Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to McAllen, TX

Cost of living: Massachusetts vs McAllen, TX

Massachusetts McAllen
Average rent cost $1,588 $1,350
Average home value $623,131 $221,244
Average income (per capita) $96,505 $57,439
Unemployment rate 4% 8%
State income tax 9% 0%
  • Rent is about 15% less expensive in McAllen than in Massachusetts.
  • Home prices are about 64% lower in McAllen than in Massachusetts.
  • The average income is about 40% lower in McAllen than in Massachusetts.
  • McAllen has a higher unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 103%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in McAllen than in Massachusetts.

How life is different in McAllen from Massachusetts

McAllen Massachusetts
Population 142,210 7,001,399
Political leaning Democratic 58-41 Democratic 61.5-36.3
Summer high 96ºF 82ºF
Winter low 49ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 22" 49"
Annual snow 0" 47"
Crime index 36.26 13.92
  • The population of McAllen is approximately 98% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
  • In the last presidential election, McAllen voted Democratic and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in McAllen is 96ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, McAllen reaches the temperature of 49ºF and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in McAllen vs 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
  • In McAllen, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
  • McAllen has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 36.26 vs 13.92.

Things to do in McAllen

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in McAllen.

Museums in McAllentoggle

  • International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
  • The McAllen Heritage Center
  • Nuevo Santadar Gallery

Parks in McAllentoggle

  • McAllen Nature Center
  • Town Lake at Firemen's Park
  • McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground

Universities in McAllentoggle

  • South Texas College

Other considerations when moving to McAllen, TX

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Massachusetts to McAllen take?

The time frame for a move from Massachusetts to McAllen, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Massachusetts, the longer the drive time to McAllen will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to McAllen from Massachusetts can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to McAllen?

Because of the 2175-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Massachusetts to McAllen as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to McAllen, TX?

With the summer highs of 96ºF and the winter lows of 49ºF, most people move to McAllen from Massachusetts during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to McAllen during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources