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Top local movers for McAllen to Chattanooga moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in McAllen that also provides long-distance services to Chattanooga can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in McAllen who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from McAllen to Chattanooga.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Chattanooga?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,178 – $4,798 | $882 – $2,198 | $728 – $1,344 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,755 – $5,997 | $1,517 – $3,101 | $810 – $1,697 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,461 – $7,885 | $2,031 – $3,935 | $968 – $1,968 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Chattanooga
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from McAllen to Chattanooga typically costs between $1,178 and $4,798. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,755 and $5,997 when moving from McAllen to Chattanooga. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from McAllen to Chattanooga, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,461 up to $7,885.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Chattanooga
If you’re relocating from McAllen to Chattanooga, you’ll typically spend between $882 and $2,198 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,517 up to $3,101. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,031 and $3,935. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a McAllen to Chattanooga move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $728 and $1,344. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $810 to $1,697. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $968 and $1,968.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from McAllen to Chattanooga
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from McAllen to Chattanooga might be as low as $2,323, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,869.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in McAllen.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $728 to $1,746 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Chattanooga
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chattanooga runs about 126% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $3,300 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $4,350 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 9% higher in Chattanooga than in McAllen, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 37% higher in Chattanooga than in McAllen.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Chattanooga and McAllen, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Chattanooga, as the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 126% greater than in McAllen. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Chattanooga, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 22% more than it is in McAllen.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 29% lower than McAllen, Chattanooga boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga exceed those in McAllen by 12%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Neither Texas nor Tennessee has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between McAllen and Chattanooga, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Chattanooga
| McAllen | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 35 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 27% greater than McAllen.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score is within about 5% of McAllen, making them very similar.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 29 out of 100 vs McAllen’s 41 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as McAllen, which has a score of 46.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 53.89 compared to McAllen’s 36.26. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 46.11 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Ready to relocate to Scenic City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
Now that you’ve made the move to Tennessee, it’s the perfect time to explore Chattanooga. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Chattanooga?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from McAllen to Chattanooga. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Chattanooga?
With many people choosing to move from McAllen to Chattanooga in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from McAllen to Chattanooga take?
Covering 1,160 miles, the move from McAllen, TX to Chattanooga, typically takes two to eight days. Some McAllen movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chattanooga can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in McAllen can handle specialty items for my move to Chattanooga?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In McAllen, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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