Cost of Living: Corona, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Corona

California
173
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Corona is 162% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,136/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 52%
$106,438/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 43%
$656,500 ↑ 278%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 74%
$2,280/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 56%
158,839
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corona, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,119/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $13,428/year.

Median household income is $46,273/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corona is $656,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona vs McAllen — common questions

Is Corona or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corona and McAllen?
Median rent in Corona is $2,136/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,119/month.
Which city has higher income, Corona or McAllen?
Median household income is $106,438 in Corona and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $46,273/year higher in Corona.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Corona or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Corona has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,136/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 Corona details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Corona and McAllen

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