Moving from Knoxville, TN to McAllen, TX
A move from Knoxville, TN to McAllen, TX covers 1269 mi and around 23h 34m of driving through 6 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.
1269 mi Β· 23h 34m by car Β· TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 10, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, New Orleans, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 92.569 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 7.2% below Knoxville on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 7.2% below Knoxville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 18.7" |
Major climate step-up: 17.6Β°F warmer annual average in McAllen vs Knoxville.
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 7.2% above Knoxville ($50,994 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 Tennessee 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in 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 98Β°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 (17.6Β°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 Knoxville vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 18.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is McAllen more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 7.2% lower than Knoxville (85.895 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 38.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1269 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is McAllen, TX from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 1269 mi and the route typically takes 23h 34m via I 59 and I 10. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· McAllen, TX.