Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

McKinney is 2% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,841/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 5%
$120,273/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 14%
$439,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 7%
$2,101/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 6%
202,314
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $17,238/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is McKinney or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Sugar Land?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $17,238/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Sugar Land

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks