Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

McKinney is 89% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,841/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 45%
$120,273/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 60%
$439,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 46%
$2,101/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 51%
202,314
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $836/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,032/year.

Median household income is $71,737/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is McKinney or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $836/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $71,737/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McKinney details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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