McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Fontana typically costs $3,300–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,547 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Fontana
Moving from McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA typically costs $3,300–$7,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,547-mile move from McAllen to Fontana, 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,581 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,389 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,391 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from McAllen to Fontana
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,500, but larger homes can run up to $11,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in McAllen.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,000–$3,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fontana, CA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Fontana movers by type
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Fontana
For a stress-free interstate move from McAllen to Fontana, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 291 Texas moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Fontana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Fontana runs about 104% higher for singles and 93% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,972 in Fontana versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,875 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $2,000 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $631,669 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $72,918 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Fontana, note that rent can be roughly 122% more expensive than it is in McAllen; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 186% higher in Fontana than in McAllen.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 27% higher in Fontana compared to McAllen, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Fontana, since the cost of living for a single person is 104% more than in McAllen. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Fontana, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Fontana is 93% more than it is in McAllen.
- Both Fontana and McAllen present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Fontana than in McAllen. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Fontana can reduce your overall living expenses.
- California 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing McAllen with Fontana:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $61.89 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $10.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Fontana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Fontana.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Fontana.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Fontana.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in McAllen than in Fontana.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in McAllen than in Fontana.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Fontana
| McAllen | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 212,704 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 41 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 31.65 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 68.35 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Fontana's population is about 50% greater than McAllen.
- Fontana's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Fontana is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 37 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Fontana has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as McAllen, which has a score of 46.
- Fontana's crime rate is lower than McAllen with a score of 31.65 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Fontana is considered to be safer than McAllen with a safety index of 68.35 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Fontana is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Fontana move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Fontana smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fontana
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Fontana to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Fontana
- North Fontana
- Rancho Fontana
- South Fontana
- Walnut Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sierra Lakes
- Hunter's Ridge
- Southridge Village
- Heritage Village
- Summit Heights
Things to do in Fontana
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Fontana is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Fontana offers cultural landmarks like the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Fontana Fury (Football)Fontana Flyers (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Fontana?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from McAllen to Fontana are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in McAllen are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Fontana?
Because spring and fall moves from McAllen to Fontana are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Fontana take?
A move of 1,547 miles from McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in McAllen sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Fontana is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in McAllen offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in McAllen have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
