Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Clarita to McAllen typically costs $3,300–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,623 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Clarita to McAllen
Moving from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX typically costs $3,300–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,623-mile move from Santa Clarita to McAllen, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,091 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,518 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,923 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Clarita to McAllen
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Clarita, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,100–$3,000) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from McAllen, TX to Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Best Santa Clarita to McAllen movers by type
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Best professional movers from Santa Clarita to McAllen
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Santa Clarita 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
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 Santa Clarita to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Santa Clarita - roughly 56% less for singles and 47% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $3,290 in Santa Clarita. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $6,722.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Clarita | McAllen | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $2,908 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,898 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $804,740 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $106,166 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,290 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,722 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to McAllen from Santa Clarita, you'll find that rent is roughly 59% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 73% less in McAllen than in Santa Clarita.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 46% lower in McAllen compared to Santa Clarita.
- 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 56% lower than in Santa Clarita.
- 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 47% less than in Santa Clarita.
- McAllen enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 18% lower compared to Santa Clarita, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 13% in McAllen compared to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Santa Clarita | McAllen |
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| Basic utilities | $263.33 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.50 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $37.00 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Clarita than in McAllen.
How life is different in Santa Clarita vs. McAllen
| Santa Clarita | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,673 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 33 | 46 |
| Crime index | 35.92 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 64.08 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- McAllen's population is about 38% less than Santa Clarita.
- McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Clarita's score of 5.
- McAllen is more walkable than Santa Clarita with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Santa Clarita's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than Santa Clarita, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- McAllen and Santa Clarita have a similar crime rate with scores of 36.26 and 35.92, respectively.
- McAllen and Santa Clarita have a similar safety level, with scores of 63.74 and 64.08.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Santa Clarita it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita to McAllen?
The best time to move from Santa Clarita to McAllen is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Clarita.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Clarita to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita to McAllen take?
Moving from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX covers 1,623 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Clarita movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in McAllen.
Which movers in Santa Clarita 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. 2 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 Santa Clarita?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 64 movers in Santa Clarita advertise piano moving expertise. 52 movers in Santa Clarita 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.