Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Scottsdale is 20% more expensive than McKinney.

$1,910/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 4%
$107,372/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 12%
$709,900 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 38%
$1,824/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 15%
242,169
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $12,901/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs McKinney — common questions

Is Scottsdale or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and McKinney?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or McKinney?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $12,901/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View McKinney details →

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