Moving from Laredo to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Laredo to McAllen costs between $179 to $5,632 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 145-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Laredo to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Laredo to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Laredo 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 145 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,378 - $4,176 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,082 - $2,024 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $204 - $365 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Wee-Move Moving Company | $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 Laredo to McAllen?
It costs between $179 to $5,632 to move from Laredo to McAllen. The prices below break down your 145-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $846 - $5,632
- Moving containers: $851 - $2,389
- Rental trucks: $179 - $397
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $846 - $3,607 | $851 - $1,514 | $179 - $292 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,378 - $4,176 | $1,082 - $2,024 | $204 - $365 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,953 - $5,632 | $1,363 - $2,389 | $225 - $397 |
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 | $246 - $2,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $60/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $55/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $164 - $656 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $41 - $164 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Laredo to McAllen
At 145 miles, your Laredo 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 Laredo to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 145 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Laredo to McAllen. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 91.4% of their 70 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen to Laredo guide.
Considerations when moving from Laredo to McAllen
Cost of living: Laredo vs. McAllen
Comparing life in Laredo and McAllen goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in McAllen stacks up against Laredo.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Laredo | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,241 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $181,479 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,264 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,756 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,770 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in McAllen are 9% higher than in Laredo. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in McAllen and Laredo are about the same, so you probably won’t see much difference in your housing costs. That makes it simpler to stick to your financial plans.
- Income levels in Laredo and McAllen are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- Moving to McAllen means you’ll spend 17% less on living expenses than you would in Laredo. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to McAllen, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 6% lower than in Laredo. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in McAllen matches that of Laredo, so you can look forward to a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales taxes match in McAllen and Laredo, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Laredo, you’d need roughly $2,490 to maintain the same lifestyle in McAllen.
How life is different in Laredo vs. McAllen
Before you move, see how life stacks up in McAllen compared to Laredo. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Laredo | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,205 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 100ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 45ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 21" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 36.23 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that McAllen has about 44% fewer people than Laredo. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen leaned Democratic, while Laredo leaned Republican.
- Moving between Laredo and McAllen won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 96°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Laredo and McAllen experience similar lows—expect 45°F in Laredo and 49°F in McAllen.
- Both Laredo and McAllen experience similar annual rainfall, with Laredo receiving 21 inches and McAllen getting 22 inches.
- Both Laredo and McAllen receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Both McAllen and Laredo show comparable crime levels, with crime index scores that are nearly the same.
Things to do in McAllen
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in McAllen.
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 Laredo to McAllen?
Shipping furniture from Laredo to McAllen with a mover will cost between $732 and $2,781. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,378–$4,176, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Laredo to McAllen will cost from $1,953–$5,632.
How much are moving container companies from Laredo to McAllen?
If you're moving from Laredo to McAllen and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $611 to $1,448. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,082 and $2,024. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,363 up to $2,389.
How much is a moving truck from Laredo to McAllen?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $177 and $316. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $204 to $365. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Laredo to McAllen, truck rental prices typically range from $225 up to $397.
How far in advance should I book Laredo-to-McAllen movers?
For a smooth move from Laredo to McAllen, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen?
To score the best moving deals to McAllen, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
