Moving from Austin to McKinney, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Austin to McKinney costs between $307 to $6,431 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 228-mile route within Texas take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Austin to McKinney
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Austin to McKinney are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Austin to driving and unloading in McKinney, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 228 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,694 - $5,072 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,253 - $2,212 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $340 - $667 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | 3 Men Movers | $90/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Austin to McKinney?
It costs between $307 to $6,431 to move from Austin to McKinney. The prices below break down your 228-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,102 - $6,431
- Moving containers: $923 - $2,894
- Rental trucks: $307 - $736
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,102 - $4,115 | $923 - $1,630 | $307 - $559 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,694 - $5,072 | $1,253 - $2,212 | $340 - $667 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,413 - $6,431 | $1,629 - $2,894 | $418 - $736 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $387 - $3,225+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $90/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $258 - $1,032 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $65 - $258 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Austin to McKinney
At 228 miles, your Austin to McKinney move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Austin to McKinney. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 228 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Austin to McKinney. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.2% of their 77 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney to Austin guide.
Considerations when moving from Austin to McKinney
Cost of living: Austin vs. McKinney
When comparing the cost of living between Austin and McKinney, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in McKinney stacks up against Austin.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $2,300 |
| Average home cost | $512,969 | $438,120 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,461 | $120,273 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $4,876 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in McKinney are 30% higher than in Austin. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in McKinney are 15% lower than in Austin, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Salaries here average 32% higher than in Austin. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Cost of living for one person in McKinney is 33% lower than in Austin. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in McKinney is 38% lower than in Austin. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in McKinney is 71% higher than in Austin. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in McKinney and Austin, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,010 in McKinney to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. McKinney
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in McKinney vs. Austin. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Austin | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 195,308 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 51-47 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 2" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 21.48 |
McKinney sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that McKinney has about 80% fewer people than Austin. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, McKinney leaned Republican, while Austin went Democrat.
- Both McKinney and Austin average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest months, McKinney gets chillier than Austin, with lows of 32°F compared to 38°F.
- McKinney typically gets more rain than Austin, with an average annual rainfall of 41 inches compared to Austin’s 35 inches.
- Austin sees no annual snowfall, while McKinney averages about 2 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- McKinney is safer than Austin, boasting a lower crime index of 21.48 compared to Austin’s 42.91.
Things to do in McKinney
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? McKinney has you covered.
Museums in McKinney
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chestnut Square Historic Village
- Heard-Craig Center for the Arts
- Collin County History Museum
- LAST Art Gallery
Parks in McKinney
- Bonnie Wenk Park
- Myers Park and Event Center
- Erwin Park Hike & Bike Trail
- Adriatica Village
Sports teams in McKinney
- PSA-McKinney (Basketball, Volleyball)
- McKinney Baseball and Softball Association (Baseball, Fast-Pitch Softball)
- McKinney Sports Connection (Cheerleading, Flag Football, Tackle Football)
- McKinney Lacrosse Club (Lacrosse)
- McKinney Soccer Association (Soccer)
Universities in McKinney
- Collin College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Austin to McKinney?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Austin to McKinney, expect to pay between $977 and $3,558 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,694 and $5,072. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,413 up to $6,431 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Austin to McKinney?
If you’re moving from Austin to McKinney and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $690 and go up to $1,539. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,253 and $2,212. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,629 and $2,894.
How much is a moving truck from Austin to McKinney?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $310 to $542. A larger move will cost $340 to $667, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Austin to McKinney costs from $418 to $736.
How far in advance should I book Austin-to-McKinney movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Austin to McKinney at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Austin-to-McKinney movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McKinney?
To save money on your move to McKinney, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
