($773+) Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $773 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,281 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,241 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,288, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,281 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,300 - $4,501, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $773 - $2,226.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,665 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,665 - $6,227 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 70% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,241 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,241-mile route from Des Moines to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,288 - $5,149 | $1,300 - $2,296 | $773 - $1,446 | $1,123 - $2,045 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,665 - $6,227 | $1,706 - $3,330 | $811 - $1,842 | $1,364 - $2,507 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,824 - $8,281 | $2,202 - $4,501 | $1,020 - $2,226 | $1,691 - $3,462 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $2,288 and $8,281. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,241-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $248 - $1,652, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and McAllen. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,288 - $5,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,665 - $6,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,824 - $8,281
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 Des Moines to McAllen.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines 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 packing62% of local movers | $413 - $4,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $165 - $991/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $248 - $1,982 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $826 - $2,478 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,065 - $8,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $619 - $1,175 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $826 - $2,065 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $661 - $2,891 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $248 - $1,239 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $537 - $1,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $248 - $12,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $248 - $2,891+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to McAllen?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. 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 Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,300 and $4,501. 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 Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,300 - $2,296
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,330
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,202 - $4,501
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and McAllen, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $578 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $124 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa 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 $1,300. 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 $1,706 - $3,330.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, range from $773 - $2,226 for the 1,241-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $326 - $373
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $773 - $1,446
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $811 - $1,842
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,020 - $2,226
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $773 - $2,226 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to McAllen. Fuel alone runs $326 - $373, and overnight lodging ($124/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $124 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $578 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,241-mile drive falls between $326 and $373, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $41 and $248 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to McAllen, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,364 and $2,507.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,123 - $2,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,364 - $2,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,691 - $3,462
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $62 - $124 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $578.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: Des Moines, IA vs McAllen, TX
Good news for your budget: McAllen isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 76 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 41/100 and 63.74/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 58 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,241-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,288 for a studio to $8,281 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,241-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,300 - $4,501. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $773 - $2,226, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,665 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in McAllen run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA 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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $773 to $8,281, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,288 and $8,281, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.