($1,183+) McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $1,125 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,594 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,894 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,428, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,594 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,647 - $5,822, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,125 - $3,381.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,310 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 McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from McAllen to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,310 - $7,797 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,894 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,894-mile route from McAllen to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,428 for a studio up to $11,594 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,647 - $5,822 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,125 - $3,381, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,425 - $4,612, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
Hiring full-service movers from McAllen, Texas, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $2,428 and $11,594. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,894-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $262 - $1,744, 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 McAllen and Philadelphia. For a rough baseline, movers based in McAllen tend to start around $160 plus $80/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 McAllen to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,428 - $5,448
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,310 - $7,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,700 - $11,594
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 McAllen to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 57% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $436 - $4,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $174 - $1,046/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,093 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $872 - $2,616 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,180 - $8,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $653 - $1,241 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $872 - $2,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $698 - $3,052 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling57% of local movers | $262 - $1,308 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $567 - $1,744 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,052+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Philadelphia?
Look for Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Pennsylvania 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in McAllen, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,647 and $5,822. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Philadelphia. If you go over that window, storage in McAllen adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,647 - $2,935
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,129 - $4,411
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,970 - $5,822
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In McAllen, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $610, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $65 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $131 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both McAllen, TX, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Pennsylvania 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 $1,647. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,129 - $4,411, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Philadelphia?
- 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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- Groves Moving and Storage (3.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,894-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $1,125 and $3,381, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $525 - $601
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 McAllen to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,125 - $2,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,630
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,598 - $3,381
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,125 - $3,381 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from McAllen to Philadelphia. Fuel ($525 - $601) , lodging at around $131/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $65 and $305.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $131.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $525 and $601 for the 1,894-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $610 for 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Philadelphia?
- 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 McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA
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 McAllen, Texas, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,703 and $3,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,425 - $2,697
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,703 - $3,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,307 - $4,612
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $65 and $131.
- 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 McAllen, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $610.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Royal Freight Lp (4.66/5 stars): Royal Freight Lp is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from McAllen to Philadelphia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Philadelphia, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 33.91/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to McAllen, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 289 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,894-mile move.
Our take
For a move from McAllen, TX, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,428 for a studio to $11,594 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,894-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,647 - $5,822. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,125 - $3,381, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,310 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Philadelphia, PA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Philadelphia, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($525 - $601), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $131/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 41 and 46 in McAllen. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
