($942+) McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

Moving from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA, runs anywhere from $942 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,667 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,577 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,425, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,667 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,450 - $5,092, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $942 - $2,685.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,108 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 Anaheim, CA

Moving options from McAllen to Anaheim fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,108 - $7,222 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,577 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,577-mile route from McAllen to Anaheim, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,425 - $5,196 $1,450 - $2,696 $942 - $1,961 $1,291 - $2,451
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,108 - $7,222 $1,910 - $4,079 $1,063 - $2,242 $1,482 - $2,983
4+ bedrooms $5,566 - $9,667 $2,654 - $5,092 $1,366 - $2,685 $1,977 - $4,240

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 Anaheim, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,577-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, with prices running from $2,425 - $9,667. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $335 - $2,232 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between McAllen and Anaheim 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 Anaheim:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,425 - $5,196
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,108 - $7,222
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,566 - $9,667

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 Anaheim.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. 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 Anaheim, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 57% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Anaheim, 84% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$558 - $5,580
Storage in transitNew place not ready57% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.$223 - $1,339/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$335 - $2,678
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers$1,116 - $3,348
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,790 - $11,160
Car shippingSecond vehicle$836 - $1,588
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC$1,116 - $2,790
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.$893 - $3,906
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling57% of local movers$335 - $1,674
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $725 - $2,232
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$335 - $16,740+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$335 - $3,906+

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

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in McAllen, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA

Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, cost between $1,450 and $5,092. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Anaheim. If you go over that window, storage in McAllen adds around $55/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,450 - $2,696
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,910 - $4,079
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,654 - $5,092

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $781 in McAllen, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $167 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Anaheim, CA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to California 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 $1,450. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,910 - $4,079, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers McAllen to Anaheim?

  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 Anaheim, CA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,577 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Anaheim, California, running $942 - $2,685. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $560 - $640
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • 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 Anaheim based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $942 - $1,961
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,063 - $2,242
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,685

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $942 - $2,685 when pricing out a rental truck from McAllen to Anaheim. Fuel alone runs ($560 - $640) , and overnight lodging ($167/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?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $391.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $167.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $560 and $640 for the 1,577-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $781 for 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

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

  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 Anaheim, CA

For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Anaheim, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,482 and $2,983.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,291 - $2,451
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,983
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,977 - $4,240

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $84 - $167 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in McAllen, Texas, typically costs $781.

What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Anaheim?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Royal Freight Lp (4.66/5 stars): Royal Freight Lp is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

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 Anaheim, CA

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

Measure McAllen, TX Anaheim, CA
Cost of living index76165
Average rent$1,350/mo$2,550/mo
Median home value$173,919$769,966
Average income$60,165/yr$90,583/yr
Unemployment rate7.9%4.1%
State income taxNoneUp to 13.3%
Walkability score41/10056/100
Safety index63.74/10046.82/100
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 Anaheim, CA to McAllen, TX guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Texas alone has 289 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,577-mile move like this one.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 1,577-mile route from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA, run $2,425 - $9,667 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,450 - $5,092, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $942 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,108, 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 PacSun and Firmenich.

FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Anaheim, CA

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 is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Anaheim, CA?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($560 - $640), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $167/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Anaheim?

Anaheim has a walkability score of 56 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, compared to 41 and 46 in McAllen. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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.