Top-rated movers to make your McAllen to Chicago move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in McAllen that offers long-distance services to Chicago can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in McAllen who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from McAllen to Chicago.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Chicago?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,188 – $4,719 | $961 – $2,290 | $844 – $1,651 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,803 – $6,742 | $1,649 – $3,477 | $913 – $1,866 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,175 – $9,414 | $2,405 – $4,679 | $1,186 – $2,423 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Chicago
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chicago from McAllen, you can expect prices to land between $1,188 and $4,719. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,803 to $6,742 for the trip from McAllen to Chicago. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,175 and $9,414.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Chicago
Moving containers from McAllen to Chicago will cost you $961 to $2,290 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,649 to $3,477. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,405 to $4,679. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from McAllen to Chicago typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $844 and $1,651 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $913 to $1,866. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,186 to $2,423.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your McAllen to Chicago move
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,418 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,312 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 $844 to $2,127, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 150% higher for singles and 161% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $3,648 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $9,266 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 51% higher than in McAllen, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Chicago are about 34% higher than those in McAllen.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 25% higher in Chicago compared to McAllen, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chicago, as living costs for a single person are 150% higher than in McAllen. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 161% higher than in McAllen.
- Chicago shows an unemployment rate that exceeds McAllen by around 14%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 24% more than in McAllen, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McAllen and Chicago:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Chicago.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Chicago
| McAllen | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 72 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 1831% greater than McAllen.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than McAllen’s score of 3.
- Chicago is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 77 out of 100 vs McAllen’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago and McAllen have a similar crime rate with scores of 35.19 and 36.26, respectively.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 33.87 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Chicago 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 Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Illinois’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Planning your move to Chi-Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Chicago?
Planning your move from McAllen to Chicago? 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 Chicago?
Because most people are moving from McAllen to Chicago 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 Chicago take?
The 1,433-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Chicago, , typically takes three to eight 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 Chicago.
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 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
McAllen moving services
Popular Texas routes
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