Moving from McKinney, TX to Laredo, TX
Relocating between McKinney, TX and Laredo, TX is a 461 mi drive β 8h 14m 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.
461 mi Β· 8h 14m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 27, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Laredo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 86.956 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 80.614 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 59.746 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.7% cheaper overall in Laredo than McKinney on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Laredo +2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 75Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 100Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 19.7" |
Expect 10.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Laredo β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, LAREDO 2, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 255,949 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $63,264 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 29.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 3.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.7% β $120,273 β $63,264 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Laredo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,810 | $34,040 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,300 | $35,870 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,740 | $23,180 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,360 | $28,410 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 9,330 | $22,560 |
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 Laredo average 100Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 does the job market in Laredo compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $35,220 in the Laredo MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 104,610 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Laredo, TX from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 461 mi and the route typically takes 8h 14m via I 35 and I 27. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Laredo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 461 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Laredo compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,331 in Laredo vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 54.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Laredo more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Laredo is 15.7% lower than McKinney (86.956 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Laredo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,264 in Laredo vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 47.4% lower 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 McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Laredo, TX.