Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Houston is 36% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,313/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 40%
$62,894/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 91%
$253,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 73%
$1,316/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 60%
2,300,419
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $57,379/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs McKinney — common questions

Is Houston or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and McKinney?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or McKinney?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $57,379/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View McKinney details →

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