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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Denton

Texas
100

McKinney is 38% more expensive than Denton.

$1,841/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 27%
$120,273/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 39%
$439,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 26%
$2,101/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 30%
202,314
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $46,554/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Denton — common questions

Is McKinney or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Denton?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Denton?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $46,554/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Denton details →

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