Real cost estimates, top McAllen movers, and an honest look at the lifestyle changes waiting in Illinois. Updated pricing data for 2026.
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If you're moving from McAllen, TX to Illinois, you're looking at a 1,301-mile haul — and a cost range that can catch people off guard. Whether you're heading to Chicago or somewhere downstate, the decisions you make now (which company, which service type, which time of year) will shape both the price and the experience.
This guide covers the five best-reviewed local movers for this route, what you should expect to pay, and what actually changes when you swap McAllen for Illinois.
Out of seven McAllen-based movers equipped for state-to-state work, these five are the ones worth evaluating for a move to Illinois:
None of these are national household names, but several have built real track records locally. Here's what the review data actually shows.
4005 W US Highway 83, McAllen, TX 78501 70% positive | 30% negative
Yelp reviews (16) | Google reviews (10) | BBB profile: Grade B-
Rick's earns consistent praise for efficiency, careful handling, and a fast process — 70% of reviewers left five stars, and the recurring theme is movers who treat your stuff respectfully and communicate well. The personal attention here beats what you'd get from a bigger chain. That said, 30% of reviews describe real problems: missing or stolen items, damaged goods, and storage complaints. That negative share is high enough to take seriously. If you're considering Rick's, ask directly about their claims process before booking and document your belongings' condition before the crew arrives.
State license: 009769916C | DOT #: 1082164 | 31 years in business
Services: Local moves, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage, safes. Accepts credit card.
1200 E Laurel Ave, McAllen, TX 78501 81% positive | 19% negative
Yelp reviews (3) | Google reviews (31) | BBB profile: Grade NR
Jones has been operating for 86 years, and across 42 reviews, 81% are positive. Reviewers point to courteous staff, careful handling, transparent pricing, and crews that show up on time. It's a company that earns repeat business through basic professionalism — which is less common than it should be. The negatives focus on rude customer service interactions and the occasional surprise charge. A small share, but worth flagging. Get your quote confirmed in writing, especially on a long haul like this one.
State license: 0000006770 | DOT #: 125563 | 86 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, grandfather clocks, crating, storage. Accepts cash and credit card.
2404 Wilson Rd, Harlingen, TX 78552 69% positive | 31% negative
Yelp reviews (1) | BBB profile: Grade NR
Groves draws praise for punctual, friendly crews who know what they're doing — particularly around appliance handling and deliveries. But a 31% negative review rate is notable. Complaints cluster around damaged items, rude interactions, and poor follow-up when something goes wrong. That pattern — solid day-of service, weak complaint resolution — is something I'd want to pressure-test with references before committing. Across 29 reviews, more than two-thirds had positive experiences, which is decent, but the gap leaves real uncertainty.
State license: 005443977C | 26 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts credit card.
12634 Carriage Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249 81% positive | 16% negative
Yelp reviews (36) | Google reviews (196) | BBB profile: Grade C
Bellhop is the top-rated option on this list at 4.5/5, and with nearly 200 Google reviews it's also the most reviewed — which gives those numbers more credibility. Reviewers consistently praise fast service, attentive crews, and responsive communication. They've handled last-minute requests well, which counts when you're under pressure. The 16% negative share surfaces as crews arriving without proper equipment and the occasional damage claim that doesn't get resolved cleanly. The BBB's Grade C is a flag worth noting. Still, the review volume and overall consistency put Bellhop at the top of this list.
State license: 009668291C | DOT #: 2878240 | 13 years in business | Also operates as: Bellhops, Inc.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage. Accepts credit card. Deposit required.
314 E Nakoma Dr Ste W, San Antonio, TX 78216 91% positive | 9% negative
Yelp reviews (52) | Google reviews (6) | BBB profile: Grade B
Flex has the highest satisfaction rate of the five — 91% positive across 70 reviews. Customers describe professional, friendly crews who handle fragile items carefully and show up when promised. Only about 9% of reviews are negative, mostly around billing disputes, unauthorized charges, or unresolved damage claims. Two caveats worth noting: the company is only two years old, and most of the review volume comes from Yelp rather than Google. Still, that satisfaction rate outpaces most competitors. Make sure your quote is itemized in writing before moving day to avoid billing friction later.
DOT #: 3610638 | 2 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Accepts cash and credit card.
A quick look at specialty services available across the seven McAllen movers that handle interstate moves:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 5 movers (71%) |
| Small moves | 3 movers (43%) |
| Antiques | 2 movers (29%) |
| Art | 3 movers (43%) |
| Pianos | 5 movers (71%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 1 mover (14%) |
If you're moving specialty items — a piano, antiques, or valuable artwork — your options here are narrower than you might expect. Raise it explicitly when you're requesting quotes rather than assuming coverage.
The estimates below are based on a 1,301-mile move and cover three service types. Use our moving cost calculator to plug in your specific home size and get a sharper number.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,124 – $4,587 | $915 – $2,241 | $741 – $1,460 |
| 2–3 Bedrooms | $2,521 – $6,396 | $1,667 – $3,136 | $868 – $1,719 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $4,714 – $8,188 | $2,176 – $4,464 | $1,050 – $2,226 |
Estimates reflect pricing data as of January 2026. Final costs vary based on move size, add-on services, access conditions, fuel rates, and scheduling. Compare quotes from multiple movers before deciding.
Studio or one-bedroom moves run between $1,124 and $4,587. Two or three bedrooms land somewhere in the $2,521 to $6,396 range. Four-plus bedrooms: $4,714 to $8,188. Those wide ranges are real — they reflect how much your final price depends on which services you include, how competitive your quotes are, and how complicated your access situation is. On a haul this long, shopping around genuinely pays off.
Moving containers split the difference between full-service movers and a DIY rental — you pack your own stuff, they handle the transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $915 to $2,241. Two or three bedrooms: $1,667 to $3,136. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,176 to $4,464. The main trade-off is timing: containers typically run on slower delivery schedules than dedicated trucks, which matters if you have a firm move-in date.
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper, but you're doing all the driving — 1,301 miles behind the wheel of a box truck — and all the loading and unloading yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $741 to $1,460. Two to three bedrooms: $868 to $1,719. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,050 to $2,226. Fuel costs are included in those figures. If you've never driven a 26-footer through highway traffic, factor that into the decision before you commit.
Three things drive your final price more than anything else:
Moving to Illinois from McAllen is a bigger lifestyle shift than just a change of address. The climate is different, the cost structure is mixed, and the tax situation flips immediately. Here's an honest look at what you're walking into.
| McAllen, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,350 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $221,244 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 76 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
McAllen sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few numbers worth zeroing in on:
| McAllen, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58–41 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 49°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, Walk Score, AirNow
What actually changes day to day:
The logistics side matters as much as the lifestyle shift. A few things to sort out before moving day:
