Factors that influence moving costs from Harrisburg to McAllentoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Harrisburg to McAllen might cost as little as $1,426, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,663.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $1,222 to $3,321. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to McAllen

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

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

Harrisburg McAllen
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,350
Average home value $230,038 $221,244
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $57,439
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $1,457
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $3,557
Unemployment rate 13.4% 7.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.25%
State income tax 3.07% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in McAllen are 13% higher than in Harrisburg, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 3.8% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in McAllen is 21.6% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 21.2% lower than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 1.5% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in McAllen is 41.04% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in McAllen, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in McAllen are 37.50% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • One perk of moving to McAllen is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,363.98 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. McAllen

McAllen Harrisburg
Population 142,210 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 41 68
Bike friendliness score 46 57
Crime Index 36.26 64.18
Safety Index 63.74 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • McAllen's population is about 184% greater than Harrisburg.
  • McAllen's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • McAllen is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 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 Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • McAllen's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 36.26 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • McAllen is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 63.74 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in McAllen is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Texas, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toMcAllen Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in McAllen

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "City of Palms" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in McAllen to check out.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Texas, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what McAllen has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: McAllen features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to McAllen?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to McAllen?

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

The 1,809-mile journey from Harrisburg, PA to McAllen, TX typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Harrisburg 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