Moving from Independence, MO to McAllen, TX
A move from Independence, MO to McAllen, TX covers 1002 mi and around 18h 44m 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.
1002 mi · 18h 44m by car · TX → OK → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 281, US 75 |
| 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
| Independence | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 7.2% cheaper than Independence 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 7.2% above Independence ($229,001 vs $208,158 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 21.5°F warmer on the annual average (54.0°F vs 75.5°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
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: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.98 |
Median household incomes in Independence ($59,480) and McAllen ($60,165) are within a few percent (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 Missouri 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 (21.5°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 far is McAllen, TX from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1002 mi and the route typically takes 18h 44m via US 69 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 7.2% lower than Independence (85.895 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $208,158 in Independence — a 10.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 1002 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Independence and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 54.0°F in Independence (21.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 44.7 in.
How does household income compare in Independence vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $59,480 in Independence — a 1.2% higher 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · McAllen, TX.