Des Moines, IA to McKinney, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to McKinney typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 664 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to McKinney
Moving from Des Moines, IA to McKinney, TX typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 664-mile move from Des Moines to McKinney, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,079 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,833 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,480 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 03, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to McKinney move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,600 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $600 to $1,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to McKinney movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to McKinney
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Des Moines to McKinney much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to McKinney
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - McKinney runs about 18% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,232 in McKinney versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,876 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,274 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $506,597 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,248 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,876 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to McKinney? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 100% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in McKinney are about 163% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 13% higher in McKinney compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in McKinney, as living costs for a single person are 18% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to McKinney, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in McKinney is 11% higher than in Des Moines.
- With McKinney and Des Moines having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in McKinney are 18% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and McKinney:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $146.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $60.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $5.00 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $23.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in McKinney, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in McKinney.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in McKinney.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in McKinney.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in McKinney.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in McKinney.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in McKinney.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. McKinney
| Des Moines | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 195,308 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 1 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 27 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 21.48 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 78.52 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- McKinney's population is about 72% less than Des Moines.
- McKinney's public transportation score of 1 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- McKinney is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 27 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, McKinney is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- McKinney's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 21.48 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- McKinney is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 78.52 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in McKinney is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to McKinney move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to McKinney. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in McKinney
Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in McKinney.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Historic Downtown
- Trinity Falls
- Adriatic Village
- Auburn Hills
Best neighborhoods for families
- Provence
- Trinity Falls
- Auburn Hills
- Hardin Lake
- Mallard Lakes
Things to do in McKinney
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McKinney has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: McKinney features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Chestnut Square Historic Village, Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, and Collin County History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Bonnie Wenk Park, Myers Park and Event Center, Erwin Park Hike & Bike Trail, and Adriatica Village — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an 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)Texas Takedown Academy (Wrestling)i9 Sports (Baseball, Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to McKinney?
Planning your move from Des Moines to McKinney? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to McKinney?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to McKinney in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to McKinney take?
The 664-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to McKinney, TX, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McKinney.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
