Moving from Garland to McKinney, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Garland to McKinney costs between $38 to $3,878 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 26-mile route within Texas take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Garland to McKinney
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Garland to McKinney are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Garland 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 26 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $803 - $2,472 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $365 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $117 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | AM Moving Company LLC | $92/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 Garland to McKinney?
It costs between $38 to $3,878 to move from Garland to McKinney. The prices below break down your 26-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $457 - $3,878
- Moving containers: $124 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $38 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $457 - $1,445 | $124 - $830 | $38 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $803 - $2,472 | $365 - $1,155 | $47 - $117 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $3,878 | $784 - $1,644 | $61 - $158 |
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 | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $92/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Garland to McKinney
At 26 miles, your Garland 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 Garland to McKinney. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 26 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Garland to McKinney. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 189 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney to Garland guide.
Considerations when moving from Garland to McKinney
Cost of living: Garland vs. McKinney
The cost of living in Garland vs. McKinney isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in McKinney compares to what you’re used to in Garland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Garland | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,624 | $2,300 |
| Average home cost | $249,342 | $438,120 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,717 | $120,273 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,827 | $2,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $4,876 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% | 6.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in McKinney are 42% higher than in Garland, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in McKinney are 76% higher than in Garland, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in McKinney, where average income is 61% higher than in Garland — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in McKinney is 21% lower than in Garland, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 37% lower in McKinney than in Garland. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in McKinney is 8% lower than in Garland. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in McKinney and Garland, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Garland, you’ll need about $2,370 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in McKinney.
How life is different in Garland vs. McKinney
Before you move, check out how life in McKinney measures up to Garland. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Garland | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 239,928 | 195,308 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-43 | Republican 51-47 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 2" |
| Crime index | 37.13 | 21.48 |
McKinney sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that McKinney has roughly 19% fewer people than Garland. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Garland and McKinney supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both McKinney and Garland have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Garland and McKinney—with winter lows around 35°F and 32°F.
- Both Garland and McKinney see similar yearly rainfall—Garland averages 40 inches, while McKinney gets 41 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Garland and McKinney, averaging 1 and 2 inches each year.
- McKinney posts a lower crime rate than Garland, with a crime index of 21.48 compared to Garland’s 37.13.
Things to do in McKinney
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, McKinney has plenty to offer:
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 Garland to McKinney?
Shipping furniture from Garland to McKinney with a moving company typically costs between $361 and $1,214. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $803 to $2,472. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,317 and $3,878 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Garland to McKinney?
If you’re planning a move from Garland to McKinney and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $115 and $830. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $365 to $1,155. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $784 to $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Garland to McKinney?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $38 and $96. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $47 and $117. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Garland to McKinney, truck rentals usually range from $61 up to $158.
How far in advance should I book Garland-to-McKinney movers?
To make your move from Garland to McKinney as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to McKinney?
The cheapest time of year to move to McKinney is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
