Moving from McAllen, TX to Montgomery, AL
The drive from McAllen, TX to Montgomery, AL runs 982 mi β about 18h 19m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
982 mi Β· 18h 19m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 80, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile, New Orleans, Beaumont, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for McAllen (85.895) and Montgomery (89.682) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Montgomery: 4.4% below McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 51.8" |
Climate cools by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 75.5Β°F β 67.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.46 |
Income steps down 4.4%: $60,165 in McAllen vs $55,687 in Montgomery.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Montgomery average 94Β°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: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 34.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 982 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 Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 7.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Montgomery, AL from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 982 mi and the route typically takes 18h 19m via I 10 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Montgomery more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 4.4% higher than McAllen (89.682 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Montgomery, AL.