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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Austin is 3% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,655/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 11%
$91,461/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 32%
$512,700 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 14%
$1,747/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 20%
967,862
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $28,812/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs McKinney — common questions

Is Austin or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and McKinney?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or McKinney?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $28,812/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 Austin or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View McKinney details →

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