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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Columbus is 26% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,224/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 17%
$65,327/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 8%
$234,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 26%
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 20%
906,480
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $5,162/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs McAllen — common questions

Is Columbus or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and McAllen?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or McAllen?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $5,162/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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More Comparisons

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