Moving from McKinney, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
Moving from McKinney, TX to Oklahoma City, OK covers 195 mi and about 3h 39m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
195 mi Β· 3h 39m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 380 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Lewisville, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 90.408, putting Oklahoma City roughly 12.3% below McKinney on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Oklahoma City: 12.3% below McKinney on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 36.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Oklahoma City gets around 6.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.5 |
Median household income in Oklahoma City is 12.3% below McKinney ($120,273 vs $66,702, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Oklahoma City average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 195 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 Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 44.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 12.3% lower than McKinney (90.408 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 57.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 195 mi and the route typically takes 3h 39m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Oklahoma City, OK.