Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

McKinney is 42% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,841/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 49%
$120,273/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 5%
$439,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 137%
$2,101/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 25%
202,314
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $901/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $10,812/year.

Median household income is $6,196/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Cambridge — common questions

Is McKinney or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Cambridge?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $901/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Cambridge?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $6,196/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Cambridge details →

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