Moving from Abilene, TX to McAllen, TX
Moving from Abilene, TX to McAllen, TX covers 498 mi and about 9h 6m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
498 mi · 9h 6m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 69C, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Abilene (90.364) and McAllen (85.895) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: McAllen at $229,001 is 4.9% above Abilene at $210,016.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 9.6°F warmer on the annual average (65.9°F vs 75.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.98 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McAllen average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Abilene vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 4.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 9.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is McAllen more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 4.9% lower than Abilene (85.895 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is McAllen, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 6m via US 281 and I 69C. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 65.9°F in Abilene (9.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 25.2 in.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · McAllen, TX.