($821+) McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ

Moving from McAllen, TX, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $773 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,051 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,217 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 $2,368, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,051 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,309 - $4,621, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $773 - $2,116.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,940 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ

Moving options from McAllen to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,940 - $6,360 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,217-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,217-mile route from McAllen to Tempe, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,368 - $5,019 $1,309 - $2,528 $773 - $1,460 $1,215 - $2,253
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,940 - $6,360 $1,654 - $3,286 $871 - $1,844 $1,337 - $2,682
4+ bedrooms $4,608 - $9,051 $2,285 - $4,621 $1,116 - $2,116 $1,792 - $3,445

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,217-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $2,368 - $9,051. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $272 - $1,816 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between McAllen and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, McAllen movers tend to run around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,368 - $5,019
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,940 - $6,360
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,608 - $9,051

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 Tempe.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ

Specialty needs vary by market — 57% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$454 - $4,540
Storage in transitNew place not ready57% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.$182 - $1,090/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$272 - $2,179
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers$908 - $2,724
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,270 - $9,080
Car shippingSecond vehicle$680 - $1,292
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC$908 - $2,270
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.$726 - $3,178
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling57% of local movers$272 - $1,362
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $590 - $1,816
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$272 - $13,620+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$272 - $3,178+

What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Tempe?

Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Tempe, AZ

Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,309 and $4,621. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in McAllen runs about $55/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,528
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,654 - $3,286
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,285 - $4,621

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In McAllen, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $636, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $68 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $136 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both McAllen, TX, and Tempe, AZ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Arizona 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 $1,309. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,654 - $3,286, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers McAllen to Tempe?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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:

  • Groves Moving and Storage (3.5/5), 27 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ

Renting a moving truck for the 1,217-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $773 and $2,116, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $352 - $402
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from McAllen to Tempe based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $773 - $1,460
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,844
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,116 - $2,116

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $773 - $2,116 when pricing out a rental truck from McAllen to Tempe. Fuel alone runs ($352 - $402) , and overnight lodging ($136/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $352 - $402 for the 1,217-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $636.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,217-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $136 per night, adding $272 - $409 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $272.

What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Tempe?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tempe, AZ

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from McAllen, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,337 and $2,682.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Tempe:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,215 - $2,253
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,682
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,792 - $3,445

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

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 $68 - $136 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $636.

What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Tempe?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Royal Freight Lp (4.66/5 stars): Royal Freight Lp is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Tempe, AZ

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure McAllen, TX Tempe, AZ
Cost of living index76113
Average rent$1,350/mo$1,834/mo
Median home value$173,919$421,086
Average income$60,165/yr$77,643/yr
Unemployment rate7.9%5.4%
State income taxNoneUp to 2.5%
Walkability score41/10054/100
Safety index63.74/10057.64/100
Air qualityModerateGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ 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 Arizona, 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 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,217-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 1,217-mile route from McAllen, TX, to Tempe, AZ, run $2,368 - $9,051 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,309 - $4,621, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $773 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,940, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.

FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Tempe, AZ

How long does a move from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 ($352 - $402), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $136/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $871 - $1,844. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from McAllen, TX to Tempe, AZ?

Costs on this route range from around $2,368 to $9,051, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,368 and $9,051, 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.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.