Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Riverside is 4% more expensive than McKinney.

$1,812/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 2%
$88,575/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 36%
$542,100 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 19%
$1,880/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 12%
316,241
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $31,698/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs McKinney — common questions

Is Riverside or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and McKinney?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or McKinney?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $31,698/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and McKinney

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo