($737+) Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $737 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,537 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,215 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 $2,042, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,537 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,260 - $4,147, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $737 - $1,975.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,586 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 Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Tempe to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,586 - $6,436 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 69% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,215 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,215-mile route from Tempe to McAllen, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,042 for a studio up to $8,537 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,260 - $4,147 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $737 - $1,975, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,112 - $3,216, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,215-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to McAllen, Texas, with prices running from $2,042 - $8,537. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $295 - $1,964 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Tempe and McAllen are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Tempe movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,042 - $4,782
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,586 - $6,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,482 - $8,537
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 Tempe to McAllen.
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 Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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 packing79% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tempe, AZ, 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 Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,260 and $4,147. 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 Tempe adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,260 - $2,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,592 - $3,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,048 - $4,147
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ 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 $687 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 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 Arizona 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 $1,260. 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 $1,592 - $3,354.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,215 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to McAllen, Texas, running $737 - $1,975. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $380 - $434
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Tempe to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $737 - $1,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $797 - $1,756
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,063 - $1,975
Pro tip: The base rate of $737 - $1,975 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to McAllen. Fuel ($380 - $434), lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $380 - $434 for the 1,215-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 Tempe, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $687.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,215-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $147 per night, adding $295 - $442 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $295.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tempe, Arizona, to McAllen, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,312 and $2,428.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,312 - $2,428
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,216
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $147 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tempe, Arizona, typically costs $687.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 76 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | None |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 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 Tempe, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Texas in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 242 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,215-mile route.
Our take
A move from Tempe, AZ, to McAllen, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,042 - $8,537 on the 1,215-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,260 - $4,147, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $737 - $1,975. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,586 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to McAllen, TX
How much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $737 to $8,537, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,042 and $8,537, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, AZ 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 $797 - $1,756. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($380 - $434), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.