Moving from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA
A move from McAllen, TX to New Orleans, LA covers 706 mi and around 13h 27m of driving through 2 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.
706 mi · 13h 27m by car · LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 59, US 77 |
| 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
| McAllen | New Orleans | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 92.597 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 71.231 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 86.009 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in New Orleans is 7.8% higher than McAllen, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in New Orleans is 7.8% above McAllen ($242,493 vs $229,001 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, New Orleans -3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 47°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 60.1" |
Annual average temperatures in McAllen (75.5°F) and New Orleans (70.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
New Orleans gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 376,035 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $55,339 |
| Median age | 34 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.43 |
Median household income in New Orleans is 7.8% below McAllen ($60,165 → $55,339, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New Orleans MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 64,460 | $38,680 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 59,980 | $26,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 48,630 | $37,420 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 48,580 | $31,100 |
| Management Occupations | 33,120 | $101,850 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Louisiana'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in New Orleans average 91°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: New Orleans averages 60.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit during unpack.
- 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 Louisiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between McAllen and New Orleans?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.9°F in New Orleans vs 75.5°F in McAllen (4.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 18.7 in.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs New Orleans?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,339 in New Orleans vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 8.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to New Orleans?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 706 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in New Orleans compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,493 in New Orleans vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 5.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is New Orleans more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New Orleans is 7.8% higher than McAllen (92.597 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in New Orleans compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 514,800 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is New Orleans, LA from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 706 mi and the route typically takes 13h 27m via I 10 and US 59. 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 · New Orleans, LA.