Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Aurora is 97% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,759/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 42%
$84,320/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 29%
$444,500 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 61%
$1,762/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
390,201
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $24,155/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs McAllen — common questions

Is Aurora or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and McAllen?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or McAllen?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $24,155/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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.
View Aurora details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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