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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Austin is 103% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,655/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 39%
$91,461/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 34%
$512,700 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 66%
$1,747/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
967,862
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $31,296/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs McAllen — common questions

Is Austin or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and McAllen?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or McAllen?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $31,296/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View McAllen details →

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