Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Los Angeles is 36% more expensive than McKinney.

$1,879/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 50%
$879,500 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 50%
$2,055/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 2%
3,857,897
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $39,907/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs McKinney — common questions

Is Los Angeles or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and McKinney?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or McKinney?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $39,907/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and McKinney

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