Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Boise is 70% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,359/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 25%
$81,308/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 26%
$456,000 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 62%
$1,337/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 26%
235,701
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $21,143/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs McAllen — common questions

Is Boise or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and McAllen?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or McAllen?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $21,143/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and McAllen

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