Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

McKinney is 70% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,841/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 34%
$120,273/yr ↑ 164%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 62%
$439,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 47%
$2,101/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 44%
202,314
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $74,662/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Gainesville — common questions

Is McKinney or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Gainesville?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Gainesville?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $74,662/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Gainesville

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia