($977+) McAllen, TX to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $977 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,980 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,715 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,178, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,980 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,477 - $4,868, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $977 - $2,845.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,068 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Billings: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,068 - $6,909. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,715 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,715-mile route from McAllen to Billings, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,178 - $5,007 | $1,477 - $2,594 | $977 - $1,936 | $1,252 - $2,384 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,068 - $6,909 | $1,833 - $3,859 | $1,101 - $2,189 | $1,482 - $3,178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,857 - $9,980 | $2,631 - $4,868 | $1,387 - $2,845 | $2,125 - $3,894 |
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 McAllen, TX to Billings, MT
For the 1,715-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Billings, Montana, full-service movers cost between $2,178 and $9,980. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $251 - $1,672 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in McAllen generally start around $160 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,178 - $5,007
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,068 - $6,909
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,857 - $9,980
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 Billings.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $418 - $4,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $167 - $1,003/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $251 - $2,006 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $836 - $2,508 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,090 - $8,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $626 - $1,190 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $836 - $2,090 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $669 - $2,926 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $251 - $1,254 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $543 - $1,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $251 - $12,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $251 - $2,926+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in McAllen, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,477 and $4,868. 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 McAllen runs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,477 - $2,594
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,833 - $3,859
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,631 - $4,868
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $125 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $585 in McAllen, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Billings, MT, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Montana 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 $1,477. 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 $1,833 - $3,859.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Billings?
- 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:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT
Truck rentals from McAllen, Texas, to Billings, Montana, range from $977 - $2,845 for the 1,715-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $456 - $521
- Daily insurance: $25/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 Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $977 - $1,936
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,101 - $2,189
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,387 - $2,845
Pro tip: The base rate of $977 - $2,845 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from McAllen to Billings. Fuel ($456 - $521), lodging at around $125/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $585.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $456 - $521 for the 1,715-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $50 and $272, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 per night for hotel stops on the 1,715-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $251 - $376.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
If you're moving a larger household from McAllen, Texas, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Billings, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,482 and $3,178.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,252 - $2,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $3,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,125 - $3,894
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In McAllen, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $585.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $125 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: McAllen, TX vs Billings, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Billings, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 95 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 50.37/100 |
| 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 Billings, MT to McAllen, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Texas to Montana, 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 843 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,715-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,715-mile route from McAllen, TX, to Billings, MT, run $2,178 - $9,980 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,477 - $4,868, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $977 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,068, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Billings, MT
Is Billings a safe place to live?
Billings has a safety index of 50.37 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.63, compared to 63.74 and 36.26 in McAllen. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT?
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 long does a move from McAllen, TX to Billings, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($456 - $521), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.