Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs McKinney, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Seattle is 42% more expensive than McKinney.

$1,998/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 8%
$121,984/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↓ 1%
$912,100 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↓ 5%
741,440
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $1,711/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs McKinney — common questions

Is Seattle or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and McKinney?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or McKinney?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $1,711/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and McKinney

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo