Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Boston is 28% more expensive than McKinney.

$2,093/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 12%
$94,755/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 27%
$710,400 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 38%
$2,176/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↓ 3%
663,972
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $25,518/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs McKinney — common questions

Is Boston or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and McKinney?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or McKinney?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $25,518/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and McKinney

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo