Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

McKinney is 94% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,841/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 40%
$120,273/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 48%
$439,500 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 59%
$2,101/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 47%
202,314
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $57,553/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Abilene — common questions

Is McKinney or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Abilene?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Abilene?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $57,553/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Abilene

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland