Jacksonville, FL to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best FL→TX movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 227 Florida moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Jacksonville to McAllen

Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Jacksonville - roughly 46% less for singles and 46% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $2,696 in Jacksonville. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $6,605.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Jacksonville	McAllen
Average 1 BR rent	$1,596	$813
Average 3 BR rent	$2,680	$1,360
Average home value	$287,628	$221,244
Average income (per capita)	$64,138	$57,439
Cost of living (single)	$2,696	$1,457
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,605	$3,557
Unemployment rate	4.9%	7.9%
Sales tax	7.5%	8.25%
State income tax	0.0%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 11% less expensive in McAllen than in Jacksonville, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 23% cheaper in McAllen than in Jacksonville.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in McAllen than in Jacksonville.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in McAllen. The cost of living for a single person there is 46% below that of Jacksonville.
A move to McAllen can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 46% lower compared to Jacksonville.
McAllen has a higher unemployment rate than Jacksonville by about 61%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes in McAllen surpass those in Jacksonville by 10%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Neither Florida nor Texas has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Jacksonville versus McAllen:

Living Expense	Jacksonville	McAllen
Basic utilities	$188.34	$169.85
Cell phone plan	$42.92	$39.43
Dozen eggs	$4.52	$3.23
Loaf of bread	$3.82	$2.95
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$12.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$86.50	$62.50
Gym membership	$38.68	$45.00

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
Eggs cost more in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
Bread is more expensive in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jacksonville than in McAllen.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Jacksonville than in McAllen.

How life is different in Jacksonville vs. McAllen

	Jacksonville	McAllen
Population	971,319	142,210
Transportation score	4	3
Walkability score	26	41
Bike friendliness score	41	46
Crime index	56.38	36.26
Safety index	43.62	63.74
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

McAllen's population is about 85% less than Jacksonville.
McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Jacksonville's score of 4.
McAllen is more walkable than Jacksonville with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Jacksonville's 26 out of 100.
With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than Jacksonville, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
McAllen's crime rate is lower than Jacksonville with a score of 36.26 compared to Jacksonville's 56.38. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38%.
McAllen is considered to be safer than Jacksonville with a safety index of 63.74 vs Jacksonville's 43.62.
Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Jacksonville it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Jacksonville to McAllen move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to McAllen. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in McAllen

With your sights set on The City of Palms, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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

With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing McAllen. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: McAllen is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Jacksonville to McAllen?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jacksonville to McAllen. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jacksonville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Jacksonville to McAllen?

Want to save on your move from Jacksonville to McAllen? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Jacksonville to McAllen take?

The 1,216-mile move from Jacksonville, FL, to McAllen, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Jacksonville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in McAllen.

What kinds of discounts do Jacksonville movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 3 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Jacksonville?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Jacksonville provide piano moving services. 7 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.