Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to McKinneytoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to McKinney might cost as little as $1,470, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,294.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Des Moines, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $576 to $1,507. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to McKinney

Moving from Des Moines to McKinney comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since McKinney is generally more expensive than Des Moines, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Des Moines McKinney
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,300
Average home value $192,347 $506,597
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $66,248
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $4,876
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.25%
State income tax 4.4% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in McKinney are 100% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in McKinney are 163.4% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in McKinney is 13.3% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in McKinney include Globe Life, SRS Distribution, and Banks Group.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in McKinney, since the cost of living for a single person in McKinney is 18.0% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 11.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in McKinney is 1.69% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in McKinney, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in McKinney are 17.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • One perk of moving to McKinney is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,540.98 in McKinney to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. McKinney

McKinney Des Moines
Population 195,308 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 1 5
Walkability score 27 45
Bike friendliness score 42 39
Crime Index 21.48 5.0
Safety Index 78.52 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • McKinney's population is about 72% less than Des Moines.
  • McKinney's public transportation has a score of 1 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher 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.
  • Both McKinney and Des Moines have the same bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, meaning McKinney is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • 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 vs. McKinney move

  • Weather: October, April and May are the most pleasant months in McKinney, while July and August are the least comfortable months as you may experience extreme heat during these months.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 McKinney. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in McKinney

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, McKinney has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: McKinney is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Chestnut Square Historic Village, Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, Collin County History Museum, and LAST Art Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bonnie Wenk Park, Myers Park and Event Center, Erwin Park Hike & Bike Trail, and Adriatica Village โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to McKinney?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to McKinney. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to McKinney?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to McKinney, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Des Moines to McKinney take?

The 665-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.

Helpful moving resources