Moving from McAllen, TX to Newark, NJ
Moving from McAllen, TX to Newark, NJ is a 1964 mi cross-country relocation — about 36h 35m of driving through 11 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1964 mi · 36h 35m by car · NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 31.0% pricier overall price level — 85.895 → 112.563 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Newark typical home at $478,455 is 31.0% above McAllen at $229,001 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 50.4" |
NOAA normals show Newark running 20.7°F below McAllen on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Newark is 31.0% below McAllen ($60,165 → $48,416, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Newark averages 28.2 in annually vs 0.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.7°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Newark compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1964 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 31.0% higher than McAllen (112.563 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Newark, NJ from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1964 mi and the route typically takes 36h 35m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 108.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 19.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between McAllen and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 75.5°F in McAllen (20.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 18.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX · Newark, NJ.