Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Atlanta is 12% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,617/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 14%
$81,938/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 47%
$420,600 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 4%
$1,695/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 24%
499,287
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $38,335/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs McKinney — common questions

Is Atlanta or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and McKinney?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or McKinney?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $38,335/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and McKinney

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo