Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

McKinney is 48% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,841/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 29%
$120,273/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 27%
$439,500 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 35%
$2,101/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 37%
202,314
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $32,506/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Rochester — common questions

Is McKinney or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Rochester?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Rochester?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,506/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Rochester details →

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