McKinney has been selected as the best city in the United States for renters for the second year in a row, according to RentCafe’s 2026 Best Cities for Renters report. Dallas, located 30 miles away, ranked 56th on the list and did not enter the top 50.
The annual evaluation assessed 150 U.S. cities using 20 metrics organized into three categories: cost of living and housing, local economy, and quality of life. The data reveals distinct differences in apartment sizes, new inventory, and location quality between the two North Texas communities.
In McKinney, the cost of living is 2.9% lower than the national average. The average apartment in the city measures 983 square feet, with high-end units comprising nearly 85% of all rental properties. Additionally, 65% of rental homes are in prime locations that offer easy access to amenities, green spaces, and everyday essentials. New construction makes up 33% of the city’s total apartment inventory.
McKinney also ranked ninth nationwide for quality of life, a result supported by highly rated schools, 3,000 acres of parks, and 80 miles of connected trails. Economically, the city placed 13th in the South for new business applications per capita and maintains an unemployment rate of 3.7%.
Dallas presents a different rental landscape. The city’s cost of living has shifted from 1.7% above the national average to 1.6% below it. However, new apartments account for only 10.6% of the rental inventory, and just 25% of units are located in prime areas. The report notes that school and air quality scores in Dallas were modest.
