Moving from Norman, OK to McAllen, TX
Relocating 682 mi from Norman to McAllen is a 12h 29m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
682 mi · 12h 29m by car · TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 281, I 69C |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.0% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has McAllen at 85.895 vs Norman at 90.408.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 5.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 18.7" |
Expect 14.8°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 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: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.0% lower in McAllen than Norman.
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 Oklahoma 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Norman 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 682 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Norman and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 60.7°F in Norman (14.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 37.7 in.
Is McAllen more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 5.0% lower than Norman (85.895 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $262,839 in Norman — a 12.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Norman vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $65,060 in Norman — a 7.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is McAllen, TX from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 682 mi and the route typically takes 12h 29m via I 35 and US 281. The trip crosses 2 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 Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · McAllen, TX.