Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Chicago is 52% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,380/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 26%
$75,134/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 20%
$315,200 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 45%
$1,502/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 34%
2,707,648
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $14,969/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs McAllen — common questions

Is Chicago or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and McAllen?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or McAllen?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $14,969/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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