Moving from Overland Park, KS to McAllen, TX
A move from Overland Park, KS to McAllen, TX covers 998 mi and around 18h 5m 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.
998 mi · 18h 5m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 281, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen are 7.2% below Overland Park — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: McAllen typical home at $229,001 is 7.2% under Overland Park at $482,295 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Overland Park | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 18.7" |
NOAA normals show McAllen running 20.4°F above Overland Park on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: McAllen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 7.2% below Overland Park ($103,838 vs $60,165, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 McAllen average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $482,295 in Overland Park — a 52.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Overland Park and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 55.1°F in Overland Park (20.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 40.7 in.
How far is McAllen, TX from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 998 mi and the route typically takes 18h 5m via US 69 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $103,838 in Overland Park — a 42.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 998 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 7.2% lower than Overland Park (85.895 vs 92.543, 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 Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS · McAllen, TX.