Moving from McAllen, TX to Santa Clara, CA
A 1935 mi cross-country move between McAllen and Santa Clara is 33h 51m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 4 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1935 mi Β· 33h 51m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Santa Clara is 28.6% above McAllen β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
28.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 13.5" |
Annual temperature drops 14.8Β°F moving to Santa Clara per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.66 |
Santa Clara households earn about 28.6% more than McAllen at the median β $60,165 β $173,670 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Santa Clara more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 28.6% higher than McAllen (110.423 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1935 mi and the route typically takes 33h 51m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 188.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 678.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1935 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Santa Clara, CA.