San Antonio to McAllen Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from San Antonio to McAllen, TX (~239 miles) costs between $271 and $5,965, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as 3 Men Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 278 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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September availability is going fast in San Antonio
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
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 (4.72/5) as the top local pick, followed by Swift Movers LLC (4.58/5). 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 288+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio to McAllen?
Movers typically charge between $271 and $5,965* for a San Antonio to McAllen move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $902 - $5,965
- Moving containers: $815 - $2,516
- Rental trucks: $271 - $671
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $902 - $3,652 | $815 - $1,428 | $271 - $488 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,461 - $4,464 | $1,139 - $2,000 | $298 - $613 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,061 - $5,965 | $1,441 - $2,516 | $353 - $671 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 288+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of September 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:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 23% of San Antonio movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 26% of San Antonio movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Swift Movers LLC |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
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 4.72 out of 5 stars across 278 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
Our top local picks:
- 3 Men Movers (4.72/5 stars): 91.7% positive customer ratings.
- Swift Movers LLC (4.58/5 stars): 96.4% positive customer ratings.
- AB Moving (4.64/5 stars): 80.5% positive customer ratings.
- Move Logistics Inc. (4.58/5 stars): 98.0% positive customer ratings.
- Jackson Movers (4.52/5 stars): 55.5% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 31 movers in San Antonio, drawing on 6,629 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.
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 September 2026 across 288+ 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 35% of movers in Texas, vs 33% 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
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in McAllen. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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 (4.72/5) is the top local choice, with 91.7% positive reviews across 278 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $271 - $5,965, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from San Antonio to McAllen
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Antonio to McAllen?
A full-service move from San Antonio to McAllen costs $884 - $3,063 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,461 - $4,464, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $2,061 - $5,965.
How much are moving container companies from San Antonio to McAllen?
Moving containers from San Antonio to McAllen cost $633 - $1,448 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,139 - $2,000, and a larger home costs $1,441 - $2,516.
How much is a moving truck from San Antonio to McAllen?
A rental truck from San Antonio to McAllen costs $285 - $513 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $298 - $613 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $353 - $671 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
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.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
The cheapest time to move to McAllen is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
