Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Little Rock is 64% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,067/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 73%
$60,583/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 99%
$221,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 99%
$1,099/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 91%
202,739
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $59,690/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs McKinney — common questions

Is Little Rock or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and McKinney?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or McKinney?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $59,690/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% 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 Little Rock or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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.
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