Moving from McAllen to El Paso, TX
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to El Paso costs between $688 to $9,323 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 792-mile route within Texas take 2 to 7 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to El Paso
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to El Paso are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in McAllen to driving and unloading in El Paso, 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 792 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,749 - $6,657 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,681 - $3,209 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $715 - $1,554 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Groves Moving and Storage | $80/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 McAllen to El Paso?
It costs between $688 to $9,323 to move from McAllen to El Paso. The prices below break down your 792-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $2,011 - $9,323
- Moving containers: $1,270 - $4,268
- Rental trucks: $688 - $1,759
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,011 - $5,316 | $1,270 - $2,431 | $688 - $1,284 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,749 - $6,657 | $1,681 - $3,209 | $715 - $1,554 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,512 - $9,323 | $2,211 - $4,268 | $931 - $1,759 |
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 | $228 - $1,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $55/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $152 - $608 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $38 - $152 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from McAllen to El Paso
At 792 miles, your McAllen to El Paso 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 McAllen to El Paso. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 792 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Rick's Moving & Storage LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from McAllen to El Paso. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 70.0% of their 30 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our El Paso to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to El Paso
Cost of living: McAllen vs. El Paso
When comparing the cost of living between McAllen and El Paso, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in El Paso stacks up against McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,510 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $172,129 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $58,734 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $1,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $4,360 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 7.25% |
- Rent prices in El Paso are 12% higher than in McAllen. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Since home prices in El Paso and McAllen are pretty similar, your housing costs should stay about the same, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- You’ll find that income levels in McAllen and El Paso are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in El Paso are 26% higher than in McAllen, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 23% higher than in McAllen. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making El Paso one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in El Paso is 41% lower than in McAllen. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are about 12% cheaper in El Paso than in McAllen, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,780 in El Paso to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in McAllen.
How life is different in McAllen vs. El Paso
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in El Paso vs. McAllen. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| McAllen | El Paso | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 678,815 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 10" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 3" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 32.51 |
El Paso sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- El Paso is around 377% bigger than McAllen. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, El Paso leaned Republican, while McAllen went Democratic.
- Both El Paso and McAllen average summer highs close to 96°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest months, El Paso gets chillier than McAllen, with lows of 31°F compared to 49°F.
- McAllen tends to be wetter than El Paso, averaging 22 inches of annual rainfall compared to El Paso’s 10 inches.
- McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while El Paso averages about 3 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- El Paso is safer than McAllen, boasting a lower crime index of 32.51 compared to McAllen’s 36.26.
Things to do in El Paso
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? El Paso has you covered.
Museums in El Paso
- El Paso Museum of Art
- El Paso Museum of History
- El Paso Museum of Archaeology
- Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
- The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
Parks in El Paso
- Westside Community Park
- Vista del Valle Park
- Tom Lea Park
- Madeline Park
- Franklin Mountains State Park
Sports teams in El Paso
- El Paso Chihuahuas (TAW)
- El Paso Locomotive FC (USLC)
- El Paso Rhinos (WSHL)
- UTEP Miners (NCAA)
Universities in El Paso
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
- Texas Tech College of Architecture at El Paso
- Brightwood College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to El Paso?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from McAllen to El Paso, expect to pay between $1,468 and $4,962 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,749 and $6,657. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,512 up to $9,323 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to El Paso?
If you’re moving from McAllen to El Paso and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $898 and go up to $2,289. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,681 and $3,209. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $2,211 and $4,268.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to El Paso?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $681 to $1,271. A larger move will cost $715 to $1,554, and a four-bedroom or larger move from McAllen to El Paso costs from $931 to $1,759.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-El Paso movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from McAllen to El Paso at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your McAllen-to-El Paso movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to El Paso?
To save money on your move to El Paso, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
