Moving from Springfield, MA to McAllen, TX

It is 2118 mi and 39h 55m from Springfield to McAllen β€” a cross-country move across 13 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.

2118 mi Β· 39h 55m by car Β· MA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ NJ β†’ PA β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX

COL -10.6% Home values -22.3% Ξ” +26.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2118 mi
Drive time
39h 55m
States
13
Fuel (25 mpg)
85 gal
Route throughMA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ NJ β†’ PA β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 81, I 59, I 10
Major cities en routeHartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

SpringfieldMcAllenU.S. avg
All items (RPP)96.06185.895100.0
Rents154.99681.186100.0
Goods97.01593.757100.0
Services75.78155.892100.0

Expect about 10.6% lower overall cost of living β€” BEA RPP 2024 has McAllen at 85.895 vs Springfield at 96.061.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Springfield β€” typical home
$294,613
McAllen β€” typical home
$229,001
Springfield β€” typical rent
$1,722/mo
McAllen β€” typical rent
$1,289/mo

Expect roughly 10.6% lower home prices β€” ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $229,001 moving to McAllen.

YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsSpringfieldMcAllen
Annual avg temperature49Β°F76Β°F
January avg low16Β°F49Β°F
July avg high85Β°F98Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.1"
Annual precipitation45.2"18.7"

Expect 26.1Β°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 1991–2020 normals β€” winter gear can largely stay in storage.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, MCALLEN, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023SpringfieldMcAllen
Population154,751143,789
Median household income$51,339$60,165
Median age33.734
Bachelor's degree or higher10.8%20.3%
Avg household size2.672.98

ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.6% higher in McAllen than Springfield.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Springfield MSA β€” median wage
β€”
McAllen MSA β€” median wage
$32,550
Springfield MSA β€” employment
β€”
McAllen MSA β€” employment
285,850

Top occupations in McAllen MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Massachusetts and Texas

Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

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 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

  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 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 (26.1Β°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 Springfield?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 10.6% lower than Springfield (85.895 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

When is the best time to move from Springfield 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 2118 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Springfield?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $294,613 in Springfield β€” a 22.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How far is McAllen, TX from Springfield, MA?

The driving distance is 2118 mi and the route typically takes 39h 55m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Springfield vs McAllen?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $51,339 in Springfield β€” a 17.2% higher 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 Springfield.

City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· McAllen, TX.