Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

College Station

Texas
91

McKinney is 52% more expensive than College Station.

$1,841/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 37%
$120,273/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 57%
$439,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 26%
$2,101/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 40%
202,314
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $68,497/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs College Station — common questions

Is McKinney or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and College Station?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or College Station?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $68,497/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and College Station

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette