McAllen, TX to Long Beach, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Long Beach typically costs $3,400–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,600 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Long Beach
Moving from McAllen, TX to Long Beach, CA typically costs $3,400–$7,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,600-mile move from McAllen to Long Beach, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $999 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,663 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,653 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from McAllen to Long Beach
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from McAllen to Long Beach may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,600.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in McAllen.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,100–$3,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Long Beach, CA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Long Beach movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Long Beach
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from McAllen to Long Beach. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TX→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 291 Texas moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Long Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Long Beach runs about 84% higher for singles and 70% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,681 in Long Beach versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,051 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $2,450 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $3,780 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $835,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $78,995 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 54% more expensive in Long Beach than in McAllen. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 278% steeper in Long Beach compared to McAllen.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 38% greater in Long Beach than in McAllen, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Long Beach, with the cost of living for a single person being 84% more than in McAllen. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Long Beach, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 70% higher than in McAllen.
- Long Beach has a lower unemployment rate than McAllen by about 34%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Long Beach surpass those in McAllen by 24%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in McAllen versus Long Beach:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $147.18 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $51.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $3.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.79 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $41.20 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Long Beach.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Long Beach.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Long Beach
| McAllen | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 451,307 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 73 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 70 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 58.58 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 41.42 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Long Beach's population is about 217% greater than McAllen.
- Long Beach's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Long Beach is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 73 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Long Beach's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 58.58 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Long Beach is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 41.42 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Long Beach is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Long Beach move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Long Beach. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Long Beach
With your sights set on Aquatic Capital of America, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Long Beach.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont Shore
- Recreation Park
- Carroll Park
- Alamitos Beach
- Bluff Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bixby Village
- Los Altos
- Wrigley Heights
- Park Estates
- Alamitos Heights
Things to do in Long Beach
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Long Beach. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Long Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Long Beach?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from McAllen to Long Beach. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Long Beach?
Want to save on your move from McAllen to Long Beach? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Long Beach take?
The 1,600-mile move from McAllen, TX, to Long Beach, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some McAllen movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Long Beach.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in McAllen?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in McAllen provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
