Richmond, VA to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to McAllen typically costs $3,200–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,671 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Richmond to McAllen
Moving from Richmond, VA to McAllen, TX typically costs $3,200–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,671-mile move from Richmond to McAllen, 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
- PODS recently quoted $3,308 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $6,784 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,439 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Richmond to McAllen move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Richmond.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,200 to $3,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from McAllen, TX to Richmond, VA guide.
Best Richmond to McAllen movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Richmond to McAllen
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Richmond to McAllen much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 VA→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 103 Virginia movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Richmond to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Richmond - roughly 36% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $2,270 in Richmond. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $5,336.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Richmond | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,537 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,539 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $350,897 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,606 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,270 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,336 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Richmond to McAllen, expect to find rent about 15% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 37% more affordable in McAllen compared to Richmond.
- In terms of average income, McAllen and Richmond are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in McAllen, as the cost of living for a single person is 36% lower compared to Richmond.
- A move to McAllen can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 33% less than what it costs in Richmond.
- McAllen shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Richmond by around 11%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in McAllen are 38% more than in Richmond, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Richmond and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Richmond | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.95 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $59.72 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Richmond than in McAllen, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Richmond than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Richmond than in McAllen.
- Bread is more expensive in Richmond than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Richmond than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Richmond than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships cost more in Richmond than in McAllen.
How life is different in Richmond vs. McAllen
| Richmond | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 46 |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 51.55 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- McAllen's population is about 37% less than Richmond.
- McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Richmond's score of 7.
- McAllen is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51 out of 100.
- McAllen has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Richmond, which has a score of 51.
- McAllen's crime rate is lower than Richmond with a score of 36.26 compared to Richmond's 48.45. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than Richmond with a safety index of 63.74 vs Richmond's 51.55.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Richmond it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Richmond to McAllen move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McAllen. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in McAllen
Planning your move to The City of Palms? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McAllen has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: McAllen features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Richmond to McAllen?
Planning your move from Richmond to McAllen? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Richmond.
When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to McAllen?
Because most people are moving from Richmond to McAllen in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Richmond to McAllen take?
The 1,671-mile journey from Richmond, VA to McAllen, TX, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Richmond offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McAllen.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Richmond?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Richmond, 13 movers can manage piano relocations. 12 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
