The best local movers for Columbia to McAllen moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbia that also handles long-distance moves to McAllen. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated seven local movers in Columbia who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbia to McAllen.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to McAllen?
The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 – $4,707 | $882 – $2,165 | $789 – $1,632 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,533 – $6,278 | $1,678 – $3,518 | $862 – $1,942 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,296 – $8,315 | $2,187 – $4,232 | $1,162 – $2,233 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to McAllen
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbia to McAllen will cost between $1,157 and $4,707. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbia to Columbia will range from $2,533 to $6,278, and a large move from Columbia to McAllen will cost from $4,296 to $8,315.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to McAllen
If you’re moving from Columbia to McAllen, expect to pay between $882 and $2,165 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,678 up to $3,518. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,187 and $4,232. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to McAllen
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to McAllen is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $789 and $1,632. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $862 and $1,942. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,162 up to $2,233 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to McAllen
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,175, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,552.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($789–$2,124) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Columbia – roughly 26% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it’s $3,557 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to McAllen from Columbia, you’ll find that rent is roughly 7% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between McAllen and Columbia, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 11% lower in McAllen compared to Columbia.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in McAllen. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26% lower than in Columbia.
- Choosing to move to McAllen can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 17% less than in Columbia.
- In McAllen, the unemployment rate is approximately 52% higher than in Columbia, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between McAllen and Columbia (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbia and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Columbia | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in McAllen, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in McAllen.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in McAllen.
How life is different in Columbia vs. McAllen
| Columbia | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 46 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- McAllen’s population is within about 5% of Columbia, so they’re very similar in size.
- McAllen’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- McAllen is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- McAllen’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 36.26 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 63.74 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to McAllen move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to McAllen. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in McAllen
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The City of Palms, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in McAllen.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown McAllen
- South McAllen
- La Vista
- Dove Landing
- The Village of Westlakes
Best neighborhoods for families
- North McAllen
- Sharyland Plantation
- Tres Lagos
- Royal Oak Estates
- Tuscan Estates
Things to do in McAllen
Once you’re settled into your new home in Texas, it’s time to get out and discover what McAllen has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout McAllen, such as the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen’s Park, and McAllen’s New Park & Spray Ground — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to McAllen?
The best time to move from Columbia to McAllen is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbia to McAllen, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbia to McAllen take?
Moving from Columbia, SC to McAllen, covers 1,348 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Columbia movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in McAllen.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbia advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Columbia provide antique moving services. State totals show 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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