Moving from McAllen, TX to Palm Bay, FL
Relocating 1380 mi from McAllen to Palm Bay is a 25h 45m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1380 mi Β· 25h 45m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 59, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Palm Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 100.005 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 88.064 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 111.731 | 100.0 |
Palm Bay runs about 16.4% more expensive overall than McAllen β RPP 85.895 β 100.005.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $229,001 in McAllen to $302,461 in Palm Bay, a 16.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Palm Bay -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 55.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 75.5Β°F vs 72.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, PALM BAY, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 125,273 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $67,521 |
| Median age | 34 | 41.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 14.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.82 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 16.4% higher in Palm Bay than McAllen.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palm Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,820 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,880 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,200 | $33,940 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 16,730 | $79,650 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,660 | $73,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Palm Bay average 91Β°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: Palm Bay averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Palm Bay compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 236,890 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Palm Bay more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palm Bay is 16.4% higher than McAllen (100.005 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Palm Bay compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $302,461 in Palm Bay vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 32.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Palm Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1380 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 Palm Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,521 in Palm Bay vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Palm Bay, FL from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1380 mi and the route typically takes 25h 45m via I 10 and US 59. The trip crosses 5 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Palm Bay, FL.