Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Cleveland is 23% cheaper than McAllen.

$894/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 14%
$39,187/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 54%
$94,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 85%
$866/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 15%
367,523
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $20,978/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs McAllen — common questions

Is Cleveland or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and McAllen?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or McAllen?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $20,978/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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