Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Mesa is 22% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,478/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 25%
$78,779/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 53%
$364,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 21%
$1,404/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 50%
507,478
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $41,494/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs McKinney — common questions

Is Mesa or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and McKinney?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or McKinney?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $41,494/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

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Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo