Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Durham is 59% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,412/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 28%
$79,234/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 24%
$355,300 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 51%
$1,434/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 31%
288,465
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $19,069/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs McAllen — common questions

Is Durham or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and McAllen?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or McAllen?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $19,069/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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