Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Raleigh is 20% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,468/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 25%
$82,424/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 46%
$377,800 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 16%
$1,487/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 41%
470,763
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $37,849/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs McKinney — common questions

Is Raleigh or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and McKinney?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or McKinney?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $37,849/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View McKinney details →

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