Cost of Living in Collin County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Collin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Collin County ranks #3,050 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Collin County, Texas
Collin County: Affluent but still manageable
Despite median rents of $1,792 and a median home value of $447,600, Collin County's rent-to-income ratio sits at 18.3%—nearly identical to the national burden of roughly 30% for lower-income Americans. The key difference: the typical household earns $117,588, nearly 60% above the national median of $74,755, making these premium prices sustainable for residents.
Highest costs, highest incomes in Texas
Collin County's $1,792 median rent is 86% higher than the Texas state average of $963, and its 18.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the state average of 18.1%. This Dallas-Fort Worth suburb ranks as one of Texas's priciest counties, yet elevated incomes keep affordability ratios in line with state norms.
A tier above Comal, worlds apart from rural West Texas
Collin County's $1,792 rent dwarfs nearby Comal County ($1,460) and absolutely dominates rural counties like Coke ($687) and Coleman ($714). For homebuyers, Collin's $447,600 median home value exceeds Comal's $398,800 and is four times the rural West Texas median of roughly $110,000.
Premium housing for premium incomes
The typical Collin County household earning $117,588 allocates $1,792 monthly for rent (18.3% of income) or $2,231 monthly to own a $447,600 home. Combined housing costs approach 45% of gross income—higher than rural counties—but the substantial salary absorbs this burden more easily than lower-earning regions.
Collin offers premium living in North Texas
If relocating to Collin County appeals to you, expect Dallas-Fort Worth metro pricing: $1,792 in monthly rent or nearly $450,000 for a median home. However, with a median household income of $117,588—the highest in this group—Collin remains proportionally affordable for its affluent population compared to lower-income counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Collin County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Collin County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,792/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Collin County pay $1,792/month on average, compared to $2,231/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $71,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $95,614/year. With a median household income of $117,588, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Collin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Williamson County where rent averages $1,720/month, Collin County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Collin County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,744
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.8%
of gross income
The median home in Collin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $447,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,573 vs. your max of $2,744.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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