Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

McKinney is 18% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,841/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 18%
$120,273/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 2%
$439,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 37%
$2,101/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 6%
202,314
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $1,956/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is McKinney or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Elk Grove?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $1,956/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Elk Grove

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem