Moving from Columbia, SC to McAllen, TX
A move from Columbia, SC to McAllen, TX covers 1357 mi and around 25h 30m of driving through 6 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.
1357 mi · 25h 30m by car · TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Pearland, Houston, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 8.3% cheaper than Columbia overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Columbia and McAllen are within 5% of each other ($229,068 vs $229,001 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 11.9°F warmer on the annual average (63.6°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: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 8.3% above Columbia ($55,653 → $60,165, ACS 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 South Carolina 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.9°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
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is McAllen more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 8.3% lower than Columbia (85.895 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Columbia 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 1357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 63.6°F in Columbia (11.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.4 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 46.3 in.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $55,653 in Columbia — a 8.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is McAllen, TX from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 1357 mi and the route typically takes 25h 30m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 6 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 Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC · McAllen, TX.