Moving from McKinney, TX to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from McKinney, TX to Jersey City, NJ is a 1530 mi cross-country relocation β about 27h 56m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1530 mi Β· 27h 56m by car Β· NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 103.09 in McKinney to 112.563 in Jersey City, a 9.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 9.2% above McKinney on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 50.4" |
Jersey City is 10.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (64.9Β°F vs 54.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 9.2% below McKinney ($120,273 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Jersey City, NJ from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 1530 mi and the route typically takes 27h 56m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 36.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 21.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1530 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jersey City more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 9.2% higher than McKinney (112.563 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Jersey City, NJ.