Moving from McAllen, TX to Torrance, CA
Moving from McAllen, TX to Torrance, CA is a 1601 mi cross-country relocation β about 27h 46m of driving through 4 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1601 mi Β· 27h 46m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Torrance | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 32.2% higher overall in Torrance vs McAllen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Torrance: 32.2% above McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 13.8" |
Torrance is 13.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (75.5Β°F vs 62.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 34 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.59 |
Median household income in Torrance is 32.2% above McAllen ($60,165 vs $113,105, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Torrance sees only 13.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Torrance compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 391.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1601 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 Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 88.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Torrance, CA from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1601 mi and the route typically takes 27h 46m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Torrance compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Torrance more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 32.2% higher than McAllen (113.566 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· Torrance, CA.