($954+) Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX ranges from $1,238 to $9,790, with an average cost of $3,500. Moves can be as low as $954 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,592 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Los Angeles to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,238 - $9,790 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,500, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,592 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,592-mile route from Los Angeles to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,238 - $5,053 | $1,465 - $2,700 | $954 - $1,850 | $1,217 - $2,265 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,841 - $7,014 | $1,711 - $3,737 | $962 - $2,051 | $1,383 - $3,048 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,089 - $9,790 | $2,405 - $4,852 | $1,225 - $2,742 | $1,924 - $3,843 |
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 Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Full-service movers for the 1,592-mile relocation from Los Angeles, California, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,238 and $9,790. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $383 - $2,552, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Los Angeles typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,238 - $5,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,841 - $7,014
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,089 - $9,790
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 Los Angeles to McAllen.
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 Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In McAllen, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $638 - $6,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $255 - $1,531/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $383 - $3,062 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,276 - $3,828 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,190 - $12,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $956 - $1,816 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,276 - $3,190 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,021 - $4,466 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $383 - $1,914 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $829 - $2,552 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $383 - $19,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $383 - $4,466+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to McAllen?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Los Angeles, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,465 and $4,852. 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 Los Angeles runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,465 - $2,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,711 - $3,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,405 - $4,852
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $893, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $96 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $191 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and McAllen, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,465. 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 $1,711 - $3,737.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to McAllen?
- 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Renting a moving truck for the 1,592-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $954 and $2,742, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $646 - $739
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $954 - $1,850
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $962 - $2,051
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,742
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to McAllen looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $954 - $2,742. But once you factor in fuel ($646 - $739), overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $96 and $447.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $191.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $646 and $739 for the 1,592-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 $893 for 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to McAllen?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Los Angeles, California, to McAllen, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,383 and $3,048.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $2,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,383 - $3,048
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,924 - $3,843
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $96 - $191 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for about five hours typically runs $893.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Los Angeles, CA vs McAllen, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in McAllen, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 76 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 63.74/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 McAllen, TX to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California 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. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,592-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,592-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to McAllen, TX, costs between $1,238 and $9,790 with full-service movers, $1,465 - $4,852 with a moving container, and $954 - $2,742 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,841 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to McAllen, TX
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX?
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. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($646 - $739), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $191/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $954 to $9,790, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,238 and $9,790, 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.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.