Moving from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
A move from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX covers 1252 mi and around 21h 53m 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.
1252 mi · 21h 53m by car · IA → MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen are 6.3% below Des Moines — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 6.3% higher in McAllen than Des Moines as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 18.7" |
NOAA normals show McAllen running 24.6°F above Des Moines on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: McAllen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 6.3% below Des Moines ($63,966 → $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 Iowa 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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 (24.6°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (24.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 36.6 in.
How far is McAllen, TX from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1252 mi and the route typically takes 21h 53m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 6.3% lower than Des Moines (85.895 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 10.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 1252 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 5.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · McAllen, TX.