Moving from Reno, NV to McAllen, TX
Moving from Reno, NV to McAllen, TX is a 1945 mi cross-country relocation — about 35h 12m of driving through 4 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.
1945 mi · 35h 12m by car · NV → AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen are 15.0% below Reno — 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 15.0% under Reno at $567,857 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 18.7" |
NOAA normals show McAllen running 21.0°F above Reno 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: RENO WFO, NV US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 15.0% below Reno ($78,448 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 Nevada 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains 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.
- 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 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 (21.0°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 household income compare in Reno vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $78,448 in Reno — a 23.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Reno and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 54.5°F in Reno (21.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 8.1 in.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is McAllen more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 15.0% lower than Reno (85.895 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is McAllen, TX from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 1945 mi and the route typically takes 35h 12m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Reno 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 1945 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $567,857 in Reno — a 59.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · McAllen, TX.