Moving from Columbia, SC to McKinney, TX
A move from Columbia, SC to McKinney, TX covers 1027 mi and around 18h 55m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1027 mi Β· 18h 55m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Frisco, Denton, Plano, Allen, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | McKinney | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.662 in Columbia to 103.09 in McKinney, a 10.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in McKinney: 10.1% above Columbia on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, McKinney -6.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 202,314 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $120,273 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 36.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 34.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.86 |
Median household income in McKinney is 10.1% above Columbia ($55,653 vs $120,273, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McKinney MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Carolina and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 McKinney average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in McKinney compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the McKinney MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to McKinney?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1027 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 McKinney compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $481,963 in McKinney vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 110.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is McKinney, TX from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 1027 mi and the route typically takes 18h 55m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs McKinney?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $120,273 in McKinney vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 116.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is McKinney more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McKinney is 10.1% higher than Columbia (103.09 vs 93.662, 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 Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· McKinney, TX.