Moving from McAllen to Plano, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Plano costs between $534 to $9,480 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 Plano
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from McAllen to Plano 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 Plano, 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 - $6,653 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,404 - $2,832 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $576 - $1,108 | 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 Plano?
It costs between $534 to $9,480 to move from McAllen to Plano. The prices below break down your 526-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,528 - $9,480
- Moving containers: $1,119 - $3,720
- Rental trucks: $534 - $1,390
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,528 - $4,545 | $1,119 - $1,988 | $534 - $973 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,515 - $6,653 | $1,404 - $2,832 | $576 - $1,108 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,457 - $9,480 | $2,067 - $3,720 | $697 - $1,390 |
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 Plano
At 526 miles, your McAllen to Plano 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 Plano. 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 Plano. 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 Plano to McAllen guide.
Considerations when moving from McAllen to Plano
Cost of living: McAllen vs. Plano
When comparing the cost of living between McAllen and Plano, 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 Plano stacks up against McAllen.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $2,100 |
| Average home cost | $173,919 | $440,202 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,165 | $108,649 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $2,506 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $6,078 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Plano are 56% 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.
- Home prices in Plano are 153% higher than in McAllen, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 81% higher than in McAllen. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Plano are 72% higher than in McAllen, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 71% higher than in McAllen. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Plano one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Plano is 30% lower than in McAllen. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Plano and McAllen, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,160 in Plano to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in McAllen.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Plano
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Plano 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 | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 285,494 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-41 | Republican 56-42 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 2" |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 23.02 |
Plano sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Plano is around 101% 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, Plano leaned Republican, while McAllen went Democratic.
- Both Plano and McAllen average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest months, Plano gets chillier than McAllen, with lows of 33°F compared to 49°F.
- Plano typically gets more rain than McAllen, with an average annual rainfall of 41 inches compared to McAllen’s 22 inches.
- McAllen sees no annual snowfall, while Plano averages about 2 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Plano is safer than McAllen, boasting a lower crime index of 23.02 compared to McAllen’s 36.26.
Things to do in Plano
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Plano has you covered.
Museums in Plano
- Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway
- Heritage Farmstead Museum
Parks in Plano
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Bob Woodruff Park
- Oak Point Park
Sports teams in Plano
- World Olympic Gymnastics Academy
Universities in Plano
- Collin College
- Dallas Baptist University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from McAllen to Plano?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from McAllen to Plano, expect to pay between $1,444 and $4,015 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,515 and $6,653. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,457 up to $9,480 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from McAllen to Plano?
If you’re moving from McAllen to Plano and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $851 and go up to $1,951. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,404 and $2,832. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $2,067 and $3,720.
How much is a moving truck from McAllen to Plano?
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 $498 to $992. A larger move will cost $576 to $1,108, and a four-bedroom or larger move from McAllen to Plano costs from $697 to $1,390.
How far in advance should I book McAllen-to-Plano movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from McAllen to Plano 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-Plano 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 Plano?
To save money on your move to Plano, 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.
