($976+) Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX ranges from $1,429 to $10,880, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $976 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,438 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
Moving options from Los Angeles to McKinney fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,429 - $10,880 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,438 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,438-mile route from Los Angeles to McKinney, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,429 - $5,761 | $1,509 - $2,963 | $976 - $1,946 | $1,371 - $2,514 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,438 - $7,567 | $1,946 - $4,099 | $1,056 - $2,203 | $1,526 - $3,247 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,521 - $10,880 | $2,565 - $5,356 | $1,290 - $2,828 | $2,159 - $4,328 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,438-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to McKinney, Texas, with prices running from $1,429 - $10,880. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $426 - $2,840 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Los Angeles and McKinney are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Los Angeles movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,429 - $5,761
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,438 - $7,567
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,521 - $10,880
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Los Angeles to McKinney.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Add-ons and specialty services from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Los Angeles to McKinney) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $710 - $7,100 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $284 - $1,704/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $426 - $3,408 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,420 - $4,260 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,550 - $14,200 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $1,064 - $2,021 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,420 - $3,550 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $1,136 - $4,970 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $426 - $2,130 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $923 - $2,840 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $426 - $21,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $426 - $4,970+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in McKinney | $147/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in McKinney | $81/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in McKinney | $60/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to McKinney?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Los Angeles, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to McKinney, Texas, cost between $1,509 and $5,356. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Los Angeles costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,509 - $2,963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,946 - $4,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,565 - $5,356
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $994, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $107 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $213 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and McKinney, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,509. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,946 - $4,099, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to McKinney?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Los Angeles to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Los Angeles:
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Seka Moving (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
A rental truck for this 1,438-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to McKinney, Texas, costs between $976 and $2,828. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $650 - $743
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles to McKinney based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,056 - $2,203
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,290 - $2,828
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to McKinney looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $976 - $2,828. But once you factor in fuel ($650 - $743) , overnight lodging ($213/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $994.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $650 - $743 for the 1,438-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $85 and $462, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $213 per night for hotel stops on the 1,438-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $426 - $639.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to McKinney?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX
For larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to McKinney, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,526 and $3,247.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,371 - $2,514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,526 - $3,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,159 - $4,328
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $107 - $213 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for about five hours typically runs $994.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to McKinney?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.62/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Los Angeles to McKinney, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs McKinney, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in McKinney, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | McKinney, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 112 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $438,120 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $120,273/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 27/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 78.52/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney, TX to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed over 484 quotes from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,438-mile move.
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, CA, to McKinney, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,429 - $10,880 on the 1,438-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,509 - $5,356, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $976 - $2,828. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,438 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Globe Life and SRS Distribution.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to McKinney, TX
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($650 - $743), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $213/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is McKinney?
McKinney has a walkability score of 27 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to McKinney, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,429 to $10,880, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,429 and $10,880, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.