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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Orange

California
206

McKinney is 33% cheaper than Orange.

$1,841/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 22%
$120,273/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 3%
$439,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 105%
$2,101/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 14%
202,314
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $3,328/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Orange — common questions

Is McKinney or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Orange?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Orange?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $3,328/year higher in McKinney.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Orange

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City