Moving from McAllen, TX to St. Louis, MO
A move from McAllen, TX to St. Louis, MO covers 1147 mi and around 20h 44m of driving through 3 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.
1147 mi Β· 20h 44m by car Β· MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Broken Arrow, Mckinney, Frisco, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 85.895 in McAllen to 95.088 in St. Louis, a 10.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 43.9" |
Major climate step-down: 17.5Β°F cooler annual average in St. Louis vs McAllen.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.03 |
Median household income in St. Louis is 10.7% below McAllen ($60,165 β $55,279, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is St. Louis more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 10.7% higher than McAllen (95.088 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is St. Louis, MO from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1147 mi and the route typically takes 20h 44m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1147 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 8.1% lower 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 Β· St. Louis, MO.