Moving from McAllen, TX to Cleveland, OH
A 1701 mi cross-country move between McAllen and Cleveland is 30h 18m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 5 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1701 mi Β· 30h 18m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cleveland runs about 9.3% more expensive overall than McAllen β RPP 85.895 β 93.923.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $229,001 in McAllen to $115,537 in Cleveland, a 9.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 33.3" |
Annual average temperature drops 23.2Β°F β 75.5Β°F in McAllen vs 52.3Β°F in Cleveland, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.18 |
Cleveland households earn about 9.3% less than McAllen at the median β $60,165 β $39,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (23.2Β°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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 34.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cleveland more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 9.3% higher than McAllen (93.923 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 49.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cleveland, OH from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1701 mi and the route typically takes 30h 18m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1701 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Cleveland, OH.