Moving from Las Cruces, NM to McKinney, TX
Relocating 706 mi from Las Cruces to McKinney is a 12h 4m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
706 mi · 12h 4m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, SRT |
| Major cities en route | Allen, Plano, Garland, Frisco, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | McKinney | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.3% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $290,023 to $481,963 moving to McKinney.
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, McKinney -6.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 202,314 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $120,273 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 36.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 34.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.86 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.3% — $55,176 → $120,273 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 New Mexico 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McKinney average 94°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 much do homes cost in McKinney compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $481,963 in McKinney vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 66.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to McKinney?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 706 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is McKinney, TX from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 706 mi and the route typically takes 12h 4m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs McKinney?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $120,273 in McKinney vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 118.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in McKinney compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the McKinney MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is McKinney more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McKinney is 14.3% higher than Las Cruces (103.09 vs 90.212, 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · McKinney, TX.