Fargo, ND to McAllen, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best ND→TX movers

Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 11 North Dakota moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.

Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Fargo to McAllen

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - McAllen runs about -7% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Fargo.

Singles spend around $1,457 in McAllen versus $1,566 in Fargo; families pay $3,557 compared with $3,299.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Fargo	McAllen
Average 1 BR rent	$963	$813
Average 3 BR rent	$2,563	$1,360
Average home value	$287,548	$221,244
Average income (per capita)	$59,493	$57,439
Cost of living (single)	$1,566	$1,457
Cost of living (family of four)	$3,299	$3,557
Unemployment rate	3.6%	7.9%
Sales tax	7.5%	8.25%
State income tax	2.9%	0.0%

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

As you consider relocating to McAllen, note that rent can be roughly 28% more expensive than it is in Fargo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 23% lower in McAllen than in Fargo.
The average income in McAllen and Fargo is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in McAllen, where the cost of living for a single person is 7% less than in Fargo.
If your journey leads to McAllen, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 8% more than it is in Fargo.
The unemployment rate in McAllen is 119% higher compared to Fargo, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
Sales taxes are 10% higher in McAllen than in Fargo. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Fargo with McAllen:

Living Expense	Fargo	McAllen
Basic utilities	$159.44	$169.85
Cell phone plan	$54.00	$39.43
Dozen eggs	$4.00	$3.23
Loaf of bread	$3.25	$2.95
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$15.00	$12.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$50.00	$62.50
Gym membership	$55.00	$45.00

Basic utilities cost less in Fargo than in McAllen, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fargo than in McAllen.
Eggs cost more in Fargo than in McAllen.
Bread is more expensive in Fargo than in McAllen.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Fargo than in McAllen.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fargo than in McAllen.
Gym memberships cost more in Fargo than in McAllen.

How life is different in Fargo vs. McAllen

	Fargo	McAllen
Population	125,990	142,210
Transportation score	4	3
Walkability score	45	41
Bike friendliness score	49	46
Crime index	8.0	36.26
Safety index	56.17	63.74
Air quality	Good	Moderate

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

McAllen's population is about 13% greater than Fargo.
McAllen's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Fargo's score of 4.
McAllen is less walkable than Fargo with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Fargo's 45 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 Fargo, which has a score of 49.
McAllen's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 36.26 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
McAllen is considered to be safer than Fargo with a safety index of 63.74 vs Fargo's 56.17.
Air quality in McAllen is Moderate, and in Fargo it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Fargo to McAllen move

HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: While Texas doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches McAllen smoothly. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in McAllen

Now that you've chosen The City of Palms as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in McAllen to check out.

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 getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it's time to see what McAllen is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, McAllen offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Fargo to McAllen are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Fargo are lower.

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

Because spring and fall moves from Fargo to McAllen are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Fargo to McAllen take?

A move of 1,574 miles from Fargo, ND to McAllen, TX generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Fargo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in McAllen is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which movers in Fargo offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Fargo have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across ND, there are 9 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.