New Orleans, LA to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best LA→TX movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 Louisiana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from New Orleans to McAllen

Many movers find McAllen easier on the wallet than New Orleans - roughly 54% less for singles and 55% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,457 for one person in McAllen versus $3,134 in New Orleans. For a family of four, it's $3,557 compared with $7,905.

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

	New Orleans	McAllen
Average 1 BR rent	$1,813	$813
Average 3 BR rent	$3,150	$1,360
Average home value	$231,649	$221,244
Average income (per capita)	$51,116	$57,439
Cost of living (single)	$3,134	$1,457
Cost of living (family of four)	$7,905	$3,557
Unemployment rate	11.0%	7.9%
Sales tax	10.0%	8.25%
State income tax	4.25%	0.0%

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

Good news! When moving to McAllen from New Orleans, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 23% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
The home prices in McAllen and New Orleans differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
Exciting news here, the average income is about 12% higher in McAllen than in New Orleans, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in McAllen. The cost of living for a single person is 54% less compared to New Orleans.
Relocating to McAllen could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 55% lower than in New Orleans.
With an unemployment rate approximately 28% lower than New Orleans, McAllen boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
Sales taxes are 18% lower in McAllen than New Orleans, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
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.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between New Orleans and McAllen, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	New Orleans	McAllen
Basic utilities	$244.46	$169.85
Cell phone plan	$58.50	$39.43
Dozen eggs	$4.35	$3.23
Loaf of bread	$4.03	$2.95
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.50	$12.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$124.00	$62.50
Gym membership	$61.75	$45.00

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

How life is different in New Orleans vs. McAllen

	New Orleans	McAllen
Population	383,997	142,210
Transportation score	7	3
Walkability score	58	41
Bike friendliness score	66	46
Crime index	67.31	36.26
Safety index	32.69	63.74
Air quality	Good	Moderate

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

McAllen's population is about 63% less than New Orleans.
McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than New Orleans's score of 7.
McAllen is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 41 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 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 New Orleans, which has a score of 66.
McAllen's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 36.26 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
McAllen is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 63.74 vs New Orleans's 32.69.
Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in New Orleans it's Good.

Other things to consider for your New Orleans to McAllen move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Texas, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to McAllen without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in McAllen

Ready to relocate to The City of Palms? Here are some of the top 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

Now that you've made the move to Texas, it's the perfect time to explore McAllen. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in McAllen include museums and art centers like the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen's Park, and McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New Orleans to McAllen?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from New Orleans to McAllen. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in New Orleans.

When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to McAllen?

With many people choosing to move from New Orleans to McAllen in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from New Orleans to McAllen take?

Covering 694 miles, the move from New Orleans, LA to McAllen, TX typically takes one to six days. Some New Orleans movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in McAllen can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in New Orleans offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in New Orleans offer AAA member savings.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in New Orleans can handle specialty items for my move to McAllen?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In New Orleans, 7 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of LA, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.