($622+) Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $622 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,740 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 980 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,098, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,740 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,094 - $3,639, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $622 - $1,812.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,541 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Montgomery to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,541 - $6,489 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 73% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 980 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 980-mile route from Montgomery to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,098 - $4,726 | $1,094 - $2,117 | $622 - $1,180 | $1,046 - $1,924 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,541 - $6,489 | $1,540 - $2,884 | $680 - $1,519 | $1,114 - $2,331 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,267 - $7,740 | $1,897 - $3,639 | $844 - $1,812 | $1,660 - $3,217 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Montgomery, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $2,098 and $7,740. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 980-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $233 - $1,556, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Montgomery and McAllen. For a rough baseline, movers based in Montgomery tend to start around $462 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,098 - $4,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,541 - $6,489
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,267 - $7,740
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Montgomery to McAllen.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In McAllen, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $389 - $3,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $156 - $934/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $233 - $1,867 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $778 - $2,334 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $1,945 - $7,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $583 - $1,107 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $778 - $1,945 |
| Piano | Any piano type58% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $622 - $2,723 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $233 - $1,167 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $506 - $1,556 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $233 - $11,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $233 - $2,723+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to McAllen?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Montgomery, AL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,094 and $3,639. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Montgomery typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,094 - $2,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,540 - $2,884
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,897 - $3,639
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $58 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $117 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in McAllen, TX, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $545 in Montgomery, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,094. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,540 - $2,884.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to McAllen?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Montgomery to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Montgomery:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 980 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, running $622 - $1,812. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $243 - $277
- Daily insurance: $23/day
- Equipment rentals: $5 - $16
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $622 - $1,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $680 - $1,519
- 4+ bedrooms: $844 - $1,812
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to McAllen starts at $622 - $1,812, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($243 - $277), overnight lodging ($117/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $117 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Montgomery, Alabama, usually costs about $545 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 980-mile drive falls between $243 and $277, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $39 and $233 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to McAllen?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Montgomery, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,114 and $2,331.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,046 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,331
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,660 - $3,217
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $58 and $117.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $545.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to McAllen quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs McAllen, TX
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Montgomery and McAllen to plan around. Cost of living index: 79 vs. 76. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $1,350/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 26 vs. 41. Safety index: 34.75 vs. 63.74.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen, TX to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 142 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 980-mile move.
Our take
The 980-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to McAllen, TX, costs between $2,098 and $7,740 with full-service movers, $1,094 - $3,639 with a moving container, and $622 - $1,812 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,541 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to McAllen, TX
Is McAllen a safe place to live?
McAllen has a safety index of 63.74 out of 100 and a crime index of 36.26, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in McAllen?
For families, North McAllen, Sharyland Plantation, and Tres Lagos are worth a look in McAllen. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown McAllen, South McAllen, and La Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
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.
What do local movers charge in Montgomery?
Local movers based in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in McAllen run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 58% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.