Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Lincoln is 44% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,045/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 76%
$69,991/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 72%
$248,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 77%
$1,140/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 84%
291,932
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $796/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $9,552/year.

Median household income is $50,282/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs McKinney — common questions

Is Lincoln or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and McKinney?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $796/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or McKinney?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $50,282/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View McKinney details →

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