Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Albuquerque is 14% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,085/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 6%
$65,604/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 8%
$266,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 35%
$1,149/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 13%
562,488
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $5,439/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs McAllen — common questions

Is Albuquerque or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and McAllen?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or McAllen?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $5,439/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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