Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to McAllen, TX
A move from Oklahoma City, OK to McAllen, TX covers 713 mi and around 12h 25m 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.
713 mi · 12h 25m by car · OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 281, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Mckinney, Frisco, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | 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 |
RPP moves from 90.408 to 85.895, putting McAllen roughly 5.0% below Oklahoma City on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: McAllen at $229,001 is 5.0% above Oklahoma City at $206,713.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 18.7" |
Major climate step-up: 15.4°F warmer annual average in McAllen vs Oklahoma City.
Effectively snow-free year in McAllen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 35 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 5.0% below Oklahoma City ($66,702 → $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 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 (15.4°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
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 10.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 9.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (15.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 36.4 in.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City 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 713 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 5.0% lower than Oklahoma City (85.895 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City 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 far is McAllen, TX from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 713 mi and the route typically takes 12h 25m 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 Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK · McAllen, TX.