Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

McKinney is 31% more expensive than Salem.

$1,841/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
$120,273/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 40%
$439,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 13%
$2,101/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 31%
202,314
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $48,373/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Salem — common questions

Is McKinney or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Salem?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Salem?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $48,373/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Salem details →

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