Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Denver is 123% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,770/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 43%
$91,681/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 34%
$586,700 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 70%
$1,839/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 46%
713,734
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $31,516/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs McAllen — common questions

Is Denver or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and McAllen?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or McAllen?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $31,516/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View McAllen details →

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