Moving from McAllen, TX to Plano, TX
A move from McAllen, TX to Plano, TX covers 543 mi and around 9h 33m 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.
543 mi · 9h 33m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 35E, TX 130 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Frisco, Mckinney, Denton, Lewisville, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Plano | 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 Plano vs McAllen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Plano: 20.0% above McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 41.9" |
Plano is 9.7°F cooler on the annual average (75.5°F vs 65.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 34 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Plano is 20.0% above McAllen ($60,165 vs $108,649, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano 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 Plano average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Plano, TX from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 543 mi and the route typically takes 9h 33m via US 281 and I 35E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 80.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Plano compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano 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.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 543 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 117.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Plano more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 20.0% higher than McAllen (103.09 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX · Plano, TX.