Moving from Allen, TX to McAllen, TX
A move from Allen, TX to McAllen, TX covers 524 mi and around 9h 38m of driving through 1 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
524 mi · 9h 38m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 69C, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allen | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 16.7% cheaper than Allen overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McAllen is 16.7% below Allen — $493,532 vs $229,001 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allen -6.4%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allen | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 10.5°F warmer on the annual average (65.0°F vs 75.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allen | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,684 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $129,130 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.5 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.6% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 16.7% below Allen ($129,130 vs $60,165, ACS 5-year 2023).
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is McAllen more expensive than Allen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 16.7% lower than Allen (85.895 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Allen vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $129,130 in Allen — a 53.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Allen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $493,532 in Allen — a 53.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Allen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,440 in the Allen MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is McAllen, TX from Allen, TX?
The driving distance is 524 mi and the route typically takes 9h 38m via US 281 and I 69C. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allen 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 524 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 Allen.
City profiles: Allen, TX · McAllen, TX.