Moving from McAllen, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Relocating 1166 mi from McAllen to Chattanooga is a 21h 40m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1166 mi · 21h 40m by car · TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 10, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, New Orleans, Beaumont, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.5% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $229,001 to $319,579 moving to Chattanooga.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 55.0" |
Expect 13.6°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.35 |
Median household incomes in McAllen ($60,165) and Chattanooga ($61,028) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chattanooga average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.6°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 39.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between McAllen and Chattanooga?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Chattanooga vs 75.5°F in McAllen (13.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 55.0 in vs 18.7 in.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1166 mi and the route typically takes 21h 40m via I 59 and I 10. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 6.5% higher than McAllen (91.464 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 1.4% 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX · Chattanooga, TN.