McKinney officially earned the top spot as the most affordable city in the United States, according to new rankings. With a cost-of-living index of 97.5, three points below the national average and a median household income of $116,654, McKinney offers an exceptional balance of economic opportunity and everyday affordability.
Located just north of Dallas, McKinney continues to draw national attention for what locals have known all along: this city delivers quality of life without the hefty price tag. The data by Motley Fool Money backs it up: its estimated income-to-expense ratio is 1.55, the highest in the country. That means residents’ incomes stretch significantly further than in most American cities.
“This ranking reflects what we already know,” says a city spokesperson in a social media post. “McKinney is a place where opportunity, community and value come together.”
Strong Economy Meets Manageable Cost of Living
That value extends beyond the paycheck. McKinney’s average resident is 37 years old, reflecting the city’s appeal to mid-career professionals and young families alike.
While the median home value sits around $440,000, about $20,000 above the national median, it’s more than offset by higher earnings and lower day-to-day living costs. The city’s largest industries, professional services, retail and healthcare, offer a diverse employment base, supporting continued growth.
Collin County Continues to Shine
McKinney isn’t the only North Texas standout on the list. Plano, just a few miles south, ranked sixth overall with an income-to-expense ratio of 1.28. Despite its slightly higher cost-of-living index of 109.9, Plano’s median income of $108,594 keeps it among the nation’s most livable cities.
Together, McKinney and Plano illustrate what’s drawing people to Collin County: a powerful mix of economic opportunity, strategic location and strong community roots.
For the study, Motley Fool Money compared median household income with cost-of-living estimates for hundreds of U.S. cities. Only cities with a cost-of-living index less than 110 were considered. By calculating an income-to-expense ratio for each city, the list reveals where Americans can live most comfortably relative to what they earn.
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