Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to McAllen typically costs $3,600–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,592 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Los Angeles to McAllen
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX typically costs $3,600–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,592-mile move from Los Angeles to McAllen, 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,919 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,380 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $6,885 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to McAllen
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,700, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,000–$3,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from McAllen, TX to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Best Los Angeles to McAllen movers by type
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Best professional movers from Los Angeles to McAllen
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Los Angeles to McAllen, 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 CA→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California 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 Los Angeles to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Los Angeles - roughly 75% less for singles and 72% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to McAllen from Los Angeles, you'll find that rent is roughly 54% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 91% less in McAllen than in Los Angeles.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 23% lower in McAllen compared to Los Angeles.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in McAllen. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 75% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Choosing to move to McAllen can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 72% less than in Los Angeles.
- McAllen enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 25% lower compared to Los Angeles, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 13% in McAllen compared to Los Angeles, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Los Angeles and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships cost more in Los Angeles than in McAllen.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. McAllen
| Los Angeles | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 46 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- McAllen's population is about 96% less than Los Angeles.
- McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Los Angeles's score of 8.
- McAllen is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- McAllen has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59.
- McAllen's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 36.26 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 63.74 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Los Angeles it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to McAllen 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas 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 McAllen. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in McAllen
Now that you've decided to make the move to The City of Palms, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in McAllen.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown McAllen
- South McAllen
- La Vista
- Dove Landing
- The Village of Westlakes
Best neighborhoods for families
- North McAllen
- Sharyland Plantation
- Tres Lagos
- Royal Oak Estates
- Tuscan Estates
Things to do in McAllen
Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what McAllen has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout McAllen, such as the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen's Park, and McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground — 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to McAllen?
The best time to move from Los Angeles to McAllen is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to McAllen, 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 Los Angeles to McAllen take?
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to McAllen, TX covers 1,592 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in McAllen.
Which movers in Los Angeles give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 4 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Los Angeles?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 83 movers in Los Angeles advertise piano moving expertise. 72 movers in Los Angeles provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 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.
