Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

McKinney and The Woodlands have a similar cost of living.

$1,841/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 3%
$120,273/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 18%
$439,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 9%
$2,101/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 5%
202,314
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,080/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is McKinney or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and The Woodlands?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $21,080/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and The Woodlands

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