Moving from New Orleans, LA to McKinney, TX
A move from New Orleans, LA to McKinney, TX covers 541 mi and around 9h 56m of driving through 2 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.
541 mi Β· 9h 56m by car Β· LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 49, US 167, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Garland, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | McKinney | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in McKinney is 11.3% higher than New Orleans, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in McKinney is 11.3% above New Orleans β $242,493 vs $481,963 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, McKinney -6.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | β |
McKinney is 6.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (70.9Β°F vs 64.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 202,314 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $120,273 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 34.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.86 |
Median household income in McKinney is 11.3% above New Orleans ($55,339 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 Louisiana 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 New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the McKinney MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is McKinney, TX from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 541 mi and the route typically takes 9h 56m via I 49 and US 167. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs McKinney?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $120,273 in McKinney vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 117.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to McKinney?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 541 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 New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $481,963 in McKinney vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 98.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is McKinney more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McKinney is 11.3% higher than New Orleans (103.09 vs 92.597, 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 New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· McKinney, TX.