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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

McKinney is 82% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,841/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 35%
$120,273/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 47%
$439,500 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 56%
$2,101/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 46%
202,314
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $56,003/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Pasadena — common questions

Is McKinney or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Pasadena?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $56,003/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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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