Moving from Dallas to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Dallas to McAllen costs between $523 to $9,477 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 507-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Dallas to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Dallas to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Dallas to driving and unloading in McAllen, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 507 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,510 - $6,478 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,491 - $2,851 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $542 - $1,085 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | AB Moving | $60/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Dallas to McAllen?
It costs between $523 to $9,477 to move from Dallas to McAllen. The prices below break down your 507-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,401 - $9,477
- Moving containers: $1,197 - $3,702
- Rental trucks: $523 - $1,373
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,401 - $4,575 | $1,197 - $2,146 | $523 - $961 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,510 - $6,478 | $1,491 - $2,851 | $542 - $1,085 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,388 - $9,477 | $1,886 - $3,702 | $655 - $1,373 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $60/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Dallas to McAllen
At 507 miles, your Dallas to McAllen move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Dallas to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 507 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Dallas to McAllen. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 189 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Dallas guide.
Considerations when moving from Dallas to McAllen
Cost of living: Dallas vs. McAllen
When weighing the cost of living in Dallas versus McAllen, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in McAllen really compares to Dallas.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Dallas | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,774 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $303,018 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,760 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in McAllen is around 24% less expensive than in Dallas, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in McAllen are 43% lower than in Dallas. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in McAllen is 11% lower than in Dallas, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in McAllen is 48% cheaper for one person compared to Dallas. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to McAllen, you’ll find that the cost of living is 54% lower than in Dallas. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in McAllen is 119% higher than in Dallas. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in McAllen and Dallas, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Dallas, you’d need about $1,560 in McAllen.
How life is different in Dallas vs. McAllen
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Dallas and McAllen. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Dallas | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 39" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of McAllen is approximately 89% lower than the population of Dallas. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic, while Dallas voted Republican.
- In McAllen and Dallas, summer highs run about the same — 96°F vs. 96°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- During the coldest months, Dallas is colder than McAllen, with temperatures falling to 36°F compared to McAllen’s 49°F.
- Dallas usually sees more rain than McAllen, with about 39 inches of rainfall each year compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
- McAllen has no annual snowfall, while Dallas averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- McAllen offers more peace of mind than Dallas, with a lower crime index of 36.26 versus 51.4.
Things to do in McAllen
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? McAllen has it all.
Museums in McAllen
- International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
- The McAllen Heritage Center
- Nuevo Santadar Gallery
Parks in McAllen
- McAllen Nature Center
- Town Lake at Firemen's Park
- McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground
Sports teams in McAllen
Universities in McAllen
- South Texas College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Dallas to McAllen?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Dallas to McAllen, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,401 and $3,721. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,510 up to $6,478. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $4,388 to $9,477 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Dallas to McAllen?
Moving containers from Dallas to McAllen will cost you $840 to $1,927 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,491 to $2,851. A larger home will cost $1,886 to $3,702.
How much is a moving truck from Dallas to McAllen?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $503 to $961. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $542 and $1,085. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Dallas to McAllen, costs usually fall between $655 and $1,373.
How far in advance should I book Dallas-to-McAllen movers?
To make your move from Dallas to McAllen as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
For the best deals on your move to McAllen, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
