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.
Local Moving Companies in McAllen
Out of seven McAllen-based movers equipped for state-to-state work, these five are the ones worth evaluating for a move to Illinois:
- Rick's Moving & Storage LLC — 4.36 / 5
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. — 4.28 / 5
- Groves Moving and Storage — 4.12 / 5
- Bellhop Moving — 4.50 / 5
- Flex Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5
None of these are national household names, but several have built real track records locally. Here's what the review data actually shows.
Rick's Moving & Storage LLC
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.
Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.
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.
Groves Moving and Storage
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.
Bellhop Moving
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.
Flex Moving & Storage
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.
Local Moving Services in McAllen, TX
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.
Cost to Move from McAllen, TX to Illinois
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.
Cost to Hire Movers from McAllen to Illinois
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.
Cost of Moving Containers from McAllen to Illinois
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.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from McAllen to Illinois
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.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from McAllen to IL
Three things drive your final price more than anything else:
- Move size: The gap between a studio and a four-bedroom house is enormous — in truck space, labor hours, and total cost. Quote accurately.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Rates go up, availability tightens, and delivery windows stretch. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll likely save real money.
- Service type: Full-service movers handle everything, which is worth it for a lot of people making a 1,300-mile move. DIY rentals cost the least but require the most from you. Containers land in the middle on both fronts.
What You Should Know Before Moving from McAllen to IL
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.
Compare Cost of Living: McAllen vs. Illinois
| 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:
- Rent is cheaper in Illinois — about 13% lower than McAllen. That's real monthly savings starting immediately.
- Home prices run higher, roughly 13% more than McAllen. If you're buying, plan for a bigger mortgage.
- Wages are significantly better — 37% higher on average. That gap does a lot of work toward covering the overall cost-of-living increase.
- Cost of living is 18% higher overall than McAllen. Useful to build a post-move budget before you arrive.
- Unemployment is 33% lower in Illinois — a meaningful advantage if you're entering the job market on arrival.
- The income tax will hit your paycheck. Texas has no state income tax. Illinois charges 4.95%. That's a real reduction in take-home pay starting day one — factor it into your monthly budget before you go.
How Life Is Different in McAllen, TX vs. Illinois
| 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:
- Both areas lean Democratic, though McAllen votes more heavily so.
- Summers are noticeably cooler in Illinois — 86°F versus McAllen's 96°F. Lower AC bills and more comfortable outdoor time are real benefits.
- Winters are a serious adjustment. Illinois drops to 17°F. McAllen's low is 49°F. You'll need to budget for heating, winter gear, and the general friction of ice and snow.
- Rainfall nearly doubles — 40 inches per year in Illinois versus 22 in McAllen. Greener scenery, but more wet days.
- Illinois gets 22 inches of snow annually. McAllen gets none. That means shoveling, winter car maintenance, and commutes that take longer than you'd expect for the first couple of years.
- Safety improves noticeably. Illinois posts a crime index of 19.7 compared to McAllen's 36.26 — a substantial difference, not a rounding error.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
The logistics side matters as much as the lifestyle shift. A few things to sort out before moving day:
- HOA rules: Many Illinois neighborhoods restrict move-in times or require advance notice. Confirm with your HOA before you schedule a crew.
- Elevator reservations: Apartment and condo buildings in larger Illinois cities often require you to book elevator access for moving — sometimes several days in advance.
- Truck parking permits: Chicago and other major cities require permits for moving trucks on certain streets. Check your specific destination's requirements ahead of time.
- State licensing: Illinois movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover's license is current before signing any contract.
- State regulator: You can check an Illinois mover's license status on the ICC's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking rules at your destination may still apply.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Set the start date to your official move day so mail follows you automatically without a gap.
- Moving insurance: Basic Released Value Protection from movers covers $0.