Moving from McAllen, TX to Memphis, TN
It is 979 mi between McAllen and Memphis — roughly 16h 59m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
979 mi · 16h 59m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Garland, Allen, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis runs about 7.3% more expensive overall than McAllen — RPP 85.895 → 92.179.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $229,001 in McAllen to $144,710 in Memphis, a 7.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 54.9" |
Annual temperature drops 12.1°F moving to Memphis per NOAA normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.47 |
Households in Memphis earn about 7.3% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 36.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 979 mi and the route typically takes 16h 59m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 979 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between McAllen and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 75.5°F in McAllen (12.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 18.7 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 7.3% higher than McAllen (92.179 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 14.9% lower 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 · Memphis, TN.