The best local movers for McAllen to Lafayette moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in McAllen that also handles long-distance moves to Lafayette. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated seven local movers in McAllen who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from McAllen to Lafayette.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Lafayette?
The average hourly rate for movers in Texas is $131. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,177 – $3,319 | $681 – $1,706 | $451 – $766 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,028 – $5,032 | $1,192 – $2,287 | $449 – $996 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,793 – $7,638 | $1,572 – $3,040 | $572 – $1,178 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Lafayette
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from McAllen to Lafayette will cost between $1,177 and $3,319. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from McAllen to McAllen will range from $2,028 to $5,032, and a large move from McAllen to Lafayette will cost from $3,793 to $7,638.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Lafayette
If you’re moving from McAllen to Lafayette, expect to pay between $681 and $1,706 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,192 up to $2,287. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,572 and $3,040. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Lafayette
Renting a moving truck from McAllen to Lafayette is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $451 and $766. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $449 and $996. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $572 up to $1,178 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from McAllen to Lafayette
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,675, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,531.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in McAllen, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($451–$1,062) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Lafayette
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Lafayette runs about 23% higher for singles and 18% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $1,785 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $4,208 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
- Rent is estimated to be 109% higher in Lafayette compared to McAllen; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Lafayette and McAllen, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Fortunately, the average income in Lafayette and McAllen is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lafayette, since the cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 23% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Lafayette, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 18% greater than in McAllen.
- Lafayette enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 27% lower compared to McAllen, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 15% in Lafayette over McAllen, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Louisiana 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between McAllen and Lafayette:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Lafayette.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Lafayette.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Lafayette
| McAllen | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 47 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Lafayette’s population is about 15% less than McAllen.
- Lafayette’s public transportation score is within about 5% of McAllen, making them very similar.
- Lafayette and McAllen are similarly walkable.
- Both Lafayette and McAllen have similar bike-friendliness scores (46 vs 47), meaning Lafayette is about as safe for cyclists as McAllen. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Lafayette’s crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 45.75 compared to McAllen’s 36.26. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Lafayette is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 54.25 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Lafayette move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Louisiana doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Lafayette. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Lafayette
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Hub City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
Once you’re settled into your new home in Louisiana, it’s time to get out and discover what Lafayette has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lafayette, such as the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Lafayette?
The best time to move from McAllen to Lafayette is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Lafayette?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from McAllen to Lafayette, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from McAllen to Lafayette take?
Moving from McAllen, TX to Lafayette, covers 565 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some McAllen movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Lafayette.
Who can move pianos or antiques in McAllen?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in McAllen advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in McAllen provide antique moving services. State totals show 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
McAllen moving services
Popular Texas routes
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