Moving from McKinney, TX to Murrieta, CA
Relocating 1419 mi from McKinney to Murrieta is a 24h 31m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1419 mi Β· 24h 31m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Murrieta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 106.442 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 3.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $481,963 to $688,358 moving to Murrieta.
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Murrieta -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 15.3" |
Annual average temperatures in McKinney (64.9Β°F) and Murrieta (65.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, FALLBROOK 5 NE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 111,621 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $109,780 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 36 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 3.15 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.3% lower in Murrieta than McKinney.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murrieta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Murrieta more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murrieta is 3.3% higher than McKinney (106.442 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Murrieta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1419 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 McKinney vs Murrieta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $109,780 in Murrieta vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 8.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Murrieta compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Murrieta MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Murrieta, CA from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 1419 mi and the route typically takes 24h 31m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Murrieta compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $688,358 in Murrieta vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 42.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Murrieta, CA.