Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Salt Lake City is 21% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,343/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 37%
$74,925/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 61%
$495,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 11%
$1,394/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 51%
203,888
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $45,348/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs McKinney — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and McKinney?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or McKinney?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $45,348/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View McKinney details →