Moving from Allen, TX to Huntsville, AL
It is 653 mi between Allen and Huntsville β roughly 12h 2m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
653 mi Β· 12h 2m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Little Rock, Mckinney, Garland, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allen | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.7% cheaper overall in Huntsville than Allen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allen -6.4%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allen | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 54.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Huntsville gets around 2.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allen | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,684 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $129,130 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 38.5 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.6% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.33 |
Huntsville households earn about 9.7% less than Allen at the median β $129,130 β $70,778 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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
- 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 Huntsville average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Huntsville averages 54.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Allen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $493,532 in Allen β a 41.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Huntsville compare to Allen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $48,440 in the Allen MSA, on total employment of 250,940 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Allen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 9.7% lower than Allen (93.072 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Allen to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 653 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Allen vs Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $129,130 in Allen β a 45.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Allen, TX?
The driving distance is 653 mi and the route typically takes 12h 2m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 5 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 Allen.
City profiles: Allen, TX Β· Huntsville, AL.