($1,021+) McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $1,021 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,335 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,750 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,221, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,335 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,411 - $5,370, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,021 - $2,889.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,018 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
Moving options from McAllen to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,018 - $7,115 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 63% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,750 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,750-mile route from McAllen to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,221 - $5,236 | $1,411 - $2,774 | $1,021 - $2,023 | $1,335 - $2,472 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,018 - $7,115 | $1,918 - $4,077 | $1,128 - $2,454 | $1,489 - $3,199 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,915 - $10,335 | $2,594 - $5,370 | $1,435 - $2,889 | $2,075 - $4,254 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from McAllen, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $2,221 and $10,335. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,750-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $334 - $2,224, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between McAllen and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in McAllen tend to start around $160 plus $80/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,221 - $5,236
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,018 - $7,115
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,915 - $10,335
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from McAllen to Arlington.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $556 - $5,560 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $222 - $1,334/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $334 - $2,669 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $1,112 - $3,336 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,780 - $11,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $833 - $1,582 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $1,112 - $2,780 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $890 - $3,892 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $334 - $1,668 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $723 - $2,224 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $334 - $16,680+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $334 - $3,892+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Arlington?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in McAllen, TX, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,411 and $5,370. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Arlington. If you go over that window, storage in McAllen adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,774
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,918 - $4,077
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,594 - $5,370
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX and Arlington, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $778 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $167 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,411. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,918 - $4,077.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Arlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in McAllen to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in McAllen:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,750-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,021 and $2,889, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $619 - $708
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from McAllen to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $2,023
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,435 - $2,889
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,021 - $2,889 when pricing out a rental truck from McAllen to Arlington. Fuel alone runs $619 - $708, and overnight lodging ($167/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $83 and $389.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $167.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $619 and $708 for the 1,750-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $778 for 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Arlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA
If you're moving a larger household from McAllen, Texas, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Arlington, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,489 and $3,199.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,335 - $2,472
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,489 - $3,199
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,075 - $4,254
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $83 and $167.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $778.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Arlington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to McAllen, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 843 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,750-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from McAllen, TX, to Arlington, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,221 - $10,335 on the 1,750-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,411 - $5,370 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,021 - $2,889 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,018 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Arlington, VA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from McAllen, TX to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 63.74 and 36.26 in McAllen. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 41 and 46 in McAllen. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.