McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Tempe typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,217 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Tempe
Moving from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,217-mile move from McAllen to Tempe, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,857 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,362 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,752 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 06, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 28, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from McAllen to Tempe
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from McAllen to Tempe may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,200.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in McAllen.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($900–$2,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Tempe movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Tempe
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from McAllen to Tempe. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TX→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 291 Texas moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tempe runs about 273% higher for singles and 91% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Tempe versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,810 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 36% more expensive in Tempe than in McAllen. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 113% steeper in Tempe compared to McAllen.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 12% greater in Tempe than in McAllen, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tempe, with the cost of living for a single person being 273% more than in McAllen. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Tempe, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 91% higher than in McAllen.
- Tempe has a lower unemployment rate than McAllen by about 32%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Tempe and McAllen (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Arizona has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in McAllen versus Tempe:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Tempe, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Tempe.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Tempe.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Tempe
| McAllen | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 75 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tempe's population is about 27% greater than McAllen.
- Tempe's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Tempe is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 54 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 42.36 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Tempe is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 57.64 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tempe. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tempe
With your sights set on Tempe, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tempe. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from McAllen to Tempe. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Tempe?
Want to save on your move from McAllen to Tempe? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Tempe take?
The 1,217-mile move from McAllen, TX, to Tempe, AZ, takes two to eight days. Some McAllen movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tempe.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in McAllen?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in McAllen provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
