Moving from South Fulton, GA to McAllen, TX
The drive from South Fulton, GA to McAllen, TX runs 1130 mi — about 21h 8m 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.
1130 mi · 21h 8m by car · TX → LA → MS → AL → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → LA → MS → AL → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 65, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Fulton | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen are 14.2% below South Fulton — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: South Fulton —, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | South Fulton | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 18.7" |
Climate warms by 11.9°F on the annual average — 63.6°F → 75.5°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 1991–2020 (stations: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.2% between South Fulton and McAllen (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 Georgia 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 (11.9°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 far is McAllen, TX from South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 1130 mi and the route typically takes 21h 8m via I 10 and I 65. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between South Fulton and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 63.6°F in South Fulton (11.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 50.4 in.
How does household income compare in South Fulton vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $81,798 in South Fulton — a 26.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton 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 1130 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 14.2% lower than South Fulton (85.895 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA · McAllen, TX.