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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

McKinney is 109% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,841/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 45%
$120,273/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 50%
$439,500 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 60%
$2,101/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 53%
202,314
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $60,108/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs McAllen — common questions

Is McKinney or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and McAllen?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $824/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or McAllen?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $60,108/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View McAllen details →

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