Moving from Clearwater, FL to McAllen, TX
A move from Clearwater, FL to McAllen, TX covers 1297 mi and around 24h 59m of driving through 5 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.
1297 mi Β· 24h 59m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 19, US 98 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.89 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 14.9% below Clearwater on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 14.9% below Clearwater on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 18.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 14.9% below Clearwater ($64,440 β $60,165, ACS 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.
Moving between Florida and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 98Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is McAllen, TX from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1297 mi and the route typically takes 24h 59m via I 10 and US 19. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 32.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is McAllen more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 14.9% lower than Clearwater (85.895 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 6.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1297 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· McAllen, TX.