Moving from McKinney, TX to Gilbert, AZ
The drive from McKinney, TX to Gilbert, AZ runs 1079 mi β about 18h 30m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1079 mi Β· 18h 30m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Gilbert and McKinney are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.2% higher in Gilbert than McKinney as of 2026-03.
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Climate warms by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 64.9Β°F β 71.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up β $120,273 vs $121,351 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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 Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 18.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1079 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Gilbert more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 0.2% higher than McKinney (103.316 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 1079 mi and the route typically takes 18h 30m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 0.9% higher 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· Gilbert, AZ.