Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Boise is 19% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,359/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 35%
$81,308/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 48%
$456,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 4%
$1,337/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 57%
235,701
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $38,965/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs McKinney — common questions

Is Boise or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and McKinney?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or McKinney?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $38,965/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and McKinney

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo