($764+) Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $764 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,886 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,160 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 $2,070, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,886 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,166 - $4,308, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $764 - $2,088.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,728 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Chattanooga to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,728 - $6,365 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,160-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,160-mile route from Chattanooga to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,070 - $4,750 | $1,166 - $2,137 | $764 - $1,455 | $1,049 - $2,003 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,728 - $6,365 | $1,626 - $3,164 | $771 - $1,598 | $1,288 - $2,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,319 - $8,886 | $2,221 - $4,308 | $988 - $2,088 | $1,625 - $3,414 |
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 Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,160-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to McAllen, Texas, with prices running from $2,070 - $8,886. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $253 - $1,688 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chattanooga and McAllen are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chattanooga movers tend to run around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,070 - $4,750
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,728 - $6,365
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,319 - $8,886
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 Chattanooga to McAllen.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga 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 packing77% of local movers | $422 - $4,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $169 - $1,013/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $253 - $2,026 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% of local movers | $844 - $2,532 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,110 - $8,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $632 - $1,201 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $844 - $2,110 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $675 - $2,954 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $253 - $1,266 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $549 - $1,688 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $253 - $12,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $253 - $2,954+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Chattanooga, TN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,166 and $4,308. 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 Chattanooga typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,166 - $2,137
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,221 - $4,308
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $591 in Chattanooga, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $63 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $127 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your McAllen, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $1,166. 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 $1,626 - $3,164.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX
A rental truck for this 1,160-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $764 and $2,088. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $312 - $356
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $771 - $1,598
- 4+ bedrooms: $988 - $2,088
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chattanooga to McAllen starts at $764 - $2,088, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($312 - $356), overnight lodging ($127/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $591.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $312 - $356 for the 1,160-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $51 and $274, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $127 per night for hotel stops on the 1,160-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $253 - $380.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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 $1,288 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,049 - $2,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,414
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?
- 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 $63 - $127 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $591.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chattanooga, TN vs McAllen, TX
Chattanooga and McAllen land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Chattanooga and 76 in McAllen, and average rent is $1,475/mo vs. $1,350/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 29 vs 41 and safety scores are 46.11 vs 63.74.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen, TX to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 1,160-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,160-mile route from Chattanooga, TN, to McAllen, TX, run $2,070 - $8,886 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,166 - $4,308, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $764 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,728, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to McAllen, TX
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $764 to $8,886, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,070 and $8,886, 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 29 and 35 in Chattanooga. 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 ($312 - $356), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $127/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 is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN 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.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 23% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.