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

San Diego

California
197
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

San Diego is 43% more expensive than McKinney.

$2,223/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 17%
$104,321/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 15%
$848,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 48%
$2,308/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↓ 9%
1,385,061
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $15,952/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs McKinney — common questions

Is San Diego or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and McKinney?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or McKinney?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $15,952/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 San Diego or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and McKinney

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo