Moving from Frisco, TX to McAllen, TX
A move from Frisco, TX to McAllen, TX covers 547 mi and around 9h 37m of driving through 1 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.
547 mi · 9h 37m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 35E, TX 130 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Mckinney, Denton, Allen, Plano, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Frisco | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 16.7% below Frisco on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in McAllen: 16.7% below Frisco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Frisco -5.1%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Frisco | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 9.7°F warmer on the annual average (65.8°F vs 75.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Frisco | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 210,238 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $146,158 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 16.7% below Frisco ($146,158 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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Frisco 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 547 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Frisco vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $146,158 in Frisco — a 58.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is McAllen, TX from Frisco, TX?
The driving distance is 547 mi and the route typically takes 9h 37m via US 281 and I 35E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Frisco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,440 in the Frisco MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is McAllen more expensive than Frisco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 16.7% lower than Frisco (85.895 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Frisco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $656,758 in Frisco — a 65.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Frisco.
City profiles: Frisco, TX · McAllen, TX.