Moving from McAllen, TX to Surprise, AZ
A move from McAllen, TX to Surprise, AZ covers 1256 mi and around 21h 30m of driving through 3 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.
1256 mi · 21h 30m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 281, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 20.3% higher overall in Surprise vs McAllen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Surprise: 20.3% above McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 9.6" |
Surprise is 5.3°F cooler on the annual average (75.5°F vs 70.2°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 34 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Surprise is 20.3% above McAllen ($60,165 vs $93,371, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Surprise compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Surprise more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 20.3% higher than McAllen (103.316 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Surprise, AZ from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1256 mi and the route typically takes 21h 30m via I 10 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 84.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between McAllen and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 75.5°F in McAllen (5.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 18.7 in.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 55.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1256 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Surprise, AZ.