San Antonio to McAllen Movers & Costs (2026)
The cost to move from San Antonio to McAllen, TX is $260 - $5,626 for the ~239-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as 3 Men Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 1,056 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $96/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in San Antonio
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from San Antonio to McAllen?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like San Antonio to McAllen are regulated by Texas law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Texas companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend 3 Men Movers (4.7/5) as the top local pick, followed by Move Logistics Inc. (4.62/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most San Antonio to McAllen moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 843+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio to McAllen?
Expect to spend between $260 and $5,626* on a San Antonio to McAllen move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $851 - $5,626
- Moving containers: $834 - $2,348
- Rental trucks: $260 - $646
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $851 - $3,583 | $834 - $1,403 | $260 - $484 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,436 - $4,294 | $1,043 - $1,847 | $267 - $562 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,022 - $5,626 | $1,291 - $2,348 | $361 - $646 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 843+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
Learn more about the cost of San Antonio, TX movers.
How San Antonio to McAllen moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $96 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,152.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from San Antonio to McAllen
Moving from San Antonio to McAllen is a job for local and regional Texas movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. 3 Men Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 1,056 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from San Antonio to McAllen
Local movers operating within Texas know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Years in Business: 41
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.62 / 5
- Years in Business: 14
- 96% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 26
- 88% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- 3 Men Movers (4.7/5 stars): 93.3% positive customer ratings.
- Move Logistics Inc. (4.62/5 stars): 95.6% positive customer ratings.
- AB Moving (4.56/5 stars): 88.3% positive customer ratings.
- All Pro Moving (4.48/5 stars): 86.9% positive customer ratings.
- Swift Movers LLC (4.42/5 stars): 95.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 73 movers in San Antonio, drawing on 28,865 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from San Antonio to McAllen
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from San Antonio, TX
San Antonio residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does McAllen compare to San Antonio?
Cost of living: San Antonio vs. McAllen
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| San Antonio | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,496 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $216,453 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,917 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,194 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,931 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 7.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for San Antonio and McAllen comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 843+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in McAllen are 10% lower than in San Antonio. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in McAllen are 20% lower than San Antonio. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in McAllen matches San Antonio. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in McAllen is 34% lower than San Antonio. The savings typically free up 34% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in McAllen is 28% lower than San Antonio. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in McAllen runs 108% higher than San Antonio. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in McAllen and San Antonio match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,980 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Antonio.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. McAllen
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in McAllen might look different from San Antonio in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| San Antonio | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | republican 68-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 41ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 36.26 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Texas can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 18% of movers in Texas, vs 23% nationally).
- McAllen is 90% smaller in size than San Antonio. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic and San Antonio voted republican.
- Summer highs in McAllen (96°F) match San Antonio (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in San Antonio drop to 41°F, colder than McAllen's 49°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in San Antonio is 33 inches, vs. 22 inches in McAllen. The drier climate in McAllen typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in San Antonio and McAllen is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in McAllen (36.26) is lower than San Antonio (48.06). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in McAllen
McAllen's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
Final verdict: San Antonio to McAllen movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Texas service. For smaller moves, 3 Men Movers (4.7/5) is the top local choice, with 93.3% positive reviews across 1,056 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $260 - $5,626, based on our analysis of 843+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from San Antonio to McAllen
How far in advance should I book San Antonio-to-McAllen movers?
Book your San Antonio to McAllen movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from San Antonio to McAllen take?
Most moves from San Antonio to McAllen take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Do movers in Texas offer storage?
57% of movers in Texas offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from San Antonio to McAllen?
A rental truck from San Antonio to McAllen costs $271 - $484 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $267 - $562 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $361 - $646 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Is moving from San Antonio to McAllen considered a long-distance move?
A move from San Antonio to McAllen is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Texas law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.