($654+) McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,685 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,013 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 $2,105, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,685 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,115 - $3,952, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,369 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Birmingham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,369 - $6,224. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 70% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,013 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,013-mile route from McAllen to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,105 - $4,644 | $1,115 - $2,118 | $654 - $1,291 | $994 - $1,925 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,369 - $6,224 | $1,465 - $2,915 | $720 - $1,519 | $1,184 - $2,308 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,208 - $7,685 | $2,056 - $3,952 | $887 - $1,759 | $1,677 - $3,192 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
For the 1,013-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $2,105 and $7,685. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $241 - $1,608 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in McAllen generally start around $160 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,105 - $4,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,369 - $6,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,208 - $7,685
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 McAllen to Birmingham.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $402 - $4,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $161 - $965/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $241 - $1,930 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $804 - $2,412 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,010 - $8,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $602 - $1,144 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $804 - $2,010 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $643 - $2,814 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $241 - $1,206 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $523 - $1,608 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $241 - $12,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $241 - $2,814+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Birmingham?
Look for Alabama Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Alabama beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in McAllen, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,115 and $3,952. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in McAllen typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $2,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,056 - $3,952
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $60 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $121 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Birmingham, AL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $563 in McAllen, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Alabama 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 $1,115. 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 $1,465 - $2,915.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Birmingham?
- 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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,013 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, running $654 - $1,759. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $259 - $296
- Daily insurance: $24/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 McAllen to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $720 - $1,519
- 4+ bedrooms: $887 - $1,759
Pro tip: The base rate of $654 - $1,759 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from McAllen to Birmingham. Fuel ($259 - $296), lodging at around $121/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $563.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $259 - $296 for the 1,013-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $48 and $261, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $121 per night for hotel stops on the 1,013-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $241 - $362.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Birmingham?
- 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 McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $724 and $2,308.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $994 - $1,925
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,677 - $3,192
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $60 - $121 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $563.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Birmingham 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: McAllen, TX vs Birmingham, AL
Day-to-day costs in Birmingham are close to what you're used to in McAllen: cost of living index of 87 versus 76, with average rent of $1,250/mo compared to $1,350/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 41/100 and 63.74/100 in McAllen versus 33/100 and 38.36/100 in Birmingham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Alabama, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 843 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,013-mile move.
Our take
A move from McAllen, TX, to Birmingham, AL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,105 - $7,685 on the 1,013-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,115 - $3,952, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $654 - $1,759. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,369 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Birmingham, AL
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 63.74 and 36.26 in McAllen. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($259 - $296), daily insurance ($24/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $121/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.