Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Atlanta is 85% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,617/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 37%
$81,938/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 27%
$420,600 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 59%
$1,695/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 41%
499,287
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $21,773/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs McAllen — common questions

Is Atlanta or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and McAllen?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or McAllen?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $21,773/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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