Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Columbus is 69% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,072/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 72%
$56,622/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 112%
$182,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 141%
$1,064/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 97%
204,383
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $63,651/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs McKinney — common questions

Is Columbus or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and McKinney?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or McKinney?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $63,651/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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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