Irving, TX vs. Mckinney, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Families moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area often find themselves comparing the cost of living in Irving vs Mckinney. While just 35 miles apart, housing costs in Mckinney average nearly $400 less per month than in Irving. This article breaks down the key differences to help you decide which growing suburb fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Irving is $1,850, while a similar unit in Mckinney averages $1,500. Homebuyers can expect to pay around $450,000 for a typical 3-bedroom house in Irving, compared to $410,000 in Mckinney.
| Housing Type | Irving | Mckinney |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,850 | $1,500 |
| 3BR House (Buy) | $450,000 | $410,000 |
🏆 Winner: Mckinney
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are similar between the two cities, with the average household spending around $180 per month on electricity, water, and gas. Mckinney residents may see slightly higher heating bills in the winter months. Both cities offer energy-saving programs like free home energy audits and off-peak pricing plans.
🏆 Winner: Tie
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Irving and Mckinney, with a gallon of milk averaging $3.50 and a loaf of bread around $2.80. Restaurant prices are also similar, though Irving offers a wider variety of ethnic cuisine. Expect to pay about $12-15 per person for a casual meal out.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Irving has a slightly higher property tax rate of 2.23%, compared to Mckinney’s 2.17%. However, Mckinney’s higher HOA fees, which often include community amenities and services, can add $100-300 per month. Irving’s city services are more a la carte.
🏆 Winner: Irving
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Irving | Mckinney |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $150 | $200 |
| Taxes & Fees | $800 | $750 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,530 | $4,130 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Irving offers more walkable neighborhoods and a shorter commute to downtown Dallas. Mckinney has larger homes and lots, lower population density, and a quaint historic district. Irving averages 2°F warmer than Mckinney year-round. Both cities are family-friendly with great schools and parks.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Irving more affordable than Mckinney?
- Mckinney has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, Irving can be more affordable for those who value a short commute and smaller home footprint.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Mckinney has lower rent prices across all apartment sizes, averaging $300-500 less per month than comparable units in Irving.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- Mckinney’s median home price is about $40,000 lower than Irving’s. Lot sizes also tend to be larger in Mckinney.
8. Conclusion
While Mckinney offers lower housing costs and a small-town feel, Irving’s location and amenities may be worth the premium for some. Young professionals and commuters may prefer Irving, while families seeking more space often choose Mckinney.
Budgeting is personal, so we recommend diving deeper into the monthly expenses for Irving households like yours. Our full Irving cost of living guide for 2025 also provides helpful tips for managing your finances in the area.