Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Baltimore is 27% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,290/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 21%
$59,623/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,165/yr ≈ Same
$219,300 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 21%
$1,333/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 25%
577,193
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $542/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs McAllen — common questions

Is Baltimore or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and McAllen?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or McAllen?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $542/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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