($1,175+) Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX ranges from $1,269 to $12,045, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,175 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,975 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 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 Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Sacramento to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,269 - $12,045 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,975 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,975-mile route from Sacramento to McAllen, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,269 for a studio up to $12,045 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,610 - $6,252 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,259 - $3,371, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,538 - $5,001, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
For the 1,975-mile move from Sacramento, California, to McAllen, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,269 and $12,045. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $320 - $2,132 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Sacramento generally start around $287 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sacramento to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,269 - $5,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,610 - $7,942
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,945 - $12,045
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 Sacramento to McAllen.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California 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 Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Sacramento movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In McAllen, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling48% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to McAllen?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Sacramento, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,610 and $6,252. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to McAllen. If you go over that window, storage in Sacramento adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,610 - $3,150
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,168 - $4,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,940 - $6,252
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Sacramento, CA and McAllen, TX. 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 $746 in Sacramento, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $160 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 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 $1,610. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,168 - $4,238, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Double Move (4.9/5), 3 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
A rental truck for this 1,975-mile move from Sacramento, California, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $1,259 and $3,371. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $670 - $766
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
| 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 Sacramento to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,259 - $2,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,753
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,654 - $3,371
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,259 - $3,371 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Sacramento to McAllen. Fuel ($670 - $766) , lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Sacramento, California, usually costs about $746 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,975-mile drive falls between $670 and $766, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $53 and $320 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX
If you're moving a larger household from Sacramento, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to McAllen, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,632 and $3,425.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,538 - $2,891
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $3,425
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,257 - $5,001
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Sacramento, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $746.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $80 and $160 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento 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.
- Button Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Button Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Sacramento, 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 Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 76 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 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 Sacramento, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,975-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Sacramento, CA, to McAllen, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,269 for a studio to $12,045 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,975-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,610 - $6,252. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,259 - $3,371, 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 $3,610 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 The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to McAllen, TX
What do local movers charge in Sacramento?
Local movers based in Sacramento typically start around $287 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in McAllen run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in McAllen?
For families, North McAllen, Sharyland Plantation, and Tres Lagos are worth a look in McAllen. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown McAllen, South McAllen, and La Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Sacramento, CA to McAllen, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,337 - $2,753. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is McAllen a safe place to live?
McAllen has a safety index of 63.74 out of 100 and a crime index of 36.26, compared to 50.79 and 49.21 in Sacramento. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Sacramento movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
