Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Baltimore is 39% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,290/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 43%
$59,623/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 102%
$219,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 100%
$1,333/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 58%
577,193
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $60,650/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs McKinney — common questions

Is Baltimore or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and McKinney?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or McKinney?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $60,650/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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