True Cost of Renting in McKinney
McKinney is repeatedly ranked among the best places to live in the US — its preserved Victorian Historic Downtown Square district distinguishes it from neighboring Plano and Frisco. Collin County's growth has made McKinney one of Texas's fastest-growing counties, and development is rapidly transforming the area around Craig Ranch and Stonebridge Ranch.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Historic Downtown McKinney
- Studio:
- $1,100/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,000/mo
Charming preserved downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries around the Collin County Courthouse; older apartment buildings and newer infill units. Most affordable walkable option in North Collin County. Free parking throughout Downtown. Oncor electric.
Craig Ranch / Stonebridge Ranch
- 1 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,200/mo
Master-planned communities in south/west McKinney; newer apartment complexes with resort pools and covered parking. Stonebridge Ranch has extensive HOA-managed amenities. Car-dependent. Strong McKinney ISD schools.
Allen / Southeast McKinney
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Transitional zone between McKinney and Allen; apartment complexes with US-75 access for Dallas commutes. Lower rents than Craig Ranch. 30–35 minute commute to Dallas via US-75 Central Expressway.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Oncor (distribution) — retail provider choice required
- Water
- City of McKinney Water Utilities
- Internet
- AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
McKinney is 35 miles north of Downtown Dallas via US-75 (Central Expressway). The DART Red Line ends at Parker Road in Plano — McKinney residents driving to Parker Road and riding DART into Dallas is a viable park-and-ride option. US-75 is heavily congested southbound on weekday mornings; the express/HOV lanes help. President George Bush Turnpike (I-190) connects McKinney southward. Collin County has significant local employment in healthcare (Medical City McKinney), corporate offices, and logistics. DFW Airport is 40 miles southwest.
Rental Market Overview
McKinney's appeal lies in its historic character and top-rated schools at a slight discount to Plano and Frisco. The Downtown Square creates genuine walkability in an otherwise car-dependent suburb. Collin County has experienced rapid population growth driven by Dallas corporate relocations and remote workers seeking suburban quality of life. Oncor electricity distribution — retail provider selection is critical. McKinney is slightly further north than Plano, with similar summer temperatures and cooling costs. Renters insurance averages $17–25/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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