Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Charlotte is 22% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,504/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 22%
$78,438/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 53%
$351,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 25%
$1,487/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 41%
886,283
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Charlotte, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $41,835/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs McKinney — common questions

Is Charlotte or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charlotte is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and McKinney?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or McKinney?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $41,835/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View McKinney details →

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