Factors that influence moving costs from McAllen to Jacksonvilletoggle

The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from McAllen to Jacksonville might cost as little as $1,511, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,292.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in McAllen, 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 $915 to $2,244. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from McAllen to Jacksonville

Moving from McAllen to Jacksonville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Jacksonville is generally more expensive than McAllen, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

McAllen Jacksonville
Average rent cost $1,350 $1,520
Average home value $221,244 $287,628
Average income (per capita) $57,439 $64,138
Cost of living (single person) $1,457 $2,696
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,557 $6,605
Unemployment rate 7.9% 4.9%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.5%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Jacksonville are 13% higher than in McAllen, 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 Jacksonville are 30.0% higher than in McAllen.
  • Income in Jacksonville is 11.7% higher than in McAllen, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Jacksonville include FIS, Southeastern Grocers, and Winn-Dixie.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Jacksonville, since the cost of living for a single person in Jacksonville is 85.0% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Jacksonville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 85.7% higher than in McAllen.
  • The unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 37.97% lower than in McAllen.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Jacksonville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Jacksonville are 9.09% lower than in McAllen.
  • State income taxes are the same in Jacksonville and McAllen.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,551.13 in Jacksonville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Jacksonville

Jacksonville McAllen
Population 971,319 142,210
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 26 41
Bike friendliness score 41 46
Crime Index 56.38 36.26
Safety Index 43.62 63.74
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Jacksonville's population is about 583% greater than McAllen.
  • Jacksonville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus McAllen's lower score of 3.
  • Jacksonville is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 26 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
  • Jacksonville has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as McAllen, which has a score of 46 out of 100.
  • Jacksonville's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 56.38 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
  • Jacksonville is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 43.62 vs McAllen's 63.74.
  • Air quality in Jacksonville is good, and in McAllen it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen vs. Jacksonville move

  • Weather: Jacksonville has hot humid summers, and warm to mild and drier winters. Seasonal rainfall is concentrated in the warmest months from May through September, when brief but intense downpours with thunder and lightning are common, while the driest months are from November through April. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain during your move.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Florida doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Jacksonville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Jacksonville

With your sights set on "Jax", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Riverside
  • Brooklyn
  • Baymeadows
  • South Riverside
  • Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Deercreek
  • Oceanway
  • Orange Park
  • Ortega Forest
  • Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

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

  • Arts and culture: Jacksonville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and Mandarin Museum & Historical Society.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park 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 Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 1,217-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Jacksonville, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jacksonville.

Helpful moving resources