Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Amarillo is 3% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,049/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 3%
$62,469/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 4%
$186,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 7%
$1,074/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 7%
200,945
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,304/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs McAllen — common questions

Is Amarillo or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and McAllen?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or McAllen?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $2,304/year higher in Amarillo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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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