Is McKinney, TX cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, McKinney, TX is 2.9% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $218 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $152,621.359 in McKinney, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in McKinney, TX is 8.1% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,600/month in McKinney, TX compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Living in McKinney, TX costs approximately $218 more per month than Austin, TX, or $2621 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, 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 Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $218/month more in McKinney, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.6K in McKinney, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$218

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$558K

McKinney, TX

Population:214K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$496K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

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: Austin, TX vs McKinney, TX

Category	Austin, TX	McKinney, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $234less	8.1%
Other	$1,741/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $184more	10.6%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$563/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 8.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

McKinney, TX

$2,651

Difference

$234

less

Other

↑ 10.6%

Austin, TX

$1,741

McKinney, TX

$1,925

Difference

$184

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$589

McKinney, TX

$632

Difference

$43.37

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

McKinney, TX

$563

Difference

$21.86

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Austin, TX

$959

McKinney, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Austin, TX

$1,284

McKinney, TX

$1,298

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,100

↓ $485

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,300

↓ $385

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,600

↓ $395

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,200

↓ $325

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,048

Monthly in McKinney, TX

$49.13

Difference

Home Values

Austin

McKinney

$558K

Median Value

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Austin

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

Austin, 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

Austin, 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.