Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Fresno is 27% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,324/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 39%
$66,804/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 80%
$348,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 26%
$1,391/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 51%
543,615
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $53,469/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs McKinney — common questions

Is Fresno or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and McKinney?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or McKinney?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $53,469/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View McKinney details →

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