Factors that influence moving costs from Chula Vista to McAllentoggle

The cost of Chula Vista movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chula Vista to McAllen might cost as little as $1,439, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $10,657.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chula Vista, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,050 to $2,647. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chula Vista to McAllen

Moving from Chula Vista to McAllen means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chula Vista than in McAllen, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chula Vista compares to McAllen so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chula Vista McAllen
Average rent cost $3,100 $1,350
Average home value $844,142 $221,244
Average income (per capita) $92,913 $57,439
Cost of living (single person) $7,167 $1,457
Cost of living (family of 4) $12,120 $3,557
Unemployment rate 7.9% 7.9%
Sales tax 8.75% 8.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in McAllen are 57% lower than in Chula Vista, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in McAllen.
    Home prices in McAllen are 73.8% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • Income in McAllen is 38.2% lower than in Chula Vista, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in McAllen include The Monitor Group, Am-Mex Products, and South Texas College.
  • The cost of living for a single person in McAllen is 79.7% lower than in Chula Vista. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 70.7% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • The unemployment rate in McAllen and Chula Vista.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in McAllen, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in McAllen are 5.71% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • One perk of moving to McAllen is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chula Vista.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $609.88 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chula Vista.

How life is different in Chula Vista vs. McAllen

McAllen Chula Vista
Population 142,210 275,487
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 41 46
Bike friendliness score 46 41
Crime Index 36.26 56.3
Safety Index 63.74 43.7
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • McAllen's population is about 48% less than Chula Vista.
  • McAllen's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Chula Vista's higher score of 6.
  • McAllen is less walkable than Chula Vista with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chula Vista's 46 out of 100.
  • With a score of 46 out of 100, McAllen is more bike-friendly than Chula Vista, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • McAllen's crime rate is lower than Chula Vista with a score of 36.26 compared to Chula Vista's 56.3. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chula Vista neighborhoods are safer than 56.3%.
  • McAllen is considered to be safer than Chula Vista with a safety index of 63.74 vs Chula Vista's 43.7.
  • Air quality in McAllen is moderate, and in Chula Vista it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chula Vista vs. McAllen move

  • Weather: Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to McAllen. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in McAllen

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Palms", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in McAllen.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown McAllen
  • South McAllen
  • La Vista
  • Dove Landing
  • The Village of Westlakes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North McAllen
  • Sharyland Plantation
  • Tres Lagos
  • Royal Oak Estates
  • Tuscan Estates

Things to do in McAllen

After settling into your new Texas home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McAllen has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: McAllen is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen's Park, and McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chula Vista to McAllen?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chula Vista to McAllen. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chula Vista.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chula Vista to McAllen?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chula Vista to McAllen, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chula Vista to McAllen take?

The 1,517-mile journey from Chula Vista, CA to McAllen, TX typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Chula Vista offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McAllen.

Helpful moving resources