McKinney, TX vs. Irving, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Dallas area? This article compares the cost of living in two popular suburbs – McKinney and Irving – to help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll break down housing, utilities, groceries, taxes and more so you can confidently plan your relocation or home purchase.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between McKinney and Irving:
| Housing Type | McKinney | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $380,000 |
| Mortgage Payment* | $2,500/mo | $2,100/mo |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800/mo | $1,600/mo |
*Assuming 20% down, 30-year fixed at 5% APR
🏆 Winner: Irving has a lower median home price and cheaper apartment rents compared to McKinney.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. In both McKinney and Irving, expect to pay around:
- Electricity: $120-180/month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-100/month
- Internet: $60-80/month
Summer electric bills tend to be higher than winter due to air conditioning needs. Both cities offer “free nights & weekends” electricity plans that can help lower costs.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie – utility costs are comparable in McKinney and Irving.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday expenses like dining out, entertainment, and goods are very similar between McKinney and Irving. Both have easy access to major grocery chains, retailers, and a variety of local businesses.
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult spends about $3,188/year on food in both Collin County (McKinney) and Dallas County (Irving). A family of four’s food costs average $9,354/year.
🏆 Winner: Another tie – grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical.
4. Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, so your take-home pay will be the same in either city. However, there are some differences in property taxes and city fees:
- McKinney’s property tax rate is 2.03% vs Irving’s 2.25%
- McKinney has slightly higher water/sewer fees
- Irving charges a 1% property tax to fund the school district
🏆 Winner: McKinney wins with a lower overall property tax rate, although Irving’s school district tax provides great educational value.
5. Cost Summary
| Monthly Expense* | McKinney | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $780 | $780 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Healthcare | $450 | $450 |
| Misc/Entertainment | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,030 | $4,580 |
*Based on a family of four owning a median-priced home. Actual expenses vary.
Overall, it costs about $450 less per month to live in Irving compared to McKinney for a typical family, largely due to lower housing costs. However, lifestyle fit is also important to consider.
6. Lifestyle Fit
McKinney offers a bit more space and a small-town suburban feel, while Irving provides an urban-suburban mix with more walkability and public transit access to Dallas.
Other quick facts:
- McKinney has a longer average commute (31 minutes vs 25 minutes in Irving)
- Irving has more racial and economic diversity (McKinney is more homogenous)
Ultimately, both are safe, family-friendly cities with great schools and amenities. Your budget and preferences will determine which is the better fit.
7. FAQs
Q: Is McKinney more affordable than Irving?
A: Not quite. Irving has lower housing costs that make it about $450/month cheaper than McKinney for a typical family.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Irving’s rental rates are 10-20% lower on average than McKinney’s for comparable apartments.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: The median home price in Irving is about $70,000 less than in McKinney as of 2025. That translates to around $400/month in mortgage savings.
8. Conclusion
While McKinney and Irving are both great Dallas suburbs, Irving comes out ahead on affordability, especially for housing. However, McKinney may be worth the premium for families seeking a quieter, more spacious environment.
Be sure to dive deeper with our other cost of living resources:
No matter which city you choose, careful budgeting is key to making your income go further. Consider your lifestyle priorities and crunch the numbers to make the best choice for your family.