Factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to McAllentoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Ann Arbor to McAllen might cost as little as $1,509, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,439.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Ann Arbor, 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 $1,156 to $2,893. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to McAllen

Moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor than in McAllen, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Ann Arbor compares to McAllen so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor McAllen
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,350
Average home value $474,909 $221,244
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $57,439
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $1,457
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $3,557
Unemployment rate 3.5% 7.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.25%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in McAllen are 40% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 53.4% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in McAllen is 14.2% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 33.0% lower than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 33.4% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in McAllen is 125.71% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in McAllen, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in McAllen are 37.50% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • One perk of moving to McAllen is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,008.73 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. McAllen

McAllen Ann Arbor
Population 142,210 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 41 52
Bike friendliness score 46 71
Crime Index 36.26 31.0
Safety Index 63.74 79.18
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • McAllen's population is about 15% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • McAllen's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
  • McAllen is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
  • McAllen has a bike-friendliness score 46 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • McAllen's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 36.26 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • McAllen is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 63.74 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in McAllen is moderate, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McAllen. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in McAllen

Ready to relocate to "City of Palms"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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 Ann Arbor to McAllen?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to McAllen?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to McAllen take?

The 1,644-mile journey from Ann Arbor, MI to McAllen, TX typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Ann Arbor 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