McAllen, TX to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Sacramento typically costs $4,000–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,976 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Sacramento
Moving from McAllen, TX to Sacramento, CA typically costs $4,000–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,976-mile move from McAllen to Sacramento, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,351 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $7,639 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,318 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 03, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from McAllen to Sacramento
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in McAllen, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,300–$3,600) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Sacramento movers by type
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Sacramento
If you want to simplify your interstate move from McAllen to Sacramento, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Sacramento
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Sacramento runs about 82% higher for singles and 74% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,656 in Sacramento versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,191 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 41% higher in Sacramento compared to McAllen; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 115% greater in Sacramento than in McAllen.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 37% higher in Sacramento than in McAllen, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Sacramento, since the cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 82% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Sacramento, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 74% greater than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rates of Sacramento and McAllen are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes rise by 6% in Sacramento over McAllen, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between McAllen and Sacramento:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Sacramento.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Sacramento.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Sacramento.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Sacramento
| McAllen | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 67 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Sacramento's population is about 269% greater than McAllen.
- Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Sacramento is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 49 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento 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.
- Sacramento's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 49.21 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Sacramento is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 50.79 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Sacramento move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Sacramento
Now that you've decided to make the move to Almond Capital of the World, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Sacramento has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Sacramento, such as the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Sacramento?
The best time to move from McAllen to Sacramento is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Sacramento?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from McAllen to Sacramento, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from McAllen to Sacramento take?
Moving from McAllen, TX to Sacramento, CA covers 1,976 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some McAllen movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sacramento.
Who can move pianos or antiques in McAllen?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in McAllen advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in McAllen provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
