($939+) McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $939 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,257 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,547 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 $2,201, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,257 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,320 - $5,004, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $939 - $2,642.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,830 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 Fontana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Fontana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,830 - $7,012. Moving containers run about 39% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 64% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,547-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,547-mile route from McAllen to Fontana, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,201 - $5,181 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,320 - $2,706), rental truck ($939 - $1,835), or freight trailer ($1,286 - $2,342). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,830 - $7,012 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,257.
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 Fontana, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,547-mile relocation from McAllen, Texas, to Fontana, California, cost between $2,201 and $9,257. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $280 - $1,864, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in McAllen typically charge a base rate around $160 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,201 - $5,181
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,830 - $7,012
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,403 - $9,257
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 Fontana.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fontana, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $466 - $4,660 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $186 - $1,118/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,237 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $932 - $2,796 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,330 - $9,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $698 - $1,326 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $932 - $2,330 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $746 - $3,262 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $280 - $1,398 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $606 - $1,864 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $13,980+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,262+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Fontana?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Fontana, CA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,320 and $5,004. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in McAllen costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,320 - $2,706
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,737 - $3,745
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,342 - $5,004
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX and Fontana, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $652 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $140 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,320. 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 $1,737 - $3,745.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Fontana?
- 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 Fontana, CA
Truck rentals from McAllen, Texas, to Fontana, California, range from $939 - $2,642 for the 1,547-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $459 - $524
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $939 - $1,835
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,025 - $2,162
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,180 - $2,642
Pro tip: The base rate of $939 - $2,642 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from McAllen to Fontana. Fuel ($459 - $524), lodging at around $140/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $140 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $61 and $303 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $459 - $524 in fuel for the 1,547-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $652 in McAllen, Texas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Fontana?
- 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 Fontana, 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 Fontana, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,404 and $2,939.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,286 - $2,342
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,404 - $2,939
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,873 - $3,734
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In McAllen, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $652.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $140 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from McAllen to Fontana. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Fontana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fontana, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 68.35/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Fontana, 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 843 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,547-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from McAllen, TX, to Fontana, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,201 for a studio to $9,257 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,547-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,320 - $5,004. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $939 - $2,642, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,830 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Fontana, CA
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 ($459 - $524), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Fontana?
Fontana has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, 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.
How much does it cost to move from McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $939 to $9,257, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,201 and $9,257, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Fontana, CA?
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 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.