Moving from Round Rock, TX to McAllen, TX
Moving from Round Rock, TX to McAllen, TX covers 333 mi and about 6h 15m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
333 mi · 6h 15m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 69C, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Austin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.066 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 12.4% below Round Rock on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 12.4% below Round Rock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 12.4% below Round Rock ($97,187 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.
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.
- 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
Is McAllen more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 12.4% lower than Round Rock (85.895 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock 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 333 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 38.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 43.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is McAllen, TX from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 333 mi and the route typically takes 6h 15m via US 281 and I 69C. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · McAllen, TX.