Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Lexington is 41% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,101/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 67%
$67,631/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 78%
$272,100 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 62%
$1,160/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 81%
321,122
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $52,642/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs McKinney — common questions

Is Lexington or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and McKinney?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or McKinney?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $52,642/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View McKinney details →

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