Moving from McAllen, TX to Allen, TX
A move from McAllen, TX to Allen, TX covers 524 mi and around 9h 38m of driving through 1 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.
524 mi · 9h 38m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 69C, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Allen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 20.0% higher overall in Allen vs McAllen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Allen: 20.0% above McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Allen -6.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 38.3" |
Allen is 10.5°F cooler on the annual average (75.5°F vs 65.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 107,684 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $129,130 |
| Median age | 34 | 38.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 33.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Allen is 20.0% above McAllen ($60,165 vs $129,130, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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 Allen average 95°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 colder climate (10.5°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Allen, TX from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 524 mi and the route typically takes 9h 38m via US 281 and I 69C. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allen compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Allen MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allen more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allen is 20.0% higher than McAllen (103.09 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Allen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 524 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allen compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,532 in Allen vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 115.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Allen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,130 in Allen vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 114.6% 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX · Allen, TX.