Factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to McKinneytoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Columbia to McKinney might cost as little as $1,347, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,811.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Columbia, 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 $772 to $2,059. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Columbia to McKinney

Moving from Columbia to McKinney comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since McKinney is generally more expensive than Columbia, 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:

Columbia McKinney
Average rent cost $1,447 $2,300
Average home value $220,612 $506,597
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $66,248
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $2,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $4,876
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in McKinney are 59% higher than in Columbia, 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 Columbia.
    Home prices in McKinney are 129.6% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in McKinney is 2.4% higher than in Columbia, 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 14.1% higher than in Columbia. 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 14.1% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in McKinney is 15.38% higher than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in McKinney, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in McKinney are 3.13% higher than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to McKinney is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,423.31 in McKinney to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. McKinney

McKinney Columbia
Population 195,308 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 1 5
Walkability score 27 35
Bike friendliness score 42 35
Crime Index 21.48 3.0
Safety Index 78.52 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • McKinney's population is about 43% greater than Columbia.
  • McKinney's public transportation has a score of 1 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
  • McKinney is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 27 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 42 out of 100, McKinney is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • McKinney's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 21.48 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • McKinney is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 78.52 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in McKinney is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Texas doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to McKinney without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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 Columbia to McKinney?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to McKinney?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbia 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 Columbia to McKinney take?

The 1,019-mile journey from Columbia, SC to McKinney, TX typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Columbia 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