($721+) Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

Moving from Birmingham, AL, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $721 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,813 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,013 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,342, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,813 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,182 - $4,190, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $721 - $1,999.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,775 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to McAllen: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,775 - $6,726. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,013-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,013-mile route from Birmingham to McAllen, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,342 - $5,486 $1,182 - $2,223 $721 - $1,330 $1,130 - $1,919
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,775 - $6,726 $1,569 - $3,216 $719 - $1,595 $1,293 - $2,597
4+ bedrooms $4,727 - $8,813 $2,095 - $4,190 $912 - $1,999 $1,608 - $3,286

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 Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

For the 1,013-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,342 and $8,813. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $248 - $1,652 (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 Birmingham generally start around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,342 - $5,486
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,775 - $6,726
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,727 - $8,813

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 Birmingham to McAllen.

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

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham 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$413 - $4,130
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers $165 - $991/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$248 - $1,982
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$826 - $2,478
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,065 - $8,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$619 - $1,175
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$826 - $2,065
PianoAny piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers $661 - $2,891
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers$248 - $1,239
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy$537 - $1,652
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$248 - $12,390+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$248 - $2,891+

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

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Birmingham, AL. 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 Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,182 and $4,190. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Birmingham typically costs about $70/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,182 - $2,223
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,569 - $3,216
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $4,190

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Birmingham, AL and McAllen, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $578 in Birmingham, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $124 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,182. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,569 - $3,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:

  • Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas, range from $721 - $1,999 for the 1,013-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $266 - $304
  • Daily insurance: $25/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
  • Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
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 Birmingham to McAllen based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $721 - $1,330
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $719 - $1,595
  • 4+ bedrooms: $912 - $1,999

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Birmingham to McAllen starts at $721 - $1,999, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($266 - $304) , overnight lodging ($124/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

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 $62 and $289.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $124.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $266 and $304 for the 1,013-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 $578 for 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to McAllen, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $743 and $2,597.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $1,919
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,597
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,608 - $3,286

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Birmingham, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $578.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $62 - $124 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 Birmingham 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. Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in McAllen fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs McAllen, TX

Birmingham and McAllen land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Birmingham and 76 in McAllen, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,350/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (33 vs 41) and safety scores (38.36 vs 63.74) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Alabama alone has 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,013-mile move like this one.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Birmingham, AL, to McAllen, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,342 - $8,813 on the 1,013-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,182 - $4,190 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $721 - $1,999 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,775 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.

FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to McAllen, TX

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX?

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.

How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX?

Costs on this route range from around $2,342 to $8,813, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,342 and $8,813, 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.

How walkable is McAllen?

McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 33 and 31 in Birmingham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($266 - $304), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $124/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

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.

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

About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.