($938+) Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX ranges from $1,166 to $9,674, with an average cost of $3,700. Moves can be as low as $938 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,623 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 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 Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Santa Clarita to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,166 - $9,674 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,700, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,623 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,623-mile route from Santa Clarita to McAllen, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,166 for a studio up to $9,674 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,364 - $4,995 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $900 - $2,753, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,316 - $3,877, 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 Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,623-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to McAllen, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,166 - $9,674. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $383 - $2,552. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Santa Clarita and McAllen. Local movers in Santa Clarita typically start around $291 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,166 - $5,267
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,043 - $6,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,519 - $9,674
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 Santa Clarita 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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita 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 packing81% of local movers | $638 - $6,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $255 - $1,531/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $383 - $3,062 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,276 - $3,828 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,190 - $12,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $956 - $1,816 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,276 - $3,190 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,021 - $4,466 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $383 - $1,914 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $829 - $2,552 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $383 - $19,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $383 - $4,466+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Santa Clarita, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,364 and $4,995. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Santa Clarita typically runs around /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,364 - $2,537
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,797 - $3,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,599 - $4,995
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Santa Clarita, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $893, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $96 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $191 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Clarita, CA, and McAllen, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,364. 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 $1,797 - $3,658.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to McAllen, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,623 miles from Santa Clarita, California, to McAllen, Texas, running $900 - $2,753. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $659 - $753
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,838
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,035 - $2,056
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,753
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Santa Clarita to McAllen starts at $900 - $2,753, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($659 - $753), overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $96 and $447.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $191.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $659 and $753 for the 1,623-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $893 for 2 movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, CA 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 Santa Clarita, California, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,380 and $3,104.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,260
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,380 - $3,104
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,877
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $96 and $191.
- 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 Santa Clarita, California, for roughly five hours typically average $893.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Clarita 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in McAllen fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 76 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 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 Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,623-mile move.
Our take
The 1,623-mile move from Santa Clarita, CA, to McAllen, TX, costs between $1,166 and $9,674 with full-service movers, $1,364 - $4,995 with a moving container, and $900 - $2,753 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,043 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Clarita, CA, to McAllen, TX
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
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.
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.
How walkable is McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 35 and 33 in Santa Clarita. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 64.08 and 35.92 in Santa Clarita. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Clarita, CA 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.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.