Moving from McKinney, TX to Wichita, KS
It is a 352 mi drive, roughly 6h 23m, between McKinney, TX and Wichita, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
352 mi Β· 6h 23m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 380 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Lewisville, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Wichita at 88.946 vs McKinney at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $481,963 to $202,720 moving to Wichita.
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 34.3" |
Annual temperature drops 7.2Β°F moving to Wichita per NOAA normals.
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.52 |
Wichita households earn about 13.7% less than McKinney at the median β $120,273 β $63,072 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Wichita compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Wichita, KS from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 352 mi and the route typically takes 6h 23m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 352 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Wichita more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 13.7% lower than McKinney (88.946 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 47.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 57.9% lower 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· Wichita, KS.