Moving from New Orleans, LA to McAllen, TX
A move from New Orleans, LA to McAllen, TX covers 706 mi and around 13h 27m of driving through 2 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.
706 mi · 13h 27m by car · LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 59, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Beaumont, Pasadena, League City, Houston, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 7.2% cheaper than New Orleans overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McAllen is 7.2% below New Orleans ($229,001 vs $242,493 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New Orleans | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 18.7" |
Annual average temperatures in New Orleans (70.9°F) and McAllen (75.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 7.2% above New Orleans ($55,339 → $60,165, ACS 2023).
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 Louisiana 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 98°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
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 706 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between New Orleans and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 70.9°F in New Orleans (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 60.1 in.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $55,339 in New Orleans — a 8.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is McAllen more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 7.2% lower than New Orleans (85.895 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is McAllen, TX from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 706 mi and the route typically takes 13h 27m via I 10 and US 59. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $242,493 in New Orleans — a 5.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA · McAllen, TX.