Moving from Lowell, MA to McAllen, TX
It is 2194 mi and 41h 32m from Lowell to McAllen β a cross-country move across 13 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2194 mi Β· 41h 32m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pasadena, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP drops from 108.266 in Lowell to 85.895 in McAllen, a 20.7% cut on the overall price level (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 20.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $229,001 moving to McAllen.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 18.7" |
Expect 26.5Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to fall 20.7% β $76,205 β $60,165 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 98Β°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 (26.5Β°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
Is McAllen more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 20.7% lower than Lowell (85.895 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2194 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 Lowell vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 21.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 52.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 2194 mi and the route typically takes 41h 32m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 13 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· McAllen, TX.