Moving from Garland, TX to McKinney, TX
Relocating from Garland, TX to McKinney, TX? The drive is 27 mi β about 36 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
27 mi Β· 36 min by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, PGBT, TX 78 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Richardson, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | McKinney | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $286,805 to $481,963 moving to McKinney.
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, McKinney -6.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Garland (65.8Β°F) and McKinney (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 202,314 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $120,273 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 34.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.86 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $74,717 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
How much do homes cost in McKinney compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $481,963 in McKinney vs $286,805 in Garland β a 68.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Garland to McKinney?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 27 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is McKinney, TX from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 27 mi and the route typically takes 36 min via US 75 and PGBT. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in McKinney compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the McKinney MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Garland vs McKinney?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $120,273 in McKinney vs $74,717 in Garland β a 61.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· McKinney, TX.