Moving from Surprise, AZ to McAllen, TX
A move from Surprise, AZ to McAllen, TX covers 1256 mi and around 21h 30m 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.
1256 mi · 21h 30m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 281, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 16.9% cheaper than Surprise overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McAllen is 16.9% below Surprise — $422,473 vs $229,001 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Surprise | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 5.3°F warmer on the annual average (70.2°F vs 75.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 16.9% below Surprise ($93,371 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 Arizona 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-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.
- 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 Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Surprise 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 1256 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 16.9% lower than Surprise (85.895 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Surprise and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 70.2°F in Surprise (5.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 9.6 in.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $422,473 in Surprise — a 45.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 1256 mi and the route typically takes 21h 30m via I 10 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $93,371 in Surprise — a 35.6% 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 Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ · McAllen, TX.