Moving from Dearborn, MI to McAllen, TX
A 1671 mi cross-country move between Dearborn and McAllen is 30h 18m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1671 mi · 30h 18m by car · TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → MO → IL → IN → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, I 57, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.4% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has McAllen at 85.895 vs Dearborn at 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 14.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dearborn | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 18.7" |
Expect 26.0°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
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: DEARBORN, MI US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.98 |
Households in McAllen earn about 14.4% less at the median — 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.0°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 Dearborn?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn 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 1671 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $245,068 in Dearborn — a 6.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 1671 mi and the route typically takes 30h 18m via I 30 and I 57. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $65,192 in Dearborn — a 7.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is McAllen more expensive than Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 14.4% lower than Dearborn (85.895 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Dearborn and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 49.5°F in Dearborn (26.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 30.8 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 35.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI · McAllen, TX.