Moving from Olathe, KS to McAllen, TX
Relocating 1017 mi from Olathe to McAllen is a 18h 2m drive through 3 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.
1017 mi · 18h 2m by car · TX → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.2% moving from Olathe to McAllen — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $433,117 in Olathe to $229,001 in McAllen, a 7.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Olathe | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 18.7" |
Annual average temperature jumps 20.4°F — 55.1°F in Olathe vs 75.5°F in McAllen, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: McAllen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.2% — $112,232 → $60,165 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Kansas 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 (20.4°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
What is the climate difference between Olathe and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 55.1°F in Olathe (20.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 40.7 in.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $433,117 in Olathe — a 47.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McAllen, TX from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 1017 mi and the route typically takes 18h 2m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 7.2% lower than Olathe (85.895 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Olathe 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 1017 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Olathe vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $112,232 in Olathe — a 46.4% lower 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS · McAllen, TX.