($945+) McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

Moving from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA, runs anywhere from $945 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,310 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,577 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 $2,309, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,310 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,451 - $4,656, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $945 - $2,559.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,051 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 Anaheim, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Anaheim: 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 $3,051 - $7,081. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,577-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 1,577-mile route from McAllen to Anaheim, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,309 - $5,154 $1,451 - $2,752 $945 - $1,742 $1,255 - $2,312
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,051 - $7,081 $1,891 - $3,737 $1,063 - $2,072 $1,426 - $3,077
4+ bedrooms $5,464 - $9,310 $2,479 - $4,656 $1,263 - $2,559 $2,041 - $3,999

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
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 trailer
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 McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,577-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, with prices running from $2,309 - $9,310. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $335 - $2,232 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between McAllen and Anaheim are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, McAllen movers tend to run around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,309 - $5,154
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,051 - $7,081
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,464 - $9,310

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 Anaheim.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. 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 McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Anaheim, 54% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing50% of local movers$558 - $5,580
Storage in transitNew place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage$223 - $1,339/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$335 - $2,678
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers$1,116 - $3,348
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,790 - $11,160
Car shippingSecond vehicle$836 - $1,588
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC$1,116 - $2,790
PianoAny piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC$893 - $3,906
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers$335 - $1,674
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX)$725 - $2,232
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$335 - $16,740+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$335 - $3,906+

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

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 McAllen, TX, 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 McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, cost between $1,451 and $4,656. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in McAllen costs roughly $55/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $2,752
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $3,737
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,479 - $4,656

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX and Anaheim, CA. 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 $781 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $167 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 Texas to California 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 $1,451. 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 $1,891 - $3,737.

What are the best moving containers McAllen to Anaheim?

  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 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 Anaheim, CA

Truck rentals from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, range from $945 - $2,559 for the 1,577-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $560 - $640
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
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 McAllen to Anaheim based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $945 - $1,742
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,063 - $2,072
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,559

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from McAllen to Anaheim starts at $945 - $2,559, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($560 - $640), overnight lodging ($167/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $560 - $640 for the 1,577-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $781.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,577-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $167 per night, adding $335 - $502 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $56 and $335.

What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Anaheim?

  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 McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

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 McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California. 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 $1,426 and $3,077.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,312
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,426 - $3,077
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,041 - $3,999

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

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 $781.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $167 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 Anaheim?

  1. 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.
  2. 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from McAllen to Anaheim. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Anaheim, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Anaheim, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure McAllen, TX Anaheim, CA
Cost of living index76165
Average rent$1,350/mo$2,550/mo
Median home value$173,919$769,966
Average income$60,165/yr$90,583/yr
Unemployment rate7.9%4.1%
State income taxNoneUp to 13.3%
Walkability score41/10056/100
Safety index63.74/10046.82/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Anaheim, CA to McAllen, TX guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, 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. Texas alone has 843 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,577-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,309 for a studio to $9,310 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,577-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,451 - $4,656. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $945 - $2,559, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,051 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include PacSun and Firmenich.

FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

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.

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

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($560 - $640), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $167/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Anaheim?

Anaheim has a walkability score of 56 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, compared to 41 and 46 in McAllen. 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 McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $945 to $9,310, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,309 and $9,310, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA?

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 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.