Is Denver, CO cheaper than McKinney, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 3.8% more expensive than McKinney, TX. This translates to spending an extra $283 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in McKinney, TX, you'd need approximately $153,396.226 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McKinney, TX and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 22.5% more expensive than in McKinney, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,600/month in McKinney, TX.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $283 more per month than McKinney, TX, or $3396 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McKinney, TX vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 McKinney, TX — COL adjusted from Plano, TX area + state data

Current salary in McKinney, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $283/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.4K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$283

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.4K

Per year

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

McKinney, TX

Population:214K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$496K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

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!

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McKinney, TX vs Denver, CO

Category	McKinney, TX	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $598more	22.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $164more	12.6%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $151less	7.8%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $43.71less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 22.5%

McKinney, TX

$2,651

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$598

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.6%

McKinney, TX

$1,298

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$164

📦Other

↓ 7.8%

McKinney, TX

$1,925

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.1%

McKinney, TX

$979

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

McKinney, TX

$563

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$43.71

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

McKinney, TX

$632

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

McKinney, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,100

To$1,720

↑ $620

1 Bed

From$1,300

To$1,840

↑ $540

2 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,190

↑ $590

3 Bed

From$2,200

To$2,870

↑ $670

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,048

Monthly in McKinney, TX

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$617

Difference

Home Values

McKinney

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

McKinney, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.