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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Arlington is 44% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,389/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 27%
$73,519/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 18%
$276,400 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 37%
$1,420/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 30%
394,769
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $13,354/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs McAllen — common questions

Is Arlington or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and McAllen?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or McAllen?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $13,354/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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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