($1,015+) Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

The cost to move from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX ranges from $1,334 to $10,415, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,015 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,545 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

Moving options from Fontana to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,334 - $10,415 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,545 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,545-mile route from Fontana to McAllen, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,334 - $5,119, container $1,457 - $2,760, rental truck $976 - $1,908, freight trailer $1,324 - $2,582.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,157 - $6,868, container $1,842 - $3,857, rental truck $1,098 - $2,293, freight trailer $1,444 - $2,932.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,840 - $10,415, container $2,637 - $5,101, rental truck $1,264 - $2,667, freight trailer $2,089 - $3,959.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,545-mile move from Fontana, California, to McAllen, Texas, with prices running from $1,334 - $10,415. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $305 - $2,036 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fontana and McAllen are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fontana movers tend to run around $259 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to McAllen:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,334 - $5,119
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,157 - $6,868
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,840 - $10,415

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 Fontana to McAllen.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Fontana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In McAllen, 57% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$509 - $5,090
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers$204 - $1,222/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$305 - $2,443
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers$1,018 - $3,054
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,545 - $10,180
Car shippingSecond vehicle$762 - $1,449
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers$1,018 - $2,545
PianoAny piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers$814 - $3,563
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers$305 - $1,527
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers$662 - $2,036
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$305 - $15,270+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$305 - $3,563+

What are the best full-service movers from Fontana to McAllen?

Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fontana, CA. 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 Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

Moving containers from Fontana, California, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,457 and $5,101. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Fontana runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to McAllen:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,457 - $2,760
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,842 - $3,857
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,637 - $5,101

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 Fontana, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $713, 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 $76 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $153 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Fontana, CA, and McAllen, TX, 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 California 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 $1,457. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,842 - $3,857, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Fontana to McAllen?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:

  • Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
  • Trek Movers (5.0/5), 10 years in business
  • Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

A rental truck for this 1,545-mile move from Fontana, California, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $976 and $2,667. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $500 - $572
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fontana to McAllen based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,908
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,098 - $2,293
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,264 - $2,667

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $976 - $2,667 does not include fuel ($500 - $572) , lodging ($153/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Fontana to McAllen typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $153 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $66 and $331 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $500 - $572 in fuel for the 1,545-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $713 in Fontana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana to McAllen?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Fontana, California, to McAllen, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,444 and $2,932.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to McAllen:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,324 - $2,582
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,444 - $2,932
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,089 - $3,959

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 $76 and $153.
  • 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 Fontana, California, for roughly five hours typically average $713.

What are the best freight companies from Fontana to McAllen?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Fontana, CA vs McAllen, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in McAllen, side by side with Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Fontana, CA McAllen, TX
Cost of living index11976
Average rent$3,000/mo$1,350/mo
Median home value$554,802$173,919
Average income$98,187/yr$60,165/yr
Unemployment rate7.6%7.9%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score37/10041/100
Safety index68.35/10063.74/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA guide.

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Our take

The 1,545-mile move from Fontana, CA, to McAllen, TX, costs between $1,334 and $10,415 with full-service movers, $1,457 - $5,101 with a moving container, and $976 - $2,667 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 $3,157 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 Fontana, CA, to McAllen, TX

What do local movers charge in Fontana?

Local movers based in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $110/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 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.

How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX?

Costs on this route range from around $1,334 to $10,415, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,334 and $10,415, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,098 - $2,293. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($500 - $572), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 77% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.