Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to McAllen, TX
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to McAllen, TX is a 1967 mi cross-country relocation — about 36h 47m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1967 mi · 36h 47m by car · TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| 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
| Elizabeth | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen come in 23.7% under Elizabeth — expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: McAllen typical home at $229,001 is 23.7% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 18.7" |
NOAA normals show McAllen running 20.0°F above Elizabeth 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: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 23.7% below Elizabeth ($63,874 → $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 New Jersey 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 (20.0°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
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 5.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is McAllen, TX from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1967 mi and the route typically takes 36h 47m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 23.7% lower than Elizabeth (85.895 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 1967 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 57.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (20.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 46.6 in.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · McAllen, TX.