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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Sacramento is 4% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,694/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 9%
$83,753/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 44%
$484,600 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 9%
$1,752/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 20%
524,802
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $36,520/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs McKinney — common questions

Is Sacramento or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and McKinney?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or McKinney?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $36,520/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 Sacramento or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View McKinney details →

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