Moving from Houston to McKinney, TX
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Quick answer: Moving from Houston to McKinney costs between $332 to $7,362 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 271-mile route within Texas take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Houston to McKinney
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Houston to McKinney are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Houston 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 271 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,746 - $5,271 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,342 - $2,442 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $378 - $709 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $75/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 Houston to McKinney?
It costs between $332 to $7,362 to move from Houston to McKinney. The prices below break down your 271-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,103 - $7,362
- Moving containers: $970 - $3,240
- Rental trucks: $332 - $914
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,103 - $4,431 | $970 - $1,743 | $332 - $637 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,746 - $5,271 | $1,342 - $2,442 | $378 - $709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,456 - $7,362 | $1,770 - $3,240 | $440 - $914 |
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 | $291 - $2,425+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $194 - $776 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $49 - $194 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Houston to McKinney
At 271 miles, your Houston 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 Houston to McKinney. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Texas, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 271 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Houston to McKinney. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 86.5% of their 111 verified reviews are positive.
More Texas moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney to Houston guide.
Considerations when moving from Houston to McKinney
Cost of living: Houston vs. McKinney
The cost of living in Houston 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 Houston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $2,300 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $438,120 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $120,273 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $4,876 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in McKinney are 48% higher than in Houston, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in McKinney are 69% higher than in Houston, 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 91% higher than in Houston — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in McKinney is 19% lower than in Houston, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 32% lower in McKinney than in Houston. 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 46% higher than in Houston. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in McKinney and Houston, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Houston, you’ll need about $2,430 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in McKinney.
How life is different in Houston vs. McKinney
Before you move, check out how life in McKinney measures up to Houston. 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.
| Houston | McKinney | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 195,308 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 51-47 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 2" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 21.48 |
McKinney sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that McKinney has roughly 92% fewer people than Houston. 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 Houston and McKinney supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both McKinney and Houston have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, McKinney is colder than Houston, reaching a low of 32°F while Houston only dips to 43°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Houston, where it averages 53 inches of rain annually—more than the 41 inches you’ll see each year in McKinney.
- Houston sees no annual snowfall, while McKinney averages about 2 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- McKinney posts a lower crime rate than Houston, with a crime index of 21.48 compared to Houston’s 63.5.
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 Houston to McKinney?
Shipping furniture from Houston to McKinney with a moving company typically costs between $1,097 and $3,667. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,746 to $5,271. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,456 and $7,362 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Houston to McKinney?
If you’re planning a move from Houston 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 $718 and $1,611. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,342 to $2,442. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,770 to $3,240.
How much is a moving truck from Houston 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 $363 and $637. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $378 and $709. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Houston to McKinney, truck rentals usually range from $440 up to $914.
How far in advance should I book Houston-to-McKinney movers?
To make your move from Houston 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.
