Best overall value
Factors that influence moving costs from Boston to McAllen
What to know before moving from Boston to McAllen
Moving from Boston to McAllen means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in McAllen, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to McAllen so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boston | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,350 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in McAllen are 60% lower than in Boston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in McAllen.
Home prices in McAllen are 70.1% lower than in Boston. - Income in McAllen is 35.6% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in McAllen include The Monitor Group, Am-Mex Products, and South Texas College.
- The cost of living for a single person in McAllen is 69.8% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 68.5% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in McAllen is 27.42% higher than in Boston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in McAllen, since the cityโs sales taxes in McAllen are 32.00% higher than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to McAllen is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $906.85 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. McAllen
| McAllen | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 36.26 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 63.74 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- McAllen's population is about 79% less than Boston.
- McAllen's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- McAllen is less walkable than Boston with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- McAllen has a bike-friendliness score 46 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- McAllen and Boston have a similar crime rate.
- McAllen and Boston are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in McAllen is moderate, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston vs. McAllen move
- Weather: Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McAllen. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in McAllen
Ready to relocate to "City of Palms"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in McAllen.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown McAllen
- South McAllen
- La Vista
- Dove Landing
- The Village of Westlakes
Best neighborhoods for families
- North McAllen
- Sharyland Plantation
- Tres Lagos
- Royal Oak Estates
- Tuscan Estates
Things to do in McAllen
After settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McAllen has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: McAllen is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen's Park, and McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to McAllen?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to McAllen. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to McAllen, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to McAllen take?
The 2,193-mile journey from Boston, MA to McAllen, TX typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Boston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McAllen.
