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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

McKinney is 100% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,841/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 43%
$120,273/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 48%
$439,500 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 57%
$2,101/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 49%
202,314
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $57,804/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Amarillo — common questions

Is McKinney or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Amarillo?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Amarillo?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $57,804/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Amarillo details →

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