McKinney, TX vs Waco, TX

The cost of living difference between McKinney, TX and Waco, TX is dramatic. Waco is 56.6% cheaper than McKinney, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McKinney has a cost index of 128 while Waco sits at 82, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waco is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $439,500.

Median household income in McKinney is $120,273 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+133.7%). While McKinney is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of McKinney spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.