Moving from Jackson, MS to McAllen, TX
Relocating 789 mi from Jackson to McAllen is a 14h 50m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
789 mi Β· 14h 50m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 55, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Beaumont, Pasadena, League City, Houston, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.048 vs 85.895 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $87,256 to $229,001 moving to McAllen.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 18.7" |
Expect 9.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.5% β $43,238 β $60,165 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Mississippi 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 does the job market in McAllen compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 789 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 3.5% lower than Jackson (85.895 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 162.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 789 mi and the route typically takes 14h 50m via I 10 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 39.1% higher 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· McAllen, TX.