Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to McAllen typically costs $3,100–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,241 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to McAllen
Moving from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX typically costs $3,100–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,241-mile move from Des Moines 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,044 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $6,989 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,256 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to McAllen
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($900–$2,400) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to McAllen movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to McAllen
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Des Moines 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 IA→TX movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Iowa 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 Des Moines to McAllen
Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than Des Moines - roughly 23% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,360 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 17% higher in McAllen compared to Des Moines; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 15% greater in McAllen than in Des Moines.
- Fortunately, the average income in McAllen and Des Moines is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- 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 23% lower than in Des Moines.
- 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 19% less than in Des Moines.
- In McAllen, the unemployment rate is approximately 34% higher than in Des Moines, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 18% in McAllen over Des Moines, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 Des Moines and McAllen:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $169.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $39.43 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $12.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $45.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in McAllen, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in McAllen.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in McAllen.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. McAllen
| Des Moines | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 142,210 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 46 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 36.26 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 63.74 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- McAllen's population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
- McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- McAllen is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- McAllen's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 36.26 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- McAllen is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 63.74 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 Des Moines to McAllen?
The best time to move from Des Moines to McAllen is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to McAllen take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX covers 1,241 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in McAllen.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 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.
