($1,393+) Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $1,435 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,876 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,396 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,903, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,876 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,766 - $6,375, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,435 - $3,853.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,070 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma to McAllen: 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 $4,070 - $9,151. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 18 days for this 2,396-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 2,396-mile route from Tacoma to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,903 - $6,891 | $1,766 - $3,662 | $1,435 - $2,640 | $1,740 - $3,265 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,070 - $9,151 | $2,432 - $4,697 | $1,463 - $3,305 | $1,812 - $3,877 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,210 - $13,876 | $3,114 - $6,375 | $1,848 - $3,853 | $2,727 - $5,369 |
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 Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX
Full-service movers for the 2,396-mile relocation from Tacoma, Washington, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $2,903 and $13,876. 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 $313 - $2,084, 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 Tacoma typically charge a base rate around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,903 - $6,891
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,070 - $9,151
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,210 - $13,876
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 Tacoma to McAllen.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma 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 packing97% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Tacoma, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,766 and $6,375. 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 Tacoma typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,766 - $3,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,432 - $4,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,114 - $6,375
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tacoma, WA 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 $729 in Tacoma, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $156 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 Washington 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 $1,766. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,432 - $4,697, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,396 miles from Tacoma, Washington, to McAllen, Texas, running $1,435 - $3,853. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $794 - $908
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,435 - $2,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,463 - $3,305
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,848 - $3,853
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tacoma to McAllen starts at $1,435 - $3,853, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($794 - $908) , overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $729.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $794 - $908 for the 2,396-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 $63 and $339, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night for hotel stops on the 2,396-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $313 - $469.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, Washington, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,812 and $3,877.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,740 - $3,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,812 - $3,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,727 - $5,369
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $156.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $729.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to McAllen?
- 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.
- 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to McAllen quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 76 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | None | None |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 63.74/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Tacoma, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington 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 95 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 2,396-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tacoma, WA, to McAllen, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,903 - $13,876 on the 2,396-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,766 - $6,375 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,435 - $3,853 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,070 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to McAllen, TX
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA 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 is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA to McAllen, TX?
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.
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 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 54 and 48 in Tacoma. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.