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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Tucson is 45% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,079/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 71%
$54,546/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 120%
$242,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 81%
$1,076/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 95%
543,348
Population
202,314

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $65,727/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 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

Tucson vs McKinney — common questions

Is Tucson or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and McKinney?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or McKinney?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $65,727/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 Tucson or McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View McKinney details →

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