Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Huntsville is 43% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,078/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 71%
$70,778/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 70%
$263,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 67%
$1,046/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 101%
218,814
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $49,495/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs McKinney — common questions

Is Huntsville or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and McKinney?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or McKinney?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $49,495/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and McKinney

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo