Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Denver is 7% more expensive than McKinney.

$1,770/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 4%
$91,681/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 31%
$586,700 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 25%
$1,839/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 14%
713,734
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $28,592/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs McKinney — common questions

Is Denver or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and McKinney?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or McKinney?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $28,592/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and McKinney

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo