McKinney, TX to Winston-Salem, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best TX→NC movers

Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 291 Texas moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.

Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from McKinney to Winston-Salem

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Winston-Salem runs about 8% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than McKinney.

Singles spend around $2,420 in Winston-Salem versus $2,232 in McKinney; families pay $5,265 compared with $4,876.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	McKinney	Winston-Salem
Average 1 BR rent	$1,274	$1,490
Average 3 BR rent	$2,450	$2,260
Average home value	$506,597	$248,806
Average income (per capita)	$66,248	$62,431
Cost of living (single)	$2,232	$2,420
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,876	$5,265
Unemployment rate	6.0%	5.2%
Sales tax	8.25%	7.0%
State income tax	0.0%	4.5%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 43% lower in Winston-Salem than in McKinney, giving you more disposable income monthly.
Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 51% lower in Winston-Salem than in McKinney.
It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in Winston-Salem than in McKinney.
Plan for higher expenses in Winston-Salem, since the cost of living for a single person is 8% more than in McKinney. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
If your journey leads to Winston-Salem, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 8% more than it is in McKinney.
Winston-Salem experiences an unemployment rate that is about 13% lower than that of McKinney. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
Sales taxes are 15% lower in Winston-Salem than in McKinney. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Winston-Salem can reduce your overall living expenses.
North Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing McKinney with Winston-Salem:

Living Expense	McKinney	Winston-Salem
Basic utilities	$146.67	$188.00
Cell phone plan	$60.33	$52.67
Dozen eggs	$5.00	$4.71
Loaf of bread	$2.75	$3.95
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$15.00	$19.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$60.00	$75.00
Gym membership	$23.38	$17.50

Basic utilities cost less in McKinney than in Winston-Salem, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.
Eggs cost more in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.
Bread costs less in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.
A quick meal is cheaper in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.
Gym memberships cost more in McKinney than in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in McKinney vs. Winston-Salem

	McKinney	Winston-Salem
Population	195,308	249,545
Transportation score	1	3
Walkability score	27	22
Bike friendliness score	42	29
Crime index	21.48	32.67
Safety index	78.52	67.33
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Winston-Salem's population is about 28% greater than McKinney.
Winston-Salem's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is higher than McKinney's score of 1.
Winston-Salem is less walkable than McKinney with a score of 22 out of 100 vs McKinney's 27 out of 100.
Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as McKinney, which has a score of 42.
Winston-Salem's crime rate is higher than McKinney with a score of 32.67 compared to McKinney's 21.48. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48%.
Winston-Salem is considered to be less safe than McKinney with a score of 67.33 vs McKinney's 78.52.
Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in McKinney it's Good.

Other things to consider for your McKinney to Winston-Salem move

HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Winston-Salem smoothly. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Winston-Salem

Now that you've chosen Camel City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

West End
Ardmore
Buena Vista
Old Salem
Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

Sherwood Forest
Ardmore
Buena Vista
West Highlands
West Salem

Things to do in Winston-Salem

After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it's time to see what Winston-Salem is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Winston-Salem offers cultural landmarks like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
Outdoor recreation: The city's REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from McKinney to Winston-Salem?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from McKinney to Winston-Salem are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in McKinney are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from McKinney to Winston-Salem?

Because spring and fall moves from McKinney to Winston-Salem are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from McKinney to Winston-Salem take?

A move of 1,097 miles from McKinney, TX to Winston-Salem, NC generally takes two to eight days. Movers in McKinney sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Winston-Salem is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in McKinney?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 6 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 7 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in McKinney offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 37 movers in McKinney have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 31 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.