Moving from Topeka, KS to McAllen, TX
The drive from Topeka, KS to McAllen, TX runs 980 mi β about 17h 25m 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.
980 mi Β· 17h 25m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β 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
| Topeka | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in McAllen and Topeka is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McAllen is 3.3% above Topeka β $190,096 vs $229,001 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 20.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (54.9Β°F vs 75.5Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.98 |
Income steps up 3.3%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $60,165 in McAllen.
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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 98Β°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 (20.6Β°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 Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 980 mi and the route typically takes 17h 25m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is McAllen more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 3.3% lower than Topeka (85.895 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 7.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 20.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 980 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 285,850 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· McAllen, TX.