Moving from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX
The drive from Montgomery, AL to McAllen, TX 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
| Montgomery | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen and Montgomery are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.682 vs 85.895); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: McAllen typical home at $229,001 is 4.2% above Montgomery at $151,228 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 18.7" |
Climate warms by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°F β 75.5Β°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: McAllen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.98 |
Income steps up 4.2%: $55,687 in Montgomery vs $60,165 in McAllen.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 McAllen average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is McAllen, TX from Montgomery, AL?
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.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to McAllen?
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 much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 51.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is McAllen more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 4.2% lower than Montgomery (85.895 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 8.0% higher 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· McAllen, TX.