- In McAllen and McKinney, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 94°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- During the coldest months, McKinney is colder than McAllen, with temperatures falling to 32°F compared to McAllen’s 49°F.
- McKinney usually sees more rain than McAllen, with about 41 inches of rainfall each year compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
- McAllen has no annual snowfall, while McKinney averages about 2 inches per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- McAllen reports a higher crime index than McKinney, with scores of 36.26 and 21.48, respectively.
Things to do in McAllen
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? McAllen has it all.
Museums in McAllen
- International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
- The McAllen Heritage Center
- Nuevo Santadar Gallery
Parks in McAllen
- McAllen Nature Center
- Town Lake at Firemen's Park
- McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground
Sports teams in McAllen
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McKinney to McAllen?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from McKinney to McAllen, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,375 and $3,898. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,390 up to $6,270. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $4,592 to $9,669 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from McKinney to McAllen?
Moving containers from McKinney to McAllen will cost you $802 to $1,951 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,478 to $2,975. A larger home will cost $2,008 to $3,868.
How much is a moving truck from McKinney to McAllen?
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 $534 to $1,001. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $570 and $1,074. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from McKinney to McAllen, costs usually fall between $690 and $1,294.
How far in advance should I book McKinney-to-McAllen movers?
To make your move from McKinney to McAllen 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 McAllen?
For the best deals on your move to McAllen, 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.
