Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Madison is 25% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,364/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 35%
$76,983/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 56%
$346,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 27%
$1,476/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 42%
275,568
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $43,290/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs McKinney — common questions

Is Madison or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and McKinney?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or McKinney?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $43,290/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View McKinney details →

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