Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Alexandria is 107% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,031/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 50%
$113,638/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 47%
$696,800 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 75%
$2,173/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 54%
156,788
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $53,473/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs McAllen — common questions

Is Alexandria or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and McAllen?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or McAllen?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $53,473/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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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