Is McKinney, TX cheaper than Arlington, TX?

Based on cost of living data, McKinney, TX is 5.0% more expensive than Arlington, TX. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

What salary do I need in McKinney, TX to live like I do in Arlington, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, TX, you'd need approximately $154,455.446 in McKinney, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, TX and McKinney, TX?

Housing in McKinney, TX is 10.9% more expensive than in Arlington, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,600/month in McKinney, TX compared to $1,795/month in Arlington, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, TX to McKinney, TX?

Living in McKinney, TX costs approximately $371 more per month than Arlington, TX, or $4455 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, TX vs McKinney, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Arlington, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in McKinney, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in McKinney, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$292K

McKinney, TX

Population:214K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$496K

Arlington, TX

The Lone Star State

394K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 394K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

McKinney, TX

The Lone Star State

214K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 214K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, TX vs McKinney, TX

Category	Arlington, TX	McKinney, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $260more	10.9%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $151more	8.5%
Groceries	$979/mo	$979/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,298/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$563/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 10.9%

Arlington, TX

$2,391

McKinney, TX

$2,651

Difference

$260

Other

↑ 8.5%

Arlington, TX

$1,774

McKinney, TX

$1,925

Difference

$151

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Arlington, TX

$979

McKinney, TX

$979

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Arlington, TX

$1,298

McKinney, TX

$1,298

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Arlington, TX

$563

McKinney, TX

$563

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Arlington, TX

$632

McKinney, TX

$632

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,485

To$1,100

↓ $385

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,300

↓ $235

2 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,600

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$2,370

To$2,200

↓ $170

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$8,048

Monthly in McKinney, TX

$411

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

McKinney

$292K

Median Value

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +27.8%

5-Year Change

$226K - $376K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Arlington

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Arlington, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

McKinney, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

McKinney, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.