($1,091) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to McAllen, TX

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to McAllen

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to McAllen from Chicago, you can expect prices to land between $1,091 and $4,560. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,548 to $6,322 for the trip from Chicago to McAllen. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,805 and $8,398.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to McAllen

Moving containers from Chicago to McAllen will cost you $985 to $2,211 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,693 to $3,291. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,370 to $4,295. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to McAllen

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to McAllen typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $849 and $1,676 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $946 to $1,878. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,169 to $2,224.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from Chicago to McAllen, expect to find rent about 34% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 25% more affordable in McAllen compared to Chicago.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 20% lower in McAllen compared to Chicago.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in McAllen, as the cost of living for a single person is 60% lower compared to Chicago.
• A move to McAllen can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 62% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in McAllen is about 12% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 20% less in McAllen relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• 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.

• McAllen’s population is about 95% less than Chicago.
• McAllen’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• McAllen is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• McAllen has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• McAllen and Chicago have a similar crime rate with scores of 36.26 and 35.19, respectively.
• McAllen is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 63.74 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McAllen. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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

After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McAllen has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: McAllen features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.