Moving from McKinney, TX to Columbus, GA
A move from McKinney, TX to Columbus, GA covers 770 mi and around 14h 22m of driving through 5 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.
770 mi Β· 14h 22m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery, Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.296 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.666 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.332 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 61.185 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Columbus are 13.4% below McKinney β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbus typical home at $173,152 is 13.4% under McKinney at $481,963 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Columbus +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 64.9Β°F vs 63.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, COLUMBUS #2, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 204,383 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $56,622 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Columbus is 13.4% below McKinney ($120,273 vs $56,622, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,210 | $36,160 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,270 | $24,510 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,950 | $28,800 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,170 | $34,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 7,820 | $65,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 Columbus average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Columbus averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Columbus, GA from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 770 mi and the route typically takes 14h 22m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 770 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,490 in the Columbus MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 113,970 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $173,152 in Columbus vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 64.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Columbus more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 13.4% lower than McKinney (89.296 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,622 in Columbus vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 52.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Columbus, GA.