Moving from Amarillo, TX to McKinney, TX
Relocating between Amarillo, TX and McKinney, TX is a 353 mi drive β 6h 36m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
353 mi Β· 6h 36m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, US 380 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | McKinney | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
McKinney runs about 12.3% more expensive overall than Amarillo β RPP 91.82 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $206,787 in Amarillo to $481,963 in McKinney, a 12.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, McKinney -6.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Expect 8.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 202,314 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $120,273 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 34.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.86 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.3% β $62,469 β $120,273 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McKinney MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McKinney average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is McKinney more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McKinney is 12.3% higher than Amarillo (103.09 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is McKinney, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 6h 36m via US 287 and US 81. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to McKinney?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs McKinney?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $120,273 in McKinney vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 92.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in McKinney compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $481,963 in McKinney vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 133.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in McKinney compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the McKinney MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· McKinney, TX.