Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Cary is 105% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,621/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 37%
$129,399/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 54%
$525,200 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 67%
$1,744/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
176,686
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $69,234/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs McAllen — common questions

Is Cary or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and McAllen?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or McAllen?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $69,234/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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