McKinney, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA: 138 vs 172

$1,841/mo ↓ 12%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 13%

$120,273/yr ↑ 23%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↓ 19%

$439,500 ↓ 36%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 56%

$2,101/mo ↓ 1%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 1%

202,314

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $22,863/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is McKinney or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between McKinney and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $243/month.

Which city has higher income, McKinney or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $22,863/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 Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

McKinney

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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