Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,085/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 70%
$65,604/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 83%
$266,700 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 65%
$1,149/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 83%
562,488
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $54,669/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs McKinney — common questions

Is Albuquerque or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and McKinney?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $756/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or McKinney?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $54,669/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

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