Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Boston is 167% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,093/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 51%
$94,755/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 37%
$710,400 ↑ 309%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 76%
$2,176/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 54%
663,972
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,076/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $12,912/year.

Median household income is $34,590/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs McAllen — common questions

Is Boston or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and McAllen?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,076/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or McAllen?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $34,590/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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