Moving from McAllen to Houston, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Houston costs between $386 to $7,519 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 347-mile route within Texas take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from McAllen to Houston
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Houston 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 Houston, 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 347 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,965 - $5,801 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,396 - $2,582 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $406 - $893 | 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 Houston?
It costs between $386 to $7,519 to move from McAllen to Houston. The prices below break down your 347-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,230 - $7,519
- Moving containers: $1,070 - $3,087
- Rental trucks: $386 - $1,038
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,230 - $4,281 | $1,070 - $1,951 | $386 - $689 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,965 - $5,801 | $1,396 - $2,582 | $406 - $893 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,141 - $7,519 | $1,775 - $3,087 | $546 - $1,038 |
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 Houston
At 347 miles, your McAllen to Houston 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 Houston. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 347 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 Houston. 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 Houston to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Houston
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Houston
The cost of living in McAllen vs. Houston goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Houston stacks up against McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $258,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $62,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 15% 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 Houston are 49% higher than in McAllen. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- Income is similar in McAllen and Houston, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 90% higher than in McAllen, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Houston? Get ready for living expenses to be about 101% higher than in McAllen. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Houston is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 48% 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 Houston 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 $5,700 to maintain the same lifestyle in Houston.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Houston
As you plan your move, comparing life in McAllen vs. Houston 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 Houston to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| McAllen | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 2,301,572 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 63.5 |
Houston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Houston is about 1518% 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, Houston voted Republican and McAllen voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Houston and McAllen are nearly identical, with averages around 94°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- In the coldest months, Houston drops to 43°F—colder than McAllen, which only goes down to 49°F.
- Houston usually sees more rain than McAllen, averaging 53 inches of annual rainfall, while McAllen gets only 22 inches.
- Both McAllen and Houston receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Houston, with an index of 63.5, compared to McAllen at 36.26.
Things to do in Houston
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Houston has something for everyone.
Museums in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Holocaust Museum Houston
Parks in Houston
- Hermann Park
- Terry Hershey Park
- Lake Houston Park
- Memorial Park
- Tranquility Park
Sports teams in Houston
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- Houston Astros (MLB
- Houston Dash (NWSL)
- Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
Universities in Houston
- Houston Community College
- San Jacinto College
- University of Houston
- University of Houston - Downtown
- Texas Southern University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Houston?
Moving your furniture from McAllen to Houston with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,154 to $3,632. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,965 and $5,801. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,141 to $7,519 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Houston?
If you’re moving from McAllen to Houston and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $718 to $1,824. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,396 and $2,582. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,775 to $3,087.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Houston?
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 $386 and $704. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $406 to $893. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from McAllen to Houston, rental prices generally fall between $546 and $1,038.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Houston movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from McAllen to Houston 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-Houston 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 Houston?
If you want to save money on your move to Houston, 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.
