Moving from McAllen, TX to Carrollton, TX
A move from McAllen, TX to Carrollton, TX covers 518 mi and around 9h 34m 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.
518 mi Β· 9h 34m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, I 69C, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Carrollton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Carrollton runs 20.0% higher than McAllen β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (85.895 β 103.09, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Carrollton is 20.0% above McAllen β $229,001 vs $406,040 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Carrollton -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 41.9" |
Carrollton is 9.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (75.5Β°F vs 65.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 132,741 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $99,115 |
| Median age | 34 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Carrollton is 20.0% above McAllen ($60,165 vs $99,115, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carrollton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Carrollton average 94Β°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
Is Carrollton more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carrollton is 20.0% higher than McAllen (103.09 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Carrollton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 518 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 McAllen vs Carrollton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $99,115 in Carrollton vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 64.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Carrollton compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $406,040 in Carrollton vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 77.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Carrollton, TX from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 518 mi and the route typically takes 9h 34m via US 281 and I 69C. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Carrollton compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Carrollton, TX.