McAllen, TX to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Tacoma typically costs $4,200–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,406 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Tacoma
Moving from McAllen, TX to Tacoma, WA typically costs $4,200–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,406-mile move from McAllen to Tacoma, 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,192 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,717 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,231 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 29, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your McAllen to Tacoma move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,700 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in McAllen.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,500 to $4,400, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Tacoma movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Tacoma
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from McAllen to Tacoma 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 TX→WA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 291 Texas 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 McAllen to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 184% higher for singles and 104% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $7,260 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Tacoma? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 22% higher than in McAllen, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Tacoma are about 116% higher than those in McAllen.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 28% higher in Tacoma compared to McAllen, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Tacoma, as living costs for a single person are 184% higher than in McAllen. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Tacoma, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 104% higher than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is about 8% lower than in McAllen. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma are 25% more than in McAllen, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Neither Texas nor Washington has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McAllen and Tacoma:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Tacoma.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Tacoma
| McAllen | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 48 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 57% greater than McAllen.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Tacoma is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 54 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Both Tacoma and McAllen have similar bike-friendliness scores (46 vs 48), meaning Tacoma is about as safe for cyclists as McAllen. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tacoma's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 55.55 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 44.45 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Tacoma 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Washington’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Washington 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 Tacoma. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tacoma
Planning your move to America’s #1 Wired City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tacoma.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Eastside-Enact
- North End
- Northeast Tacoma
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- West End
Things to do in Tacoma
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tacoma has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tacoma features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park — 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 Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Tacoma?
Planning your move from McAllen to Tacoma? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Tacoma?
Because most people are moving from McAllen to Tacoma 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 McAllen to Tacoma take?
The 2,406-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Tacoma, WA, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tacoma.
Are piano and antique moving services available in McAllen?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In McAllen, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 176 piano movers and 120 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.
