Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Bellevue is 279% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,505/mo ↑ 146%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 59%
$161,300/yr ↑ 168%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 63%
$1,203,100 ↑ 592%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 86%
$2,586/mo ↑ 160%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 61%
151,199
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,488/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $17,856/year.

Median household income is $101,135/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs McAllen — common questions

Is Bellevue or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and McAllen?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,488/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or McAllen?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $101,135/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and McAllen

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance