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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

McKinney is 55% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,841/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 62%
$120,273/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 44%
$439,500 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 248%
$2,101/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 45%
202,314
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,144/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $13,728/year.

Median household income is $53,397/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is McKinney or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Santa Clara?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,144/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $53,397/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Santa Clara

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville