Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to McAllen, TX
It is 2240 mi and 39h 2m from Spokane Valley to McAllen β a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2240 mi Β· 39h 2m by car Β· TX β OK β CO β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 87, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Lubbock, Amarillo, Aurora, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has McAllen at 85.895 vs Spokane Valley at 100.346.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $408,888 to $229,001 moving to McAllen.
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 18.7" |
Expect 25.7Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.4% lower in McAllen than Spokane Valley.
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 Washington 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 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 98Β°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 (25.7Β°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
Is McAllen more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 14.4% lower than Spokane Valley (85.895 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2240 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 44.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 2240 mi and the route typically takes 39h 2m via I 90 and US 87. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· McAllen, TX.