($987+) McAllen, TX to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $987 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,080 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,705 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,382, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,080 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,492 - $5,176, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $987 - $2,872.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,037 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 Chesapeake, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Chesapeake: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,037 - $6,771. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,705 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,705-mile route from McAllen to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,382 - $4,905 with full-service movers, $1,492 - $2,813 with a container, $987 - $1,955 with a rental truck, or $1,356 - $2,531 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,037 - $6,771 full-service, $1,815 - $3,706 by container, $1,133 - $2,326 by rental truck, or $1,422 - $3,209 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,857 - $10,080 full-service, $2,452 - $5,176 by container, $1,319 - $2,872 by rental truck, or $2,043 - $4,222 by freight.
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 Chesapeake, VA
Full-service movers for the 1,705-mile relocation from McAllen, Texas, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $2,382 and $10,080. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $262 - $1,744, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in McAllen typically charge a base rate around $160 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,382 - $4,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,037 - $6,771
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,857 - $10,080
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 Chesapeake.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $436 - $4,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $174 - $1,046/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,093 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $872 - $2,616 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,180 - $8,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $653 - $1,241 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $872 - $2,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $698 - $3,052 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $262 - $1,308 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $567 - $1,744 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,052+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen to Chesapeake?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in McAllen, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,492 and $5,176. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in McAllen typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,492 - $2,813
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,815 - $3,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,452 - $5,176
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX and Chesapeake, 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 $610 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $65 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $131 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 $1,492. 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 $1,815 - $3,706.
What are the best moving containers McAllen to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,705-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $987 and $2,872, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $473 - $541
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,955
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,133 - $2,326
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,319 - $2,872
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from McAllen to Chesapeake starts at $987 - $2,872, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($473 - $541), overnight lodging ($131/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in McAllen, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $610.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $473 - $541 for the 1,705-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $52 and $283, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $131 per night for hotel stops on the 1,705-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $262 - $392.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA
For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chesapeake, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,422 and $3,209.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,356 - $2,531
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,422 - $3,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,043 - $4,222
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $65 - $131 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in McAllen, Texas, typically costs $610.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen to Chesapeake?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from McAllen to Chesapeake, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX vs Chesapeake, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chesapeake, side by side with McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $359,218 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $94,189/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 21/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 70.88/100 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA to McAllen, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 843 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,705-mile route.
Our take
A move from McAllen, TX, to Chesapeake, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,382 - $10,080 on the 1,705-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,492 - $5,176, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $987 - $2,872. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,037 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, to Chesapeake, VA
Is Chesapeake a safe place to live?
Chesapeake has a safety index of 70.88 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.0, 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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from McAllen, TX to Chesapeake, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($473 - $541), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $131/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.