Moving from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX
A move from Tempe, AZ to McAllen, TX covers 1212 mi and around 20h 34m of driving through 3 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.
1212 mi · 20h 34m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 281, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
McAllen is 16.9% cheaper than Tempe 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 16.9% below Tempe — $468,281 vs $229,001 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 18.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Tempe (71.8°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: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.98 |
Median household income in McAllen is 16.9% below Tempe ($77,643 vs $60,165, ACS 5-year 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 Arizona 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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
How far is McAllen, TX from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1212 mi and the route typically takes 20h 34m via I 10 and US 281. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 16.9% lower than Tempe (85.895 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 51.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 71.8°F in Tempe (3.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 22.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 1212 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · McAllen, TX.