Moving from McAllen to Garland, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Garland costs between $539 to $9,290 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 526-mile route within Texas take 1 to 6 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to Garland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Garland 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 Garland, 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 526 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,515 - $6,270 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,492 - $2,860 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $581 - $1,175 | 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 Garland?
It costs between $539 to $9,290 to move from McAllen to Garland. The prices below break down your 526-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,498 - $9,290
- Moving containers: $1,188 - $3,757
- Rental trucks: $539 - $1,308
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,498 - $4,545 | $1,188 - $2,174 | $539 - $925 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,515 - $6,270 | $1,492 - $2,860 | $581 - $1,175 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,592 - $9,290 | $1,988 - $3,757 | $662 - $1,308 |
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 Garland
At 526 miles, your McAllen to Garland 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 Garland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 526 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 Garland. 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 Garland to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Garland
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Garland
The cost of living in McAllen vs. Garland goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Garland stacks up against McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,624 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $249,342 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $74,717 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $2,827 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 6.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Garland are 20% higher than in McAllen. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Garland are 43% higher than in McAllen. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Garland, where the average salary is 24% higher than in McAllen, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Garland is 94% higher than in McAllen, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Garland? Get ready for living expenses to be about 119% higher than in McAllen. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Garland is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Garland is 18% lower than in McAllen, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Garland and McAllen, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in McAllen, expect to budget around $5,820 to maintain the same lifestyle in Garland.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Garland
As you plan your move, comparing life in McAllen vs. Garland is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between McAllen and Garland to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| McAllen | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 239,928 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-43 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 37.13 |
Garland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Garland is about 69% larger than McAllen. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- In the last presidential election, Garland voted Republican and McAllen voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Garland and McAllen are nearly identical, with averages around 96°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- In the coldest months, Garland drops to 35°F—colder than McAllen, which only goes down to 49°F.
- Garland usually sees more rain than McAllen, averaging 40 inches of annual rainfall, while McAllen gets only 22 inches.
- McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while Garland averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Crime levels in Garland and McAllen are about the same, with index scores close to one another.
Things to do in Garland
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Garland has something for everyone.
Museums in Garland
- Garland Landmark Museum
Parks in Garland
- Rowlett Creek Preserve
- Spring Creek Park
- Lake Ray Hubbard
Sports teams in Garland
- Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools
Universities in Garland
- Richland College
- Amberton University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Garland?
Moving your furniture from McAllen to Garland with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,333 to $3,937. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,515 and $6,270. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $4,592 to $9,290 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Garland?
If you’re moving from McAllen to Garland and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $851 to $1,931. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,492 and $2,860. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,988 to $3,757.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Garland?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $513 and $982. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $581 to $1,175. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from McAllen to Garland, rental prices generally fall between $662 and $1,308.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Garland movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from McAllen to Garland at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your McAllen-to-Garland movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Garland?
If you want to save money on your move to Garland, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
