The best local movers for San Diego to McAllen moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in San Diego that also handles long-distance moves to McAllen. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 29 local movers in San Diego 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 San Diego to McAllen.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to McAllen?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. 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 | $1,280 – $4,917 | $975 – $2,302 | $890 – $1,637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,838 – $6,645 | $1,812 – $3,642 | $963 – $1,989 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,450 – $9,837 | $2,466 – $5,006 | $1,175 – $2,555 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to McAllen
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Diego to McAllen will cost between $1,280 and $4,917. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Diego to San Diego will range from $2,838 to $6,645, and a large move from San Diego to McAllen will cost from $5,450 to $9,837.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to McAllen
If you’re moving from San Diego to McAllen, expect to pay between $975 and $2,302 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,812 up to $3,642. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,466 and $5,006. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to McAllen
Renting a moving truck from San Diego 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 $890 and $1,637. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $963 and $1,989. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,175 up to $2,555 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Diego to McAllen
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,493, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,587.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($890–$2,266) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Diego to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 56% less for singles and 54% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $3,557 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to McAllen from San Diego, you’ll find that rent is roughly 53% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 78% less in McAllen than in San Diego.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 21% lower in McAllen compared to San Diego.
- 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 56% lower than in San Diego.
- 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 54% less than in San Diego.
- In McAllen, the unemployment rate is approximately 20% higher than in San Diego, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 6% in McAllen over San Diego, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 San Diego and McAllen:
| Living Expense | San Diego | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in McAllen.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in McAllen.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in McAllen.
How life is different in San Diego vs. McAllen
| San Diego | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 46 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- McAllen’s population is about 90% less than San Diego.
- McAllen’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than San Diego’s score of 6.
- McAllen is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 41 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- McAllen’s crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 36.26 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 63.74 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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 San Diego to McAllen?
The best time to move from San Diego to McAllen is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego 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 San Diego to McAllen take?
Moving from San Diego, CA to McAllen, covers 1,514 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some San Diego movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in McAllen.
Which movers in San Diego give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Diego?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 21 movers in San Diego advertise piano moving expertise. 16 movers in San Diego provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 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
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