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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Pasadena

California
220

McKinney is 37% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,841/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 20%
$120,273/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 14%
$439,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 138%
$2,101/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 11%
202,314
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $16,495/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Pasadena — common questions

Is McKinney or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Pasadena?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Pasadena?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $16,495/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Pasadena details →

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