Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Arlington is 31% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,389/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 33%
$73,519/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 64%
$276,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 59%
$1,420/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 48%
394,769
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $46,754/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs McKinney — common questions

Is Arlington or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and McKinney?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or McKinney?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $46,754/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View McKinney details →

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