Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to McAllen move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to McAllen can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 10 top local movers in Charleston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to McAllen.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
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
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to McAllen?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,164 – $4,442 | $971 – $2,242 | $879 – $1,667 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,692 – $6,407 | $1,631 – $3,477 | $913 – $1,983 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,965 – $8,172 | $2,358 – $4,726 | $1,116 – $2,327 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to McAllen
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to McAllen from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,164 and $4,442. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,692 to $6,407 for the trip from Charleston to McAllen. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,965 and $8,172.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to McAllen
Moving containers from Charleston to McAllen will cost you $971 to $2,242 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,631 to $3,477. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,358 to $4,726. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to McAllen
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to McAllen typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $879 and $1,667 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $913 to $1,983. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,116 to $2,327.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to McAllen move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,322 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,056 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $879 to $2,257, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 73% less for singles and 55% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $3,557 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Charleston to McAllen, expect to find rent about 46% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 60% more affordable in McAllen compared to Charleston.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in McAllen compared to Charleston.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in McAllen, as the cost of living for a single person is 73% lower compared to Charleston.
- A move to McAllen can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 55% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- McAllen shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 98%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 8% less in McAllen relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Charleston | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in McAllen, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in McAllen.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in McAllen.
How life is different in Charleston vs. McAllen
| Charleston | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 46 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- McAllen’s population is within about 5% of Charleston, so they’re very similar in size.
- McAllen’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charleston, making them very similar.
- McAllen and Charleston are similarly walkable.
- McAllen has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- McAllen’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 36.26 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 63.74 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to McAllen move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McAllen. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in McAllen
Planning your move to The City of Palms? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McAllen has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: McAllen features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to McAllen?
Planning your move from Charleston to McAllen? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to McAllen?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to McAllen in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charleston to McAllen take?
The 1,432-mile journey from Charleston, SC to McAllen, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McAllen.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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