Moving from San Antonio to McAllen, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from San Antonio to McAllen costs between $314 to $6,443 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 239-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Antonio to McAllen
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Antonio to McAllen are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Antonio 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 239 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,676 - $5,226 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,294 - $2,295 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $336 - $670 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $96/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 San Antonio to McAllen?
It costs between $314 to $6,443 to move from San Antonio to McAllen. The prices below break down your 239-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,057 - $6,443
- Moving containers: $1,014 - $2,976
- Rental trucks: $314 - $842
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,057 - $4,234 | $1,014 - $1,639 | $314 - $583 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,676 - $5,226 | $1,294 - $2,295 | $336 - $670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,413 - $6,443 | $1,571 - $2,976 | $426 - $842 |
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 | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $96/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Antonio to McAllen
At 239 miles, your San Antonio 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 San Antonio to McAllen. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 239 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Antonio 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 San Antonio guide.
Considerations when moving from San Antonio to McAllen
Cost of living: San Antonio vs. McAllen
The cost of living in San Antonio vs. McAllen goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in McAllen stacks up against San Antonio.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Antonio | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,496 | $1,350 |
| Average home cost | $216,453 | $173,919 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,917 | $60,165 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,194 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,931 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent in McAllen is roughly 10% less expensive than in San Antonio. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in McAllen are 20% lower than in San Antonio, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income is similar in San Antonio and McAllen, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- Cost of living for a single person in McAllen is 34% lower than in San Antonio. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 28% lower in McAllen than in San Antonio. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in McAllen is 108% higher than in San Antonio. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in McAllen and San Antonio, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in San Antonio, expect to budget around $1,980 to maintain the same lifestyle in McAllen.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. McAllen
As you plan your move, comparing life in San Antonio vs. McAllen 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 San Antonio and McAllen to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| San Antonio | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 142,210 |
| Political leaning | republican 68-42 | Democratic 58-41 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 41ºF | 49ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 36.26 |
McAllen sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that McAllen is about 90% less populated than San Antonio. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic and San Antonio voted republican.
- Summer highs in McAllen and San Antonio are nearly identical, with averages around 96°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest part of the year, San Antonio is colder than McAllen, dropping to 41°F compared to McAllen’s low of 49°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in San Antonio, which sees about 33 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 22 inches you’ll typically get annually in McAllen.
- Both San Antonio and McAllen receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- McAllen has a lower crime rate than San Antonio, with a crime index of 36.26 vs 48.06.
Things to do in McAllen
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? McAllen has something for everyone.
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 San Antonio to McAllen?
Moving your furniture from San Antonio to McAllen with a professional moving company usually ranges from $995 to $3,549. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,676 and $5,226. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,413 to $6,443 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from San Antonio to McAllen?
If you’re moving from San Antonio to McAllen and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $678 to $1,728. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,294 and $2,295. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,571 to $2,976.
How much is a moving truck from San Antonio to McAllen?
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 $323 and $595. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $336 to $670. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from San Antonio to McAllen, rental prices generally fall between $426 and $842.
How far in advance should I book San Antonio-to-McAllen movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from San Antonio to McAllen 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 San Antonio-to-McAllen 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 McAllen?
If you want to save money on your move to McAllen, 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.
