Moving from McAllen, TX to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating 760 mi from McAllen to Broken Arrow is a 14h 5m drive through 2 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.
760 mi Β· 14h 5m by car Β· TX β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 281, I 69C |
| 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 | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | β |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.5Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 34 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $60,165 β $85,220 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 Broken Arrow average 94Β°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 (15.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 41.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 760 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 Broken Arrow compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 3.9% higher than McAllen (89.214 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 25.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 760 mi and the route typically takes 14h 5m via US 75 and US 281. The trip crosses 2 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Broken Arrow, OK.