Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Gilbert is 7% more expensive than McKinney.

$2,028/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 9%
$121,351/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$120,273/yr ≈ Same
$518,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 15%
$1,908/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 10%
271,118
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $1,078/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs McKinney — common questions

Is Gilbert or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and McKinney?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or McKinney?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $1,078/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and McKinney

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo